‘That’s a no no’: Woman celebrates paying off her Lexus, then immediately gets hit with an $1,800 bill

A woman named Mindy shared on TikTok that she paid off her car this week. Right after that, she had to spend $1,800 on new tires at the Lexus dealership. Her video got over 5,400 views, and many people had strong opinions about her choice.

According to Motor1, many viewers criticized her decision to buy tires from the dealership. “Buying tires at the dealership, that’s a no no,” one person commented. “Congrats on the payoff, but why dealer tires? Manufacturers don’t make their own tires. You could get the same brand from a different location for less,” another pointed out.

However, Mindy explained on her TikTok video that she checked prices at several places before making her decision. She called four different shops, and the total price was within $100 no matter where she went. The dealership had the tires in stock, which made it a convenient choice for her.

Dealership tire prices aren’t always as bad as people think

Some people joked about the high cost, asking if the tires were made of gold at $400 per tire. But a few viewers defended her choice. One person explained that dealerships often have similar deals as tire shops, and if you’re getting the same quality tire, the price is usually about the same or slightly higher. The benefit is not being stuck at the shop all day.

Most tires should last 50,000 miles or about six years. However, this can change based on driving conditions and if the tires get damaged early. Consumer Reports says their members typically paid $212 per tire in their latest survey. For anyone considering upgrading to a newer Lexus model, understanding these ongoing costs is important.

Budget tires cost $50 to $150 each. Mid-range tires cost between $100 and $300 each. Higher-end tires for luxury cars like a Lexus can cost $300 or more per tire. So Mindy’s price wasn’t completely out of line.

When buying tires, it helps to shop around and get quotes from different places. You can check big tire chains like Discount Tires, online retailers like TireRack, brand chains like Firestone, big box stores like Walmart or Costco, dealerships, and local independent shops. Getting accurate quotes is crucial, especially after incidents of businesses being scammed with fake bills.

Dealerships do have some benefits. Their technicians know specific car models well. Sometimes they offer special pricing to attract customers. They also have nicer waiting areas with snacks. One person on Reddit shared that their Ford dealer beat everyone’s prices twice, so they bought there. The best choice depends on your budget and what matters most to you.