Slightly off Black Beauty's original thread, here's another tire comment:

I asked for Good Year tires and this was written into the order, however the car arrived with Firestones. The spec is as advertised but these crappy tires don't handle snow nearly as well as an all-season Good Year. Also, a Good Year dealer will rotate your tires for free, forever, and the Firestone place will do this only if you buy the tires there. Changing out the brand new Firestones for good Good Years was quoted by a tire store at $450, so that was not an option. I would never willingly buy anything other than a Good Year tire, yet my money is used by GM to purchase something I don't want. Isn't it about time that new car buyers stood up for their rights on this?

Peter C

 

Not sure Pete....

But, it sounds like your argument should be with the dealer. Manufacturers do not change tires from production (very limited circumstances). If the dealer did in fact write up the sales order with GY tires, he should have charged you for them and made them as a deliverable on the vehicle.

I have done this a number of times with vehicles that I have ordered. And as you, I generally only use GY. This is the first car, out of about 10, that I do not have GY. Had Goodrich on 1 of a number of trucks, and replaced them, as they aged, with GY.

You might check wqith your dealer. You may have paid for the different tires and they "forgot" to install them. Should be indicated on your invoice/bill of sale.

Back to topic.

 

Thanks Snoopy for your thoughts. The dealer did not charge anything extra, and also said he couldn't promise anything, so it was a case of hoping it would happen, but it didn't. I guess I lucked out on a previous Buick and an Olds, both came with GYs. I can't think of another example of laying down your money and having the seller tell you that you have to accept something else.

Peter

 

My sister, the non HHR owner, has a Carolla S with the 15" tires. Here spare is a 16 with a different lug pattern.

 

If she bought it "used".....I think they may have stung her!!!

 

Not used, 2007 Carolla S right off the lot. Just had gotten there 3 days before too.

 

Only 3 words then......

Dealer, Dealer, Dealer

 

She called Toyota and said "I have a question, and I already know the answer to it. I just want to see if your answer is the same." Hearing the girl from Toyota go "Well, I . . . thats . . . I don't think thats right. No, thats not right." was the funniest thing ever.

 

Has anyone tried to fit a 17" wheel with tire into the spare compartment. Will it fit or am I stuck with the 15" spare, unless I want to ride around with the 17" strapped down behind the rear seat that is?

 

I've had many flats over the years and have never had to use a spare! This is because I carry a plug-kit and simply locate the nail or whatever gave me the flat and plug it on the spot. A small air-compressor finishes the job.....some HHR's come with them from the factory! You can find a plug-kit at most DIY stores or even Walmart. You'll need the complete kit which should include plugs, glue and the two hand-tools for preparing the hole and inserting the plug. 10-20 bucks should do it. Trust me....its WAY faster and less effort than changing the tire AND then having to change it back again once you PAY someone to plug the hole!