Automotive Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

I'm new to buying tires for cars and I felt cheated by discounttires. I'll warn anyone who decides to purchase tires from them with my experience with them.

I went to a discount tires branch in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Like all my first time purchases, I was talked into buying a set of 4 Falkan tires ($72 each) instead of 2 Barum tires ($52 each) we initially decided on since I'm offered $50 for trading in 2 of the old tires. BUT, the sales rep did not key in the $50 trade-in (MISTAKE #1).

I got the car back 50 mins later. When I got the car, it's kind of fishy since Barum is written on the tires. Didn't take it really seriously and went home but felt that the need to check again. To my horror, I found out that they are the cheaper Barum tires (MISTAKE #2).

I called in and ask them about Mistakes #1 and #2. After putting me on hold for a min, they told me to go back. So I drove 3 miles back. Here is the most horrible part. The sales rep had the cheek to tell me that the ones on my car are actually the same grade as the Falkans I'm supposed to have.

I had to insist that THEIR webpage showed that the Barums are $20 cheaper. This is the most dishonest part. Anyway, if we did not do a proper check, we would be paying $50 + 4 x $20 = $130 more when they happily deny any responsibilities...

Anyway, I'm really pissed at this point and demanded for the extra $30 discount (for changing a set of 4) I found on the website. So they gave me $160 back in all. I do understand that businesses can be protective of themselves and deceptive, but all these that they did to me is really horrible since they probably know that I'm new to this tire-changing thing.  

Dont worry be happy.

The Barum tires are better anyway. If your Barums wear out within 40k miles Discount tires will pro-rate your next Barums. Falkens dont come with a warranty and wear out quickly too. Barums usually last about 25k miles. Your next Barums will be less than 30 a tire. Just use a different Discount Tire next time and rotate your barums every 5k miles. I purchased 2 barums 205/65/15 for a 97 Maxima. Only charged 115.00 Total including installation and Tax (also with one trade-in).

Note: Barums are great rain tires until about 25k. After that trade them in...  

I called the local Discount Tire store to get a price on 4 new tires.  The salesman quoted me a set of General Tire 205/65/R15.  I specifically asked him to confirm this was General Tires product.  He said "Yes, General Tires".

It was a really good deal, so I went into the store with the car immediately.  Talked to the same guy.

It wasn't until after I got home I noticed the tires were Barum brand.  I looked at the receipt and it said Barum too.

I screwed up and let them bait and switch me.  Its an old car, probably won't have it long enough to wear them out anyway.  Still, I'm pissed that Discount Tires is dishonest this way.  

I'll never go back there.  How stupid can they be, make a quick sale now and loose a customer for life.  Its not like I'll never need to by tires again...  

thats worth a call to general tire corp headquarters... perhaps an email..

they are quoting the sale of general tires and selling another brand..    general will not be happy...  

If you google "barum", I think you'll find they are made by Continental.  Since the General brand is also made by Continental, they are sister brands. It would be easy for someone to confuse, innocently or deliberately, the situation.

It might be worthwhile to contact Discount Tire and explain the situation - with the idea that they should be clear what it is they are selling.  

I would agree with the CapriRacer.
you need not to be worry whether brand is barum or general ,you need to just check out the ratings of safety and comfort of the tires  

I agree with Weynep7122 and CapriRacer. Bringing this to the attention of corporate would be wise since it seems to be a recurring problem. And inform the store that althought the tire ratings may be the same, and they are sister brands, they need to install what you specifically asked and paid for.  
Used Car Inspections

check out showmewheels.info for all your wheel and tire information needs find deep dicounts on wheels & Tires as well!