It is true that buying  used tires can in some instances be a bargain, but unfortunately if you buy from an unscrupulous merchant, it can easily turn in to a nightmare.

I have been around the automotive world for many years and thought that it would be safe to buy used rubber on ebay. Partly because of my experience, and also because of the safety net that Ebay and PayPal want you to believe you have. But, I was had . Not  once, but twice actually, in a matter of a couple of weeks. It wasn't because I didn'task the right questions, it was simply a case of bait and switch by the seller.

The first incident was a pair of Pirelli P6 tires, purchased from Vycbestusedtires, from Allentown, New Jersey.This seller probably sells more used tires on Ebay than anyone else, and they allways have the " NICE TIRE" description. I bought an item which was described to have 7 to 8/32nds of tread ,with absolutely no damage. I asked for the tread depth to be measured with a tire gauge to insure their statement about the tread depth was in fact correct. They assured me that all their tires are in fact measured with a tread depth gauge. When I received the tires, they looked good. They did not measure out to the claimed 7 or 8 32nds, ( I measured 6/32nds) but at that point I wasn't going to pursue the seller for this discrepency, even though he was adamant about the tread depth being advertised correctly. I had the tires mounted and immediately noticed an unbelievably loud " howling noise" when rolling down the road.When my wife took the car to the Saab dealer, as part of their inspection they checked the tires and determined that the tires I had just bought were "out of round" ( apparently a problem with the Pirelli P6) and should have in fact been thrown out or shredded and NOT RESOLD. I complanied to the merchant about being sold tires which now appeared to actually have been replaced on acconut of warranty issues, and  essentially got a - " too bad, you mounted the tires and you can only refund in 14 days"-. I was stuck. Even if they would take the item them back refunding the purchase price, I would still be out $60.00 for shipping, and they have really lost nothing because they've received thier item back . And I guess some product will come back and some people will just not bother with the return of theirs.

About three months later and at my persistance, this seller did in fact refund my purchase price in return for a mutual feedback retraction (he retaliated with negative feedback).He allowed me to keep the tires (which were already ready for the scrap heap as I had to purchase new replacements) but I did loose out on my $60.00 in shipping .

My second second experience was with  packlinkmotorsport of So. California ; (who is "no longer a registered user" and has changed his eBay name ), where I purchased a set of four "barely used " BMW X5 wheels and tires; according to description.  I know you may be laughing at this point, but in my defence, I thought my first experience may have been a fluke.

 I was not really interested in the wheels as mine were in fine shape, but the tires were advertised as practically new (seller claimed 3mos of wear and an unheard of  9/32 or 90% of tread) .I thought the deal made sense.I again asked that the tread depth was in fact confirmed with a tire depth gauge prior to my purchase) A guy calling himself Felix confirmed the tire tread depth and was ademant about item description being correct at 9/32. I had the item shipped. When the set arrived it was immediately obvious that the tires were absolutely not as described. It was more like 60% tread depth left and not 90%. A fact which was confirmed when I measured the tires with my tread depth gauge.The tires actually had a  6.8/32nds average, which would indicate over a 30% wear and really an item I would not have bid on at all. I contacted the seller with my complaint, but this guy was a pro and immediately escalated my complaint to PayPal, claiming that he shipped me tires with 90% tread, and that I must have swapped the tires out for ones having 60% tread left. Essentially a lot of nonsense. Pay Pal pursued the matter and had me complete a questionaire and send in pictures of the item as well as the pictures of me measuring the tires with a gauge, etc. Essentially they made me jump through hoops. At the end of all this madness Pay Pal / eBay decided that the item did not qualify as "CONSIDERABLY NOT AS DESCRIBED" and did not pursue any sanctions against the cheat .Needless to say I no longer trust Pay Pal or eBay's "protection".

Both experiences have thought me NOT TO EVER BUY USED TIRES AGAIN. Especially on Ebay. The best case scenario is, you may save a few bucks.But on the other hand, it could cost you time and money in having to buy tires again immediately after you just bought a set, or to buy them sooner than you had hoped for.

If you have to buy used rubber, buy where you can physically see what your getting. It is way too easy for a seller to take a picture of good tires and brag about tread depth, and in turn ship you garbage.

I hope this helps.