Tires: Used Tires, inner rim, snow tires

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I'm looking at buying a set of used snow tires but the seller has indicated that there is a rip in the inner rim