Average Price: Used vs New Tires
| Tire Size | New (per tire) | Used (per tire) |
|---|---|---|
| 175/70R14 (compact) | $80–$120 | $20–$40 |
| 205/55R16 (sedan) | $100–$160 | $30–$55 |
| 225/65R17 (SUV) | $130–$200 | $40–$70 |
| 265/70R17 (truck) | $150–$240 | $50–$85 |
| 275/55R20 (full-size SUV) | $200–$300 | $60–$110 |
Prices include mounting and balancing. National averages — your local market may vary.
What Drives the Price Difference?
New tires come with a manufacturer warranty, known tread life, and no previous wear. You're paying for certainty. Used tires are priced based on remaining tread depth and condition — a tire with 8/32" remaining (vs. the new 10/32") might sell for 60% less.
The used tire market is supplied largely by trade-ins from oil change chains, luxury vehicle owners upgrading to new tires early, and lease returns. Many of these tires have thousands of miles of usable life remaining.
Total Cost of Ownership: 4-Tire Set
New Tires
Used Tires
The typical savings on a full set: $300–$600. On an older vehicle worth $5,000, that's substantial — you might be putting new tires on a car worth less than the tires themselves.
When Used Tires Make Sense
- The vehicle is older and not worth a full set of new tires
- You need a single replacement to match an existing set
- You're buying winter tires for a few months per year
- Budget is the primary constraint and the vehicle is a daily driver, not a performance car
- You found a set with 7+ 32nds of tread from a reputable shop
When to Buy New
- Your vehicle is new or under warranty (used tires can affect handling and may void some warranties)
- You drive long distances or in high-speed highway driving regularly
- You want predictable handling, tread-wear ratings, and manufacturer specs
- Safety is the primary concern for a family vehicle or young driver
- The specific tire size is uncommon and used options are hard to find matched
Decided on new? Compare prices from online retailers
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Hidden Costs to Watch For
Used tires can have hidden costs that eat into your savings. Watch for:
- Uneven wear: A tire worn on one edge will need to be replaced sooner, negating savings
- Age over condition: Tires older than 6 years degrade internally even with good tread — always check the DOT date code
- Mismatched tires: Running different brands or wear levels can cause handling issues and accelerate wear
- Disposal fees: Some shops charge $3–$5/tire for disposal if you bring your old ones
The Bottom Line
For most budget-conscious drivers — especially those with older vehicles — used tires represent excellent value when purchased from a reputable shop. The key is knowing what to inspect and which shops to trust. A used tire with 7/32" of tread from a shop that lets you inspect it before mounting is a much better deal than a discounted new tire from an unknown brand.