Overview:
Most people don’t realize that one of the fastest ways to increase a vehicle’s value — and its appearance — is also one of the simplest. By learning tire sizes, lug patterns, and how to shop smarter online, you can turn a cheap car into a clean, upgraded ride for a fraction of what you’d pay at a tire shop. In this Presence News story, Kasdyn Click shares a real-life day on the road, revealing the same strategy he has used for five years.
How a Simple Tire Upgrade Can Change Everything
For most people, tires are an afterthought — something you don’t notice until they go flat. But for anyone who works with vehicles, depends on a work truck, or flips cars on the side, tires are a direct line to instant value.
Video of tire change below:
A brand-new set at a shop will run you around $1,000, and that’s before you even talk about upgrading the rims. But what many people don’t realize is that there’s a much smarter way to get the same look, same performance, and sometimes better quality — for under half the price.
And it starts with understanding two simple things:
your tire size and your lug pattern.
How did the new rims and tires hold up 3,000 miles later? Watch the video below
A Trick Learned During the COVID Years
Back in 2020, when COVID shut down businesses and revenue slowed for millions of small business owners, survival required creativity. For Kasdyn Click, that meant picking up a new skill: flipping inexpensive vehicles.
What began as a way to get by quickly turned into a highly efficient system.
And one of the most valuable lessons learned along the way?
Tires and rims transform a cheap vehicle more than almost any other upgrade.
“When money was tight, I had to make every dollar count,” Kasdyn explains. “I realized that if I could get clean tires on a car, the entire vehicle instantly looked better — and sold faster.”
The $400 Marketplace Method
Here’s the move:
- Look up the tire size on the vehicle.
It’s printed right on the sidewall. - Check the lug pattern so you know what rims fit your make and model.
- Search Facebook Marketplace for that exact size.
What surprises people the most is just how many brand-new sets are out there. Especially in affluent areas, people sell unused or barely used tire/rim combinations for unbelievable prices — often around $400.
Why?
Because:
- They upgraded their vehicle and kept the old set
- They need fast cash
- They have extra parts cluttering the garage
- They’re moving or downsizing
- And people like helping other people
The result?
You get what would cost $1,000+ at a tire shop — for less than half.
A Scenic Trip for the Perfect Find
For this Presence News story, Kasdyn filmed a full day-in-the-life capturing the journey. The morning started at the lake house in South Salem, New York, before heading north into the Berkshires of Massachusetts — a quiet, scenic drive to Pittsfield to meet a seller who had listed a nearly new set of rims and tires.
It’s the kind of deal you only get if you’re willing to do a little homework.
“When you’re out buying from people, you never really know what you’re walking into,” Kasdyn says. “That’s why I always check their Facebook profile ahead of time. It’s not like the old Craigslist days — at least now you get a face, a name, and an idea of who you’re meeting.”
The seller checked out, the tires checked out, and the price was right.
Four hundred dollars.
Fresh tread.
Clean rims.
Perfect fit for the Silverado.
“It’s a no-brainer,” he adds. “A simple upgrade like this makes the whole truck look ten times better.”
A Smart Move for Everyday Drivers
This trick isn’t only for car flippers.
It works for:
- Contractors who need reliable daily vehicles
- Blue-collar workers keeping costs low
- Athletes or frequent travelers with multiple vehicles
- Anyone driving a $2,000–$4,000 car who wants instant value
At a time when prices are rising across the board, learning how to shop smarter is one of the best tools anyone can have.
The Final Takeaway
Upgrading your tires doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of research, a little driving, and some marketplace savvy, you can dramatically transform your vehicle’s performance and appearance — for a fraction of what most people pay.
Sometimes the best deals aren’t online shops or dealerships.
They’re everyday people with extra parts and a listing that pops up at the perfect moment.
Editor’s Disclaimer
Presence News recommends using this tire-buying method only for vehicles valued at $25,000 or below, typically older or budget-friendly models. Purchasing used or previously mounted tires — even those that appear new — can increase the risk of tire failure, including blowouts, and may cause damage to the vehicle. Always inspect tires carefully, verify manufacturing dates, and use your best judgment when buying from private sellers.
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