Guys,
I recently experienced something you may want to weigh before buying your next set of tires at TireRack, their exchange policy. If you are not satisfied with a product you buy from them and drive on for less than 24 hours, too bad.
A bit of background first.
I've been a fan of tirerack since I purchased from them for the first time in 2004. I've now bought 5 different FULL sets of tires from tirerack and have referred countless people to their site since then because of their ability to drop ship to my local installer. The total costs are just a little less than the local tire dealer after you factor in shipping and mounting at your local shop but the products from tire rack are a little newer as it relates to "production dates". Last week I purchased the 5th set from Tirerack. This time it was Goodyear F1 GS-D3's for my IS. I ordered 215's for the fronts and 225's for the rears as this is an option for the sportcross. Here's what transpired.
Dear Tire Rack,
On Monday of this week I ordered my third set of 4 new Goodyear F1's for my 2003 Lexus IS 300 Sportcross from Tirerack. I've ordered 5 times from you guys and have been more than satisfied with your service even though I've picked a couple of "dog" brand tires in the past. Anyhow, I had the F1's installed yesterday and have put about 20 miles on them. I have a problem though. I absolutely hate the way the 225/45ZR/17's handle on the back of the car. They feel like marshmallows while fronts feel quite stable and responsive. Is there any kind of policy that exists where I am able to exchange these for the 215/45ZR/17's that I bought for the front?
Sincerely,
Ken
Dear Mr. XXXX,
Thank you for your email.
I'm sorry to learn that you're experiencing a different ride in the tires.
Unfortunately, there is not a return policy for tires that have been driven on. We cannot accept them back.
I'm very sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please let me know if there is anything more I can assist you with, I'd be happy to help.
Thank you,
Melody Gersey | Customer Service Representative
__________________________________________________ ________
Tire Rack
7101 Vorden Parkway
South Bend, IN 46628
O: 888 981 3953 ext. 641
O: 574 287 2345 ext. 641
F: 574 236 7707
melody@tirerack.com
Dear Melody,
Wow, that's really surprising considering I've bought a number of sets in the past without any issues. I gotta be honest and say this issue will weigh heavily for me in the future when buying tires and I will be certain to pass along the tirerack policy to the people in my auto forums.
Sincerely,
Ken
With that said, my local Goodyear & Discount Tire shops both confirmed they WOULD HAVE exchanged my two rear tires if I would have bought these tires from them. Grant you, the Tirerack price was a lot lower than the local shop but once you factor in shipping & mounting costs at a local shop, I saved a total of $20 with Tirerack and NO EXCHANGE POLICY. For that difference, I just can't justify going to Tirerack for my 6th set. So, just beware.
Ken