All valid points IMO. Part worms are legal, as are part worn cars. And if part worms are the best we can afford then part worms it is.
I understand what you're trying to say, but with respect I can't agree. I previously stated that my opinion is that if you can't afford the "right" tyres, you can't afford the car. Regarding the "part worn cars" comment: Some used cars are better cars and in better conditon than some brand new cars. I'd rather have an immaculate Peugeot 205GTi than a brand new 207GTi, for example. [smiley=wink.gif]
Now I'm not saying this as a multi-millionaire...but some good tyres for most non-performance cars aren't THAT expensive. I think the problem is that most people aren't interested and would rather spend the money on entertainments and luxuries, as opposed to literally not having enough money to buy decent tyres.
Obviously, as you say, we all want to fit the best tyres. But we need match budgets.
Concerning Omegas, the problem is that depreciation has brought prices down to a level where many naively think that they can afford the car, not realising that the purcase price is just the start and that they will still incur the maintenance & running costs of a large luxury car. This is the same sad situation that leads to many perfectly servicable cars falling into a state of disrepair and ending-up on the scrapheap through no fault of their own.
And let me tell you. Right here right now, I would rather have part worn top brands than some of the New budget tyres put there. Even some middle of the road brands Like Falken I would rather burn than fit new!
Again: I hear you, and there are definitely budget tyres that I too wouldn't touch with someone else's bargepole, but similarly there's no point in having a "top brand" tyre that you can't trust to stay intact if you plan on using it & the car as intended. There are some budget tyres that are far preferable to the unknown quantity that is a "half empty" top-brand part worn tyre. Similarly, there are some "top brand" tyres that don't deserve the label.
Another point I'd like to make is that good tyres aren't automatically lethal as soon as the tread depth drops. A good worn tyre that you know the history of is often better than a newer unknown part worn or brand new budget.
IMO the best thing to do is research before buying: Both cars and their tyres (and that's why I just signed up)!
It really isn't that black and white, or Hollier than thou.
Yes, I've seen those fancy coloured tyres, too! [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]
Seriously though, unknown part worns are just not worth it. If you can't afford to fit decent tyres, where does it end? Brakes? Driving uninsured? What are you going to do if something else goes wrong with the car?
Typical BMW drivers attitude IMO.
I thought that was forsaking ride & handling by fitting 20" drug dealer wheels to a 318d, skimping on the tyres (because the look of the wheels is more important) and fitting ///M badges to every panel instead? [smiley=rolleyes.gif]
I'm not trying to be sanctimonious here, but I do feel that buying part worns is a very unwise move. As I have stated I have seen the conseqences of defective tyres and they aren't pleasant to say the least. Maybe this has made me more cautious but can you honestly say you wouldn't feel the same?
If its a short term solution to a desperate problem, fair-do, needs much etc. But I still maintain, for long term use (ie, planning to replace part worns with more part worns), its false economy.
[smiley=thumbsup.gif] How much is a part-worn next to a decent budget, though? If you've suddenly run out of money through unforeseen circumstances and need tyres I can understand it, but I'd be very careful and would change them literally as soon as possible.
As to budget v premium, and forgetting yours and my apparent specific needs, there are some very good budget tyres (Nexen, Kumho) and some appallingly bad premium tyres (anything with Michelin, Avon/Cooper on the sidewall)
As with cars, it depends on the model, not just the make. I have Michelin Pilot Exaltos on the C4 and they serve-up prodigious grip considering their 205mm width, are predictable even though they'll need changing soon and have lasted 20k miles with mixed gentle and sporty driving. The only areas with minus points are price - circa £140 (205/50/R17), and the fact that as a summer tyre, they are absolutely useless come winter.
The Dangers of Part Worn Tyres
