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I phoned a Bob Jane store today to get a price on 215/65R16 AT tyres for my 04 Outback and they said that the overall circumference was more than 15mm over stock and therefore would not sell oversized tyres to me, as they are liable for a $1500 fine and my insurance company may not pay out if the car is involved in an accident. He also said that the authorities do not see the Outback as an SUV it is classified as a family car.

Sounds like you need to find another tyre mob.Plenty of outbacks getting around with bigger tyres than the ones your looking.
Maybe look at fourby's they advertise with the subaru club of Qld.

Fabes wrote:I phoned a Bob Jane store today to get a price on 215/65R16 AT tyres for my 04 Outback and they said that the overall circumference was more than 15mm over stock and therefore would not sell oversized tyres to me, as they are liable for a $1500 fine and my insurance company may not pay out if the car is involved in an accident. He also said that the authorities do not see the Outback as an SUV it is classified as a family car.

Am i right, the factory size is 215/55R16 correct? Its not much of difference between 65 & 55mm hence will be taller. I could understand if it was 75 instead of 55. I would suggest you to go another dealer, I did have a problem with one dealer refusing to install bigger tyres (that I bought somewhere else) on my wagon once.
Cheers
AP

Purchase said tyres from cheapest dealer then take said tyres with desired wheels (which are for an offroad buggy;-) ) and take to cheapest fitter for fitting- problem solved .....

It depends on who owns the store. I think about 80% of bob jane stores are locally run franchises and they'll generally do anything because it goes straight into their pockets. The place i worked at did all sort of suspension and brake work, but they're not meant to touch a single thing mechanical that isn't a wheel. Company owned stores the managers will usually be tight asses.

its Bob Jane company policy. I had the same problem with them years ago.

There are plenty of other good tyre shops. just go elsewhere

Fabes wrote:I phoned a Bob Jane store today to get a price on 215/65R16 AT tyres for my 04 Outback and they said that the overall circumference was more than 15mm over stock and therefore would not sell oversized tyres to me, as they are liable for a $1500 fine and my insurance company may not pay out if the car is involved in an accident. He also said that the authorities do not see the Outback as an SUV it is classified as a family car.

I'd make an anonymous phonecall to my insurance company saying you are thinking of swapping companies (to them) and what would be the consequences of running the tyres you want fitted, but make sure the operator understands what you are proposing.
If the operator says no problem then get him/her to email you (Hotmail - Gmail etc) a copy of the policy with the relevant section highlighted that covers your concern, then take it to Bob Jane and see what they say, that way you also know you will be covered in an accident if another tyre dealer fits the tyres, no good finding out the hard way.

why would you bother? stuff bob jane. if they dont want to be helpful, find someone who does.

I just took my wheels into bob jane at Caloundra and they didnt ask they just fitted them up and balanced them on the rims.I took em home and fitted them ...easy
i guess it depends on who you strike at the counter.

vincentvega wrote:why would you bother? stuff bob jane. if they dont want to be helpful, find someone who does.

Well if the fitting of the tyres is likely to negate your insurance like the guy said I'd be checking with my insurance company first rather than getting the surprise after the event.
Bob Jane may also have the tyres at a price that suits Fabes.