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Time for new tires, and I'm thinking of Costco. Has anyone had experience with the Apex Costco Tire Center? The overall price for installation & warranty & lifetime rot/bal is considerably less than at a national chain place, but I'm concerned about the ease of getting those lifetime rotations and repairs done. Are they as ridiculously busy as they look? Are appointments actually honored? I'd appreciate any feedback.
I recommend looking at Tire Rack. Great prices, lots of reviews, and you have the tires shipped directly to the local shop of your choosing (which are also rated and have an installation price lock guarantee). The last time I used Tire Rack, my tires were at the shop the next day.
I really like using Costco. When you factor in the road hazard warranty, and the high quality of the brands they use (you can't compare Michellin vs Cooper, for example), it's very competitive.
My wife got a nail in her tire, and she was able to get it in for a quick repair.
As you can tell, I'm a huge fan, and I have probably had 4 sets of Costco tires on various cars with Zero issues. The last set of Michellins lasted over 70k miles.
I don't know about Costco tire specifically, but 3 things I think of when the road hazard warranty and lifetime rotations is offered:
1. If you get a flat on the freeway, can you make it to Costco for the free repair? Or are you going to first tire place you see?
2. Usually the oil change and tire rotate intervals are the same (at least for my cars). Would you just have the oil change place do all of it or have to do 2 trips for service?
3. If your tires get worn unevenly, keep in mind the best 2 are left on the back. Once they are like this, most chains and places won't rotate them anyway.
I really like using Costco. When you factor in the road hazard warranty, and the high quality of the brands they use (you can't compare Michellin vs Cooper, for example), it's very competitive.
My wife got a nail in her tire, and she was able to get it in for a quick repair.
As you can tell, I'm a huge fan, and I have probably had 4 sets of Costco tires on various cars with Zero issues. The last set of Michellins lasted over 70k miles.
It's not about the tires for me -- I always get top of the line Michelin. It's about the service at Costco. Can you tell me more about your experiences locally? Appointments? Waiting times?
I also have to consider the inconvenience of having to take my car to a 2nd shop to get oil changes, since Costco doesn't do those. I like to do it all every 5k, so now I'd have to go to Costco AND an oil change place.
1. If you get a flat on the freeway, can you make it to Costco for the free repair? Or are you going to first tire place you see?
Yep, already done my homework. A national chain has shops everywhere. Costco Tire Centers are few & far between.
Quote:
2. Usually the oil change and tire rotate intervals are the same (at least for my cars). Would you just have the oil change place do all of it or have to do 2 trips for service?
See what I posted at about the same time you posted this. My situation exactly. Would be more inconvenient.
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3. If your tires get worn unevenly, keep in mind the best 2 are left on the back. Once they are like this, most chains and places won't rotate them anyway.
Not sure what this has to do with my q about Costco service. I know how to keep my tires properly maintained.
Maybe I wasn't clear in my OP. I have researched the heck out of Costco, their tires, and value for the money. I have tons of info on various factors in the decision. What I don't have is info on the LOCAL Costco Tire Center and their service. Do they have long waits? Do they honor their appointments? Can anyone provide any feedback on that question?
Location: Chapel Hill, NC, formerly NoVA and Phila
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My husband does our tires at Costco, and we use the Apex one. They are always busy. He just always makes sure he goes first thing in the morning (no appt.), which means he gets there about 9:45 for the 10 am open. In fact, he just went there yesterday (Sunday) to get our tires rotated. He got there about 9:45, and he said they actually opened a little early. There were some people in line already. But he left the car, gave them his keys and went inside and shopped and told them to call him when they were done. He said they were done within about an hour, so about 11.
He doesn't *think* they do appointments except for new jobs maybe. He said the Apex store is busy, but the Durham store is even busier.
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