Is this a good deal for snow tires?

[lurky]

Hi, I’m buying an 07 Boxster from a dealership and picking it up tonight.
I’m going to need snow tires.
The dealership would charge $1,182.12 installed for Mitchelin Pilot Alpin 235/40R 18” and 255/40 R18” REAR
Is this a good deal?
If not, please recommend a seller.
Thanks

[timothy]

I think your rears should be 265/40R18 not 255/40R18. That said, have you checked Tire Rack? They show a closeout price on Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 N1 $159/each for the fronts and $182/each for the rears. Even with shipping and install you'll come out way ahead.

[rick3000]

That sounds like a ripoff to me. You can find snow tires already mounted on rims for $1000-1200, and you can buy the tires new for around $600 on TireRack, and it's $50-100 to get them mounted. Unless the dealer will store your other set of tires in the offseason, their is no reason to buy tires there.

[dallison]

never get tires at the dealer. i have these tires on my dd es300 and they seem to work pretty well.

[gschotland]

Getting a tire & wheel package mounted and ready to go is your best bet. Swapping tires is a big pain and probably not cost effective in the long run. Shops around here that are worth anything charge $100-$125 to mount & balance. Do that for a few seasons and you've almost paid for a set of wheels.

Tire Rack's a good choice, but a quick look shows you're probably going to be in for more like $1300-$1500. Speaking from experience, having the added convenience of snows on an extra set of wheels that you can quickly install is well worth it.

[JTP]

+1 on getting a set of dedicated snow wheels/tires. It's much easier to be able to change your tire out at home and you can get smaller/skinnier snow tires for better winter traction with the added benefit of being cheaper. Just make sure you end up with the same diameter.