If it's been a 'demostrator' then I'd suspect it's been for the personal use of one of the sales staff. As a result they'd probably feel they've no responsibility for it and driven it 'spiritedly'.

At least it's probably been run in properly.

Depending on the car its almost impossible to check the tyres for tread depth unless you get yourself down to ground level or in the case of front tyres put the lock hard over, plus they will have been painted with black shiny tat to look like new, don't worry lots of people fall for it.

Depending how its been driven that wear is within expectations.

I hope you checked tyre prices before buying, 18" low profiles can be quite expensive.

Given the state of most UK roads (potholes/badly re-instated utility trenches/speed humps etc) I fail to see anything in favour of large wheels and very low profile tyres. Not only is the ride worse, damage to wheels is more likely and as GB says the tyres are more expensive too.

The only thing these options are better at is giving slightly more cornering force on a nice smooth racetrack.

The only thing these options are better at is giving slightly more cornering force on a nice smooth racetrack.

Where do you find one of them? I've seen a lower wishbone break as a result of dropping into a pothole on the inside of a bend on the Stowe circuit at Silverstone.

Oulton Park? Croft?

The first figure on the date is the week of production, not month.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that some low profile tyres simply do not last.

My Jag had OEM Pirellis which I had changed at 3mm due to severe tramlining - they had done about 15,000 miles. I wasn't happy about this so changed to Goodyear - at 7,000 they were ready for replacement, even wear across the tread - driving style hadn't changed, they must be incredibly soft compund.

Put soft tyres with a driver of a car who won't pay for replacements and they won't last!

Unfortunately, the date on the tyres would prove absolutely nothing.

If it was from well before the manufacture date, then could have been sitting around. If from after the build date, then could have been a replacement after a puncture. Or from an optional set of wheels fitted in the dealership.

This is purely a matter where a dealership might offer 'goodwill', or might not. The tyres are legal, and they meet what most 'approved used' manufacturer schemes require (which is 3mm).

The OP has hopefully learnt a valuable lesson. Check tyre depths BEFORE agreeing a deal, and if at all low, find out replacement tyre costs and negotiate accordingly.

Sorry to read of your problem. The forum is right about large wheels and low profile tyres, although yours might be 55 profile which is not really low. Low are below 40 profile generally. My 17 wheels have 225/45/17 tyres, front wheel drive and quite a big car. I have always had Michelin Pilot tyres and easily get 20K plus before swopping front to back to even the wear out ready for a full set. Just over 5K is ridiculous. If I were you I would try to get the dealer to swop the 18 for 17 alloys with new tyres and haggle on a cost share. 17 with higher profile should see you alright for good mileages.

Good luck.

Cheers Concrete