Yes, for the most part it is not a good idea.
Granny has a 2019 AWD Equinox with 20k miles. Car comes with crap Hankook tires that run $338 each.
They absolutely suck but not in a position to replace all 4.
She got sidewall damage today and the tire is not repairable.

Bad idea to 1 Michelin CrossClimate 2 tire on there saving about $80 and getting a better tire?

Two at a time would work. I wouldn't do 1 at a time. The only thing that really matters is the outside diameter across the tread. Differentials there can really screw with ABS/traction control.

Replace two

I am in the replace two tires opinion too ...

As said in your very first sentence, no long-term good ever comes from mismatched tires. But there's room to play with that. There's no harm in replacing just two in this situation. Counter-intuitively (to me), they should go on the rear of the car. When it comes time for the other two, put on the same kind.

I’m also in the replace 2 mindset. Try Costco and Sam’s and they frequently have some sort of rebate if you buy 2 or more.

Yep, replace two and maybe get the #3 on a rim for use as the spare?

i think krazehorse is our tire expert. But in general on AWD vehicles you have a bad tire. All four get replaced

I hope $338 is the out the door price. If not, that's more than the tires on my F350 or the tires on my dad's Corvette.

What are the tread depths on the other three tires? If a new tire and the old tires are within the allowable differences for the AWD, then your most economical bet is going to be one new $338 tire.

Is it a 235/50R19? Does she have a full size spare? If so, buy one tire that matches the spare?

quote:

Equinox

I'd just buy a new car...


..but I'm an asshole.

Dang, $338???
CrossClimate2s are around $200 each depending on size.

I'd replace a pair at a time especially with AWD.

Tires are so important.
I would bite the bullet for all four.

most places won't do that. relace a tire or two on a awd rig

I got a state inspection done. Has two bad tires (after only 12000 miles) the guy was supposed to get me matching tires but he couldn't so he got me one almost matching and swapped on the spare for the other. I swear I can feel it rumble because of the difference in tread on the back tires. I'm never going back even though he's a relative.

Definitely don't mix tire brands/models.

I'm going to just get a nice set of Yokohamas on there as soon as the work season is over in December.

$300+ for a Hankook? Sounds like you’re getting “special treatment”.
What size are these tires? If granny has the fancy optional 19” wheels Tire Rack has numerous name brand tires available for less than $250. The 17” tires are cheaper than that.

And unless granny is a pretty sporty driver for a little old lady, a set of 4 matching non top-tier tires would probably be more than sufficient for her needs, for the same total cash outlay as two $338 tires.

at least with Subaru, I've heard within a 1/4" circumference is acceptable. There might be a used tire that would work. Otherwise I would just put 4 Winterforce on and call it a day.
I believe Firestone will prorate the other 3 if one is damaged (or something like that), assuming they install them. I could be wrong.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Replace two

Yup.

If this vehicle is used anything like that of my MIL's car, I'd throw a no name tire on that one corner, save the money and wait to replace all four. If the car is going on long trips, or is used a lot, then I might go a different route.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
I hope $338 is the out the door price. If not, that's more than the tires on my F350 or the tires on my dad's Corvette.

Is it a 235/50R19? Does she have a full size spare? If so, buy one tire that matches the spare?

$338 is the cost of just the tire!!!! I was floored when she called me and I said there is no way!
Sure enough everywhere I have looked they are $338 a tire!!!
I have no idea what Hankook thinks they have in these things.

No full size spare unfortunately.

quote:

Originally posted by SevenPlusOne:

quote:

Equinox

I'd just buy a new car...


..but I'm an asshole.

This is their 2nd and they have been great. Great vehicle for an elderly couple that frequently travels to Florida. Good pep with the Turbo motor, gas mileage is pretty good, very stable with the AWD, and room for them to fit what they need for the trip.

Would it be my first choice, no but does very well for them.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
Tires are so important.
I would bite the bullet for all four.

This is what we are going to do. Mileage is closer to 25k so these have 5k left if we are lucky. So buying 4 tires at a normal price now will be cheaper than buying two over priced Hankooks now and 2 more in 6-7 months.

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
If this vehicle is used anything like that of my MIL's car, I'd throw a no name tire on that one corner, save the money and wait to replace all four. If the car is going on long trips, or is used a lot, then I might go a different route.

It goes back and forth from Florida frequently.

I got Mrs. Mikes Altima’s tires thru Sams Club. They had to order what I wanted. The guy at the register said to wait a week for the July 4th sale and I basically got the tires at the price and install and balance for free.

That was cheaper than I could have gotten thru the Exchange system at Ft. hood or with the tires drop mailed to me and me having a garage do the install.

As I said earlier, replace two…the bad one and the next bad one.