From ROSPA website.
Enough to put me off

(Edit... does make you wonder why the Germans etc etc - punt them over here )

Part-Worn Tyres

What are part-worn tyres?
'Part-worn' tyres are those which have been used previously - in other words they are 'second-hand'. Most part-worn tyres are imported, mainly coming from continental Europe.

What are the potential problems with part-worn tyres?
Part-worn tyres are usually sold with about 50 per cent or less of their original tread remaining (legal minimum is 2mm) and may have a few thousand miles more motoring in them. However, despite their remaining tread, it must be appreciated part-worn tyres are nevertheless USED TYRES. As such their purchase and use should be treated with a degree of healthy scepticism. In many cases, such tyres will be perfectly sound. However, it is possible that they have been bumped up and down kerbs and over other obstacles. They may have been run over or under-inflated, and may have sustained irreparable and invisible damage to their structure.

The cost of part-worn tyres reflects their second-hand state and this no doubt contributes to their attraction to motorists. The purchase and use of part-worn, instead of new, tyres may enable some owners to afford to keep their vehicles on the road. The tyre industry continues to express concern about the sale and use of part worn tyres. However, it is important to consider the issue objectively and make a reasoned judgement about the real risks of using such tyres.

RoSPA's advice, like that of Trading Standards Officers, is 'let the buyer beware'. Whether the purchase of part-worn tyres is a good economic proposition or not, there can be little argument that a tyre which is only half worn but is in all other aspects sound, is likely to be safer than a tyre worn to the legal limit.

Before purchasing part-worn tyres always ask to see them inflated before they are fitted to the vehicle and check for any lumps or bulges. Part worn tyres should also be checked for signs of tyre aging as described elsewhere in this fact sheet. If they show signs of aging then you should not purchase them.

 

Now before we go on.......this has nothing to do with "money".
But everything to do with not wasting it!!!!!!!!!

And after reading your posts I see your point of view but as stated "In many cases, such tyres will be perfectly sound".
Buying anything second-hand comes with its risks including buying a second hand car!!!

As it would be a part worn from an S2000 and knowing most S2000s are cared for I wouldn't have a problem buying a part worn, would be nice if someone on here was selling one .

Each to their own I supose.

 

Look...

Why are there part worn tyres on the market in the first place, ask yourself that?

Someone got bored with the style and changed out RE050s for some shiney new Toyos? NAh.
Think about it... and the scrap pound mentality.

If you were talking slicks or other R rubber for track then go for it.
Plenty of people get part used track rubber from circuit testing or setup days if you are connected.

Used road rubber on a 160mph car?
No way!

 

Well except some people on here state they change them at anything less than 5mm. If I did that my car would be in every 2~3 months. 5mm would be fine for me for another 6 months or so

That said, as others have mentioned, you've no idea what's happened to the tyre and even if they did come off another S even you've no idea what the geometry settings or driving conditions are. Any sort of car wear parts not even worth thinking about going second hand

 

Now this will scare some of you completely!

On my Euro hoon before last I got a puncture in the rear on a two week old GSD3
I had to change both to Conti Sports (try getting GSD3's in France )
I kept the good try and partnered it round the rest of Europe in the boot and passenger seat
That was a few years ago, that tyre has lived in the garage and the garden (under cover) up until this summer when the Conti's wore out.
I got Event in to change tyres.
The fitter said it was close enough to new to be no problem.
Three tyres later and no problems in the last 5 months ago!


Anyway OP - if it is the same brand and with in a couple of mm I reckon you will be OK on the front, but a bit brave on the rear.

 

my beater gets that abuse everyday, i still drive it flat out.

 

IMO part worns arent any different to buying a used car and the tyres you get with that. I wouldnt change tyres on a used car unless they looked awful and at least with part worns then you can inspect the inside of the tyre too.

The things I would check are outer, middle and inner tread depths, DOT code (to check the age) and the condition of the tread, shoulders, walls and the inside of the tyres (for signs of underinflation/overloading). Of course check all the usual stuff like if its an MZ or other specific tyre.

However i wouldnt buy them online as I would want to have a good inspection.

Re the reason for availability of part worns then although most of us run the tyres down before changing, there are plenty of garages that recommend changing tyres extremely early and people take the bait.

 

Check the age.

When I bought my old SUV it had a tire on a mount on a the back.
Being a ‘sensible’ person I decided to rotate that tyre into the mix, so I bought two new tyres and put the spare onto the car.
200 miles later and about 80mph on the m5 the tread separated from two thirds of the tyre and smashed the rear quarter of my car to pieces.

When I bought my S, I took it to CG for a geo and the first thing that was noticed was that one of the tyres was OLD – you could tell by the dot code – and seemed to have age cracks in the sidewall. The guy I bought it off had just replaced them, but he’d clearly bought cheap old stock tyres.
I changed all 4 tyres the next day.

I would never buy part worns – it’s just not worth it.
That said, if I had an unrepairable puncture on one tyre at 2k miles and someone on the forum told me that had a spare tyre of the same type that they swapped out at 3k miles 2 months ago I’d be quite tempted to take it to replace my damaged one.

But there’s no way I’d buy part worns with no idea of the history.

And as for taking a risk on the tyres on used cars.
Well, the next time I buy a used car (unless I know the history) the first thing I’m going to do is swap all 4 tyres.

 

how does the dot number tell you how old the tyre is? also if your buying mail order tyres then you wont know how old the tyres are will you.

 

Overheating tyres ruins them too.

A little known factor for those that have been on track.
You essentially 'cure' the rubber a bit more and they harden off, losing performance.
I did this to the R26, after Rockingham they had to go as they melted.