Hey guys,

I just had my tires replaced from a shop in buffalo called Bailey tire.

http://www.buffalonytires.com/


They are about 20 minutes from the border. I got a great deal on the Toyo T1R. Paid installed and balanced, $1090. Excellent service. It was worth it since every shop I go in T.O. wants anywhere between $1400 - $1600 for the same tires. plus it gives me a chance to go shopping

Apparently he's getting alot of G drivers from Toronto coming to him and he's giving discounts to Canadins.

Anyways, if you guys go ask for Dan, he's in charge and he worked on my car and did a great job.

 

Sounds good!!!

Another alternative is Tirerack, which will drop ship to an affiliated installer in N.Falls/Buffalo.

 

Tirerack was one of my first choices but they dont have Toyo tires

 

gottcha.... forgot about that.

Did you happen to compare prices on tires that they both carry?

 

No i just looked at the T1R, i would assume it would be difficuly for a private shop to beat Tirerack on tire prices but i could be wrong.

 

I'm debating ordering some parts from US since they offer free shipping w/n US and parts in general are hella cheaper and getting them installed across the border...i.e. brakes, camber kit, maybe exhuast

I left Dan a message waiting to hear back, any other shops someone can recommend?

 

No problems at the boarder?

 

i just went with Discount Tire for a recent tire swap on the wife's CRV, in Bellingham which is also a 20min drive from the border. they price match Tire Rack, so no problems there. my installed & out-the-door price was $535US for a set of Yokohama Geolander A/T-S, versus a best Vancouver price of $999. awesome service too. the job was done in 30mins, really friendly guys - nice for a change. free alignment check at an affiliated shop too, plus a free touchless deluxe car wash.

i got a few quotes on tires for my Coupe Rays while i was there. Hankook Ventus V12's were $725US installed and out-the-door. my best Vancouver price is $1250+.

no problems at the border. if you do claim the tires all you pay is the PST. luckily for me all i was asked was if i bought any liquor or tabaco products which i had not. so don't ask-don't tell worked for me. really though, unless you leave the stickers on the tires no border agent will know. afetr all, most folks drive down on 4 black tires...

this is really a no-brainer for anyone who lives within ~1.5hrs of the border. unless money & principle is not an issue...

 

Dan told me he charges $84/hr
1.2hrs for the front
1.2hrs for the rear
(pads, rotors, lubricate and clean calipers etc...)

$85 to install rear camber kit is a bit much IMO
(I would bring camber kit back and do this myself but i'm flagged at the border for 2 years so i'm thinking of claiming the camber kit)

Shop labor hrs are OK I guess if you factor in free shipping from out vendors w/n the US and the price for the products makes it a no brainer