GT350 needing new tires at 2k miles. Should I be concerned?

[phatjoe]

Thanks for the responses. They didn’t post clear pics of the tires (I attached what they have posted). I’ll ask them to send me pictures of the tires tomorrow. Looks like cup2 tires.

Obviously, I’d be grateful if someone was able to inspect the car in person. It’s being sold by Vanguard Kia of Arlington (1501 Interstate 20 E). Being in Austin, I just don’t have the time to drive that far to check it out. Please let me know if someone is nearby.
Thanks

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[ZX3ST]

Based on the limited amount of detail in those 2 pictures, the tires look fine. A properly worn out Cup2 will not have visible tread blocks on the outside edge.

More info needed. As mentioned, compared to a Ford Fusion they may look worn.

 

[K4fxd]

I agree, looking at the outside edge they look brand new.

 

[rxryanm]

Genuine question - is that line around the sidewall not indicative anything? Maybe the sidewall rolling?

 

[cmxPPL219]

Genuine question - is that line around the sidewall not indicative anything? Maybe the sidewall rolling?

I am wondering the same thing.
Something doesn't seem right here. I don't think it looks like the tire rolled onto it's sidewall like during extreme cornering. It also doesn't look like it was driven deflated (due to a flat) because you'd see rubbing from that line all the way up to the outer shoulder block, all the way around.

Curious.

 

[K4fxd]

Nothing in that picture scares me. It just may need a bit more neg camber. Or the tires were a touch low on air pressure.

I still wouldn't complete the purchase without an inspection.

So whatever day they are going to bring it to you I would have an appt at a shop with a lift and a good mechanic to look it over.

 

[ZX3ST]

I didn't notice that rubbed line on the sidewall, I was laser focused on tread.

Doesn't appear to be curbing damage. Maybe from the guide rail at an automatic car wash?

 

[ZX3ST]

OP if the tires really do need to be replaced for some reason, that's a $1800 proposition. In that case either they put tires on it, or you get a better price on the car. Just my 2c.

 

[Tomster]

Maybe curb abrasion? The tires look good, but the rest of the tire should be examined.

 

[hemistar1]

Thanks for the responses. They didn’t post clear pics of the tires (I attached what they have posted). I’ll ask them to send me pictures of the tires tomorrow. Looks like cup2 tires.

Obviously, I’d be grateful if someone was able to inspect the car in person. It’s being sold by Vanguard Kia of Arlington (1501 Interstate 20 E). Being in Austin, I just don’t have the time to drive that far to check it out. Please let me know if someone is nearby.
Thanks

I think you will be fine. I had an uniformed salesperson that tried to talk me out of a used 2017 Corvette C7 Z51. He said he test drove it and it didn’t look right. The car had 2132 on the odometer and was in immaculate condition. Turns out the guy was new and did not know the tires needed to heat up (I bought car in winter January) before you drove it like a bat outa helloooo...

Bottom line the Cup 2 is high performance roadcourse/track tire and the tread is already low due to the build. These tires aren’t 50k to 60k passénger tires. They are meant to heat up, stick and help your car run circles around the track!


Good luck on purchase.. Below is a few pictures of my original new cup2 tires after 400 miles of spirited driving no burnouts or donuts! They came standard on the 19 GT performance pack 2 . They are a little larger than your fronts.Hope this calm your concerns. Also if you don’t like those tires they have a great resale on this forum don’t let anybody try to steal em.

 

[16COEBM]

That ring around the sidewall is usually caused by running very low air pressure or flat. In the case of the Cup2 having a pretty stiff sidewall, I would say it was driven when the tire was flat. If that is the case and the line is that pronounced, that tire needs replaced.

 

[honeybadger]

Maybe curb abrasion? The tires look good, but the rest of the tire should be examined.

ive curbed a few cup2s in my day in the trailer. Looked identical

 

[newmoon]

Get pics and post them here. If they are Cup2s, people frequently think they are well used due to their very shallow tread depth.

Exactly! The Cup 2s on the 19+ and Rs look almost bald right from the start. If the salesman doesn't know what he is actually looking at he could easily be mistaken.

 

[IceAge]

Hmm interesting the sales guy calls and is alerting you at the last second tire issues
Then he says he’s going to drive it for like 3 hours. Am I missing something here.....well of course it’s going to need new tires by the time he’s done driving it and hands you the keys

 

[460Fred]

Either way you’ll use it as price negotiation. Did you already agree on the deal? Has money already changed hands?
Yes the whole running on a flat could be the case or curb rub (not likely). The wheel would get hit first considering the tires are recessed a little. Trailer damage, yes.
As far as tread depth, that’s the only thing I would not worry about.
When I picked up my car and drove it home, I stopped by a buddies home who is a master mechanic that works for a high end franchise. He looked at the outer tread and said the same thing....”How many miles does this car have on it?” Hadn’t seen those tires before.
Best that could happen is get a credit for new tires and not need them. Worse you’ll have to replace maybe one ;-)

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