I have a Volvo 240 DL Wagon, with a B230F engine. The vehicle needs four tires. I am not one to just go out and buy everything brand new. I usually buy most car parts from Junk yards, with the exception of plugs and filters, etc.

But with tires I'm not sure if a junk yard is where I can get a good tire deal like I could get a good used fender deal. What is the likelihood of finding four like new used tires all of the same brand and wear depth/pattern, etc.

Finding two tires seems much more likely. But then I have to find two more at some later point in time, and right now the car needs four tires.

Now, I today I was offered a $40/per tire for brand new Swedish Gislaved steel belted snow tires form a Volvo Dealer in the South. I asked why he was selling them for half price and he said that the size was uncommon (185/SR14), almost never requested, and the tires were not moving. He claims they are not dry rotted and are about one year old. I thought it might be a good deal but he said they are rated for about 25,000 miles, and when I looked in the Sears circular to compare the prices I found some Michelin Weatherwise going for $35.00/per tire. So what's the point?

Also, I thought at $160/per set of four, plus another $80 for a used set of steel wheels to mount a set of regulars on, might not be such a great deal when you figure that it would cost about $20 - $40 to mount the regulars, and then there would be the cost of gas driving around trying to locate a junk yard with the four good tires. Well, if I just go out and get a set of Michelin MXV4PLUS all season radial tires now, my total cost is $460.00, that includes road hazard, mounting and balancing; and free life of the tire balancing. Why bother with the Gislaveds?

Any opinions?

Thank you,

Robert