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SALT LAKE CITY — A buyer making a purchase on KSL Classifieds thought he bought "almost brand new" Pirelli Scorpion tires, but it turned out that they were 15 years old.
Ranse Parker learned their age when employees at a Discount Tire store read the federal department of transportation number and refused to put the tires on his car. Manufacturers say active, freeway-ready tires should not be older than eight years because they could harden and split on the road.
Parker says he demanded a refund of the $160, but then reconsidered when he realized that old tires on another car would put another driver at risk.
"I would really like to see these tires destroyed, or at least used for some sort of off-road use where they don't go on the freeway," Parker said.
The seller, Andy Runolfson, says he's never had a complaint about the 20,000 tires he has sold over the years. He refused an interview with KSL News and claimed Parker was chickening out of the sale.
Parker admits to harsh words with seller Runolfson, who claims the tires are still safe and that he would put them onto his own car.
Runolfson is offering a full refund and says he can sell those tires for twice what he charged Parker.
Email: psamore@ksl.com