Recently the place I have bought tires shut down.It was suggested to me today to join either Sam's or Costco for tires and related services along with other shopping.What are the +'s and -'s of each one?

Go to TireRack.com.

Best tire supplier in this area is Discount Tires. Good prices and excellent follow up service.

I use Tire Rack but I have a account through my work. Before that I used salvage yards. Like new tires for $10 - $40 ea depending on your size. Since I always drive economy cars my tires were usually $10 -$20 ea

Decide on the tire you want, then check the web for local suppliers. When comparing prices, pay attention to balancing, rotating, wheel weights, and disposal fees that may not be mentioned in an ad. My Ford dealer has great prices on tires, but the local independent has the same tires with free rotation and balancing every 10,000 miles. Ford charges. Over the life of the tires, the independent works out as lower priced.

I want the new tire warrantee and prefer to start with new tires so I know their history. Something goes wrong, I like knowing who to talk to.

I purchased a set from discount tires even though Costco was cheaper, because they were closer, but I believe Discount Tire will price match..

I second both Tire Rack and Discount Tire. If you go with TireRack, check several local shops for mounting pricing, because they can be all over the map for the same services.

Sam's vs Costco? I haven't bought tires from Sam's in over 15 years. Just price shop those two when comparing to others. Outside of tires, I've found a bad decline at Sam's in quality of products and competency of their personnel over the last 1 to 2 years. I would switch to Costco, but none are conveniently located near me, while one Sam's is near my work and the other near my home.

I don't have any experience with Sam's but I am a huge fan of Costco. Their store brand products (Kirkland) and always good to excellent. Their meat selection and freshness is wonderful etc. etc.

However, I buy my tires at Discount. They will match Costco's price and they are more convenient than going to Costco. The last time I bought tires there a few months ago, they upgraded my selection at no extra charge because they didn't have a full set of four of what I selected.

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I'm gonna grow fins.

I am a member of both. Since you probably won't be buying tires every year, that is not a good basis for deciding which to join. (you pay an annual fee to be a member).

Which one is physically located closer to your house?

What do you spend the most money on?

Are you an early riser? If so, you might want a business membership at Sams. That allows you to start shopping at 7:00am instead of 10:00am/9:30am. Its nice having the place pretty much empty, and not having to rub elbows with the common folk.

If you spend a lot every month, Costco has an "executive" membership that gives 2% back instead of 1%. It costs twice as much.

Thanks for all the comments!I like the idea of shopping early as I get up very early,that sounds like a good benefit.
Both Costco and Sam's are essentially the same distance from my house.I really do like shopping as early as possible.

I gave up my Costco membership when they put up the "No Firearms" sign. I did buy tires from them back in '07 and had good service.

But, I now also buy my tires from Discount Tire. Great service and a great warranty. If you travel a lot and have tire trouble it's a lot easier to find a Discount Tire than it is a Costco or Sam's store. Discount Tire is in a lot of places you won't find either a Sam's or Costco.

I would suggest you find a local shop that you trust and give them your business just like with a gun store that treats you right. That way if you need some help in the future they know who you are. I only buy Michelin tires and from the same place I have bought them for years. His prices are good and he takes good care of my car. I firmly believe Michelin's are worth the extra money due to their superior performance in rain and they may last longer. They ride great.

Costco is great. Sam's club is just like Wal-mart, under paid lazy clerks, dirty stores, incredibly slow service. Every clerk I talk to at Costco loves their job and loves Costco. Service is great and if you have a tire issue (flat, whatever) there is a Costco in almost every major town. Plus you can't beat their gas prices. And if you get the premium membership you get a % back every year. Costco has all the major brands at competitive prices.

For just tires or all around??

Costco rocks!, as mentioned Sams is a big Wal Mart and BJ's is useless.

JMHO, Dropped BJ's a long time ago, still belong to SAMS but rarely go there (they opened a new one and we essential got a year free) We go to Costco at least once a month or more.

Costcos warranty(anytime, no BS) and service is hard to beat.

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Still Running Against the Wind

I tried tire rack at one time. The local garage that participated was able to get me the same tires for a better price, so.......

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- The Federalist #46 -

I just bought 4 new tires for my F250 and the price I paid at Merchant's Tire was $190 less than the quote I received from Sam's Club for the exact same tires. There are no COSTCO in my area.

