5 Best Used Tire Shops in Tacoma, WA

Between I-5’s constant traffic wear and Puget Sound’s wet weather patterns, Tacoma drivers deal with their share of tire troubles. Whether you’re nursing a commuter car through another rainy season or need an emergency replacement after hitting one of those notorious potholes on Portland Avenue, finding reliable used tires can save you serious cash. Here’s what you need to know about Tacoma’s used tire shops – from quick patches to full sets, budget options to premium rubber with plenty of tread life left.

You’ll find most of these shops work efficiently and stock a solid mix of both used and new tires. Prices typically run 40-60% less than buying new at chain stores, though selection can vary day to day. Don’t be put off by basic storefronts or small lots – some of the best service comes from these family-run operations that have been keeping Tacoma rolling for years.

🔧 Own a Tacoma Tire Shop? We showcase the area’s best used tire dealers in our guides. If you’re providing quality service, let’s discuss getting your shop featured.

12th Street Tires

ADDRESS: 2001 S 12th St, Tacoma, WA 98405 | PHONE: (253) 300-7743

With over 230 glowing reviews, this Hilltop neighborhood shop has earned its reputation through quick service and straight-dealing. Owner Kristopher and his crew, including standout team members like Thomas and Jose, have built their business on efficiency and transparency.

Why Locals Keep Coming Back

The shop’s strength lies in their rapid response time – most customers report being in and out within 25-30 minutes for tire replacements. They offer both new and used options, with a notable 60-day warranty on used tires (rare in this business). Pricing runs significantly lower than chain shops, with recent customers reporting full sets of quality used tires installed for around $120-240, depending on size and condition.

Heads Up Before You Go

While the small storefront and corner location can make parking tricky, don’t let that fool you. They offer financing options with 90 days same as cash, and they’re one of the few shops that will tackle less common tire sizes that other places won’t handle. The shop maintains a good inventory of almost-new used tires, but it’s worth calling ahead to check stock for specific sizes.

They’ve become particularly popular with local driving schools and fleet vehicles thanks to their quick turnaround on emergency repairs. The team water-tests patched tires and does thorough inspections before installation – though one recent review mentioned getting a previously patched tire, so it’s worth asking about tire history before purchase.

56 Street Tires

ADDRESS: 4002 S 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98409 | PHONE: (253) 301-3843

With nearly 2,000 reviews and a reputation built on speed, 56 Street Tires has become a go-to spot for budget-conscious drivers. Their multilingual staff, including front desk manager Jackie, handles everything from emergency flats to full sets of wheels and tires.

The Good Stuff

Most customers get in and out within 30 minutes, even during busy periods. Used tire prices typically run half of what chain stores charge for new ones – recent customers report full sets installed for $200-300. They offer 30-day warranties on used tires (60 days if you follow them on social media), and they’ll do free nail repairs on tires purchased from them. The financing options, including 90-day same-as-cash plans, make larger purchases more manageable.

Watch Out For

The advertised $18-29 tire prices don’t include mounting, balancing, or disposal fees – expect the actual cost to be $45-60 per tire installed. Some customers report issues with hubcap installation, so check all hardware before leaving. The lot gets cramped during peak hours, making parking and access challenging. While they stock plenty of common sizes, specialty tires might need to be ordered with a one-day wait.

Jeff’s Used Tires

ADDRESS: 4301 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406 | PHONE: (253) 759-4971

For 20+ years, Jeff and his daughter Alissa have run this 6th Avenue shop with a focus on fast service and late hours. Recent customers report used tire prices running $45-70 per tire installed, with patches around $20-25. The shop stays open until 7 PM daily and keeps Sunday hours – a rarity among Tacoma tire shops.

What Works Here

Most customers get back on the road within 20 minutes, even for full tire swaps. Their technicians will let you inspect multiple used tires before choosing, and they’re straight about what needs fixing versus what can wait. The 30-day warranty covers any issues with used tires, including slow leaks. They’re particularly good at emergency service – multiple reviews mention staff staying late to help with unexpected flats.

Heads Up About

While they recently started taking cards, cash still gets you the best deals. Their parking lot gets tight during peak hours (especially weekends), and a handful of customers noted issues with overtightened lug nuts. Some recent reviews mention higher-than-quoted final prices, so be sure to get a complete total including mounting and disposal fees upfront.

Memo’s Used Tires and Wheels

ADDRESS: 6831 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409 | PHONE: (253) 474-0817

A Tacoma tire institution for over two decades, Memo’s has built its reputation on quick service and straight talk. Owner Memo and his son Junior run this South Tacoma Way operation with a simple approach: good prices, honest assessments, and get you back on the road fast.

The Good Stuff

You’re typically looking at 15-20 minutes for a single tire swap, maybe 30 for a full set. Used tires run $45-70 installed, while new rubber costs $120-150 per tire with everything included. Their multilingual team excels at emergency situations – they’ve been known to stay past closing to help stranded drivers. Got tight finances? They offer snap financing and usually run social media deals that’ll extend your warranty coverage.

Heads Up About

That South Tacoma Way lot gets tight – during busy times, you might need to do some creative maneuvering. Those advertised prices you see? Make sure to ask about mounting and balancing fees upfront. And while they’ve got a huge selection, don’t expect a fancy showroom – you’ll be picking your tires out in the lot.

Their real value shows in their honesty – plenty of times they’ll tell you a tire just needs a patch when other shops might push for a replacement. They’re particularly good with hard-to-find sizes, and their weekend hours (including Sundays) make them clutch for emergency situations. Just remember to get your full quote including all fees before they start work.

Used Tire Outlet

ADDRESS: 2924 112th St E, Tacoma, WA 98445 | PHONE: (253) 984-1870

A family operation led by Lisa and Terry, Used Tire Outlet has earned their reputation with a straightforward approach: honest assessments, quick service, and fair pricing. They’ve become particularly known for hunting down hard-to-find sizes that other shops can’t source.

What Works Here

Most tire swaps take 20-30 minutes tops, with patch jobs often done in under 10 minutes. Used tire prices typically run $45-60 installed, with quality nearly-new options available – recent customers report scoring tires less than 3 months old for half the retail price. Their multi-point inspection process includes checking for hidden damage before mounting, and they’re straight about when a tire just needs a patch versus a full replacement. Snap financing is available for larger purchases.

Watch Your Step

The shop operates differently than chain stores – they specialize in finding good used options first before suggesting new tires. While they stock plenty of common sizes, special orders might need a day or two lead time. It’s worth calling ahead about their current inventory for your size, especially for less common fitments. A few recent visitors mention the lot can get busy during peak hours, though the quick service helps keep things moving.

Family-run businesses live and die by reputation, and this one’s built theirs on looking out for customer safety. They’re known for their $10 patch jobs (many customers mention adding a $5 tip for the quick service), and they’ll often stay flexible with their hours to help stranded drivers. Just remember to ask for the total price including mounting and balancing when getting quotes.

Final Tips for Tacoma Tire Shoppers

Tacoma’s wet weather and rough roads make tire shopping a regular part of car ownership here. A few local insights to keep in mind:

• That famous Puget Sound rain means checking tread depth is crucial – what looks “good enough” in summer might not handle our winter puddles. Most shops will do free tread checks.
• Them notorious potholes (looking at you, Portland Avenue) tend to cause more sidewall damage than tread wear. Always have shops check sidewalls carefully, especially on used tires.
• Prices fluctuate based on inventory – calling ahead can save you time, and most shops will hold tires for 24 hours if you find what you need.
• Many local shops offer better deals for cash payments, though most now accept cards. Ask about any price differences upfront.
• With our hills and frequent rain, saving money on used tires makes sense for most drivers, but consider springing for new rubber on your drive wheels if you regularly tackle steep inclines.

Top Image: Drone view of Tacoma, Washington State, USA
Spicypepper999, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Jamil A.