Shopping for tires online can save you serious money, but it also raises valid concerns about legitimacy and reliability. If you’ve come across Priority Tire’s competitive prices and extensive inventory, you might be wondering: is Priority Tire legit? This comprehensive review digs into everything you need to know before deciding whether to trust this growing online tire retailer with your purchase.
Who is Priority Tire and What Do They Offer?
Priority Tire is an established online tire retailer founded in 2004, originally based in Allentown, Pennsylvania but now headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Led by CEO Dimitri Chernyak, the company has expanded significantly with warehouse locations across Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas to serve customers throughout the continental United States.
What sets Priority Tire apart from competitors is their impressive inventory of over 1.5 million tires from more than 1,000 manufacturers. Their business model focuses exclusively on online sales with free shipping on all orders. Most notably, their pricing strategy typically undercuts major retailers like Amazon and Walmart by $15-19 per tire, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Priority Tire’s Growth and Recognition
Priority Tire has experienced substantial growth in recent years, earning spots on Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest-growing companies list for two consecutive years (2024-2025). The company has also received recognition from USA Today as one of America’s Best Stores for 2025.
With estimated annual revenue between $5-20 million and a workforce of 30-50 employees, Priority Tire has established itself as a significant player in the online tire retail market. As of October 2024, the company maintains an A+ rating and accredited status with the Better Business Bureau, suggesting a commitment to resolving customer disputes through official channels.
The Customer Experience: A Tale of Two Extremes
What’s particularly interesting about Priority Tire is the dramatic split in customer experiences. Reviews across different platforms tell very different stories, creating a complex picture of the company’s performance.
What Priority Tire Gets Right
Based on thousands of customer reviews, here’s where Priority Tire excels:
- Highly competitive pricing: Customers consistently report saving hundreds of dollars compared to traditional tire retailers.
- Fast shipping: Most orders arrive within 1-6 business days, with some customers reporting deliveries as quick as 2 days after ordering, sometimes even with Sunday delivery.
- Extensive selection: Finding specific tire models and sizes is rarely an issue thanks to their massive inventory.
- Money-back guarantee: Their 90-day money-back guarantee provides peace of mind for customers worried about ordering the wrong size or model.
- Special discounts: Military personnel, teachers, healthcare workers, and first responders receive a 5% discount on purchases.
These strengths are reflected in Priority Tire’s impressive ratings on certain platforms – 4.5 stars from over 3,000 reviews on Trustpilot and 4.7 stars from 3,436 reviews on Sitejabber.
Where Priority Tire Falls Short
However, local reviews on Yelp tell a very different story, with the Allentown location receiving just 1.7 stars from 75 reviews and the Jacksonville location earning only 1.0 star from 4 reviews. Here are the most common complaints:
- Customer service issues: Multiple customers report hold times exceeding 30-37 minutes and difficulty reaching live representatives.
- Delivery and product accuracy problems: Wrong tire sizes, damaged products, and tires that are several years old being sold as new inventory are frequently mentioned issues.
- Complicated return process: Customers describe complex procedures, restocking fees, and delays in refund processing that can extend for months.
- Warranty claim disputes: Some customers report months-long processes to resolve defective tire claims, requiring extensive documentation and professional testing at their own expense.
- Shipping and logistics issues: Lost packages, wrong delivery addresses, and poor coordination with shipping carriers create frustration for many customers.
Price Comparison: How Does Priority Tire Stack Up?
To help you understand Priority Tire’s value proposition, I’ve created this comparison table of average tire prices across popular retailers:
| Retailer | Average Price Per Tire | Free Shipping | Installation Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Tire | $85-$150 | Yes, on all orders | No (customer arranges) |
| Tire Rack | $100-$180 | On most orders | Yes (partner network) |
| Discount Tire | $95-$165 | Selected promotions | Yes (in-house) |
| Amazon | $100-$170 | Prime members | No (customer arranges) |
| Walmart | $100-$170 | Store pickup | Yes (in-store) |
*Prices are approximate and based on popular passenger vehicle tire models
As you can see, Priority Tire typically offers the lowest prices, but this comes with trade-offs in terms of installation support and customer service.
Priority Tire’s Business Model: Understanding the Limitations
Priority Tire operates on a drop-shipping model that creates both advantages and limitations for customers:
No Installation Services
Unlike competitors like Tire Rack or Discount Tire, Priority Tire doesn’t provide direct tire installation services. Instead, customers must arrange their own installation after delivery. Some customers report that their closest installer is 30+ miles away, creating inconvenience that partially offsets the pricing advantage.
This differs significantly from competitors like SimpleTire, which offers comprehensive installation scheduling and mobile services. The lack of integrated installation services means customers bear additional responsibility for ensuring proper mounting, balancing, and disposal of old tires.
Warranty and Return Policy Realities
While Priority Tire advertises a 90-day money-back guarantee, implementation appears inconsistent based on customer reports. Customers report that returns are “not free” unless Priority Tire made an error, and restocking fees can significantly reduce refund amounts.
The warranty claim process for defective tires requires extensive customer effort, including professional testing, detailed photography, and tire removal at customer expense. Manufacturing warranty claims appear particularly problematic, with customers reporting that Priority Tire requires tires to be shipped back to manufacturers rather than handling replacements locally.
Who Should Use Priority Tire (And Who Shouldn’t)
Priority Tire Might Be Right For You If:
- You’re comfortable verifying tire specifications independently
- You have established relationships with local tire installers
- You’re primarily motivated by getting the lowest possible price
- You need specific or hard-to-find tire models
- You don’t anticipate needing customer service support
You Should Probably Avoid Priority Tire If:
- You need guidance selecting the right tires for your vehicle
- You want integrated installation services
- You prefer dealing with physical stores
- You require extensive customer service support
- You’re unwilling to handle potential warranty issues independently
Smart Shopping Tips If You Choose Priority Tire
If you decide to purchase from Priority Tire, these tips can help protect your experience:
- Pay with a credit card: Customers experiencing problems report better resolution through credit card chargebacks than through Priority Tire’s internal processes.
- Verify specifications carefully: Double-check all tire specifications against your vehicle’s requirements before ordering.
- Document everything: Keep records of all communications and inspect delivered tires immediately upon arrival.
- Arrange installation in advance: Contact local installers before your tires arrive to ensure availability and understand their fees.
- Understand the return policy: Be aware of all potential fees and requirements before placing your order.
How Priority Tire Compares to Major Competitors
Understanding how Priority Tire stacks up against established competitors can help you make a more informed decision:
Tire Rack maintains significantly higher customer satisfaction with established installer networks, comprehensive tire testing, and detailed customer service support, though at higher price points.
Discount Tire combines online and physical presence with comprehensive installation services and liberal return policies, representing a more complete service offering.
SimpleTire offers integrated installation scheduling and roadside assistance with competitive pricing, providing services that Priority Tire lacks.
Amazon provides convenience and recognition but faces similar quality control challenges as Priority Tire, though with more robust customer service infrastructure.
The Final Verdict: Is Priority Tire Legit?
Yes, Priority Tire is a legitimate business with real products and impressive growth metrics. The company holds A+ BBB accreditation and has received recognition from major publications. However, legitimacy doesn’t guarantee a perfect customer experience.
Priority Tire represents a high-risk, high-reward option in the online tire retail market. They deliver exceptional value for customers whose transactions proceed smoothly while creating significant frustration for those encountering problems.
The stark contrast in customer experiences suggests that most transactions go well, but when problems arise, resolution can be challenging. This makes Priority Tire best suited for experienced tire buyers willing to trade some service security for significant savings.
For most casual tire shoppers, the decision comes down to how much you value price versus service. If saving the maximum amount is your primary concern and you’re comfortable handling potential complications independently, Priority Tire offers compelling value. If you prefer comprehensive support and seamless service, the premium charged by competitors like Tire Rack or Discount Tire may be worth the additional cost.
Have you purchased from Priority Tire? Your experience could help others make their decision.