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Bill

Don't know if you have Pep Boys stores in your area. I have bought only Pep Boy tires for the last 25 years. I have never had a problem with them on any car, and prices are as good as you can find anywhere. Their house brand tires are made by Cooper, not something from China.

I use a locally owned tire shop with shops in 5 Alaskan towns. Prices are not the lowest but all recommended rotations repairs replacement if a weight is lost are free until the wear bands show. They had a new guy who mismounted tires on my wifes car wrong with wrong direction of rotation. They caught it when she had a tire checked for a leaking valve stem and gave her new tires in case there had been damage to the ones on the car. No large chain will do that so far as I know. I am paying more fore tires up front but saving on the extras.

Just bought a set of Michelin AT/2 at Costco for my 2004 Grand Cherokee. I got five, as I always rotate the whole set, etc.

I couldn't be happier with the price, the service, the cleanliness and professionalism of the staff, etc., etc.

Never bought tires before from a big store, always went local. I priced two locals and Costco's price was $18 less per tire than the cheaper of the others. Tough not to do it.

We have had memberships at both, and prefer Costco.

Prefer Costco

We live where there is only Sam's a poor second best to the Costco's we lived near before. I vote for Costco.

Frankly, I really don't like the way Walmart and Sam;s treats their employees, so I do my best to not shop at their stores. I haven't shopped at Sam's in very many years. I like Costco and have been very happy with their goods and services.

Regards,

Dave

I only buy tires at Discount Tire now days. I can make an appointment on-line for repairs, balance, rotation or new tires and be in and out in an hour. I drive up and they air up my tires in a couple of minutes while I set in the car. Their road hazard warranty is great - no hassles.

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6/23/2022

Walmart /Sams is only an option if my back is to the wall and they are the only option.
Had a flat and was stuck in wm for nearly 5 hours.
Clerk was too stoned to get the work order to the shop, and the dude in the shop didn't know how to remove the lug nuts.

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it just needs more voltage

Costo is better than Sams on most things (I never have bought tires from either) but I find a local small guy for tires and service.
Best of luck
tb

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frontsightnsqueaz

Before we ever were near a Costco to join one, we were told comparing the 2 was like comparing WM and Target. Seems applicable now that we've been a Costco member for a year or so. Though to be fair, the Costco we're in is a newer store (across from a new Cabelas, bonus lol) while the Sam's is across town and lets just say a little long in the tooth.
But for tires? I needed a set of 18" snows for our Mustang and actually got the best overall deal (over Discount tire, Costco, etc) at an area small town Ford garage.
So I'd too recommend one consider a membership in Costco or Sam's for general needs but i don't think i'd sign up for the sole purpose to buy tires.

Thanks for all the help! I will try to visit Costco next week and check them out.I do need a place that is convenient for all shopping not just tires.A place my wife will be happy with.

Call me crazy but all my car needs are met by the dealer where I bought it. Before everybody groans, these places are highly motivated to make 100% sure you are satisfied with the quality of their service and they are highly skilled techs who understand the car 100%. Expensive you say, most award points toward future purchases and are always tossing in free oil changes, they always wash the car inside and out and even if it ends up a few bucks more it's worth it to me to support these businesses that treat their employees well and you see the same people there for years.
Sorry but the local warehouse operations are staffed by pool paid unmotivated people who sometimes appear to not care if the customer drops dead in the checkout line and it seems I never see the same people twice.

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Back to back World War Champs.

Beer at Sam's costs more than it does at Walmart. Go figure. We belong to both but almost never go to Sam's. Costco FTW. I like their business model and the way they treat their employees. I like to hit their Michelin sale every couple of years.

The last time I bought tires at Discount Tires, service was good. But we have a similar tire store, Les Schwab, here in WA whose service is also good. They will patch a tire bought from them for the lifetime of the tire; doesn't matter if its changed ownership.

As for Costco, the only automotive product I've bought from there is car batteries. They were the cheapest and all of them seem to last 5-6 years. As for the shopping experience, its not like a grocery store or department store. Its a warehouse and checkout lines are long due to the amount everyone is buying. Costco was originally intended for business owners. Everyone buys in bulk.

But I would confirm the meat selection is good and the rotisserie whole chicken is only $5; better than grocery stores. Selection is limited if you're used to grocery stores but everything is in bulk. I shop there once a month to get basic food stuff and augment it with grocery store items (stuff I don't use that much like condiments, spices, etc.) If your Costco has a deli, then it would be worth purchasing a membership. $1.50 for a large hotdog or polish dog with unlimited soda refills can't be beat. A large slice of pizza is $2.

Their gas prices are pretty low. Originally, they were using no additives in their gas and people were having problems. Since, they have changed to using Shell w/additives (BIL worked for Shell).

If you want to check it out, find a friend who is a member. They can take up to two guests into the store.

I prefer to shop Sam's. Nothing much different but prices seem to be better at Sam's They have always done well with the tires for my vehicles. Meat not much difference except Sam's is cheaper. Costco Fruits and veggies are better in my opinion. The Costco snob appeal kinda turns me off....as does the number of people in the store. But Sam's is a Johnny come lately in Billings but becoming busier all the time. I hate to shop anyway. Cept for guns

Costco meat is some of the best beef around short of from a farm or butcher.

It is better than Publix (big grocery chain known for outstanding products and service) Mostly SE US.

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Still Running Against the Wind

SAMs Club. We have one about 50 miles away. The nearest Costco is probably over 200 miles away. For tires, I have used Discount Tire for years. They are all over, and if they sell you the tire they will fix flats and rotate for free.

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Can my S&W Mdl 10 shoot +P

For those who prefer Costco, I'd suggest you check into their record of political contributions.

Really, that's the 1st im hearing of this.....can you elaborate ?

As some people do not like web links, you need to Google this:

"Costco backs (well known figure), (well known figure) touts Costco"

I gave up on Costco tires and service a long time ago and on advice from my NAPA guy, became a Discount Tire customer. Best tire advice/decision I ever made. Best prices on Michelins with quality service. In and out in record time for new tires, scheduled rotation and balancing and repair. I could write a long paragraph on the frustration of using Costco for tires and joys of Discount Tire. Costco is great on most items but tires is NOT one of them....IMHO.

I am a BIG Costco fan but never buy tires from them. The Costco near my house only sells Michelin and Bridgestone and I am NOT a fan of either. I prefer either Goodyear or Continental for my cars and Dunlops for my Harley.

The Mom & Pop Tire Store I use has excellent prices but more importantly stands behind everything they sell (no hassles) and all his labor. He just replaced two tires on my Escalade because they were slightly out of round. I felt an unevenness while slowing down (before brakes were applied) and after spinning them on the lift he said they were out of round and replaced them free of charge even though they were 8 months old and had almost 5,000 miles on them. That kind of service is worth it to me and while I am not opposed to saving money, my tires get purchased at my local Mom & Pop Tire Store.

Honestly, I don't let politics enter into my tire purchasing decisions.

I am a Costco member and bought tires to fit my 2011 Caddy DTS in June.

Michelin Premier
A/S Performance H/V 235/55R17
Mounted and balanced $772.76. Including tax.

$200 less than Tire Discounters. And Costco is closer.

They also sell rotisserie chicken breast meat pieces that fell off the bone, in 3 pound packages. I bring it home, break it down into smaller portions and freeze it. It is outstanding!
And if you're into organics, they are quickly becoming one of the largest organic grocery chains in the U.S. Much cheaper than "Whole Paycheck".

Costco has great beef,lamb and that rotisserie chicken is fantastic!

Internet question:

Should I buy from A or B?

Internet answer:

C.

I am a Sam's member. I find Walmart to be competitive with Sam's on tire prices. In fact, last tires I bought I got a Walmart.

Sam's and Walmart will give you their pricing on duh net. Don't know if Costco does.

Discount tires is the best. On my last purchase I went online to Tire Rack and checked prices and reviews. When I decided on the tires I wanted I printed out the page and took it to tire rack. They matched the price and their service is awesome. They us a torque wrench when mounting the tires. I also purchased their road hazard policy, it covers repair or replacement and balancing and rotating. They wanted 100 for the 4 tires but quickly went down to 50 when I balked. You receive emails when they think you should be ready for service and you can book on line at a day and time convienent to you.

Costco carries much better steaks.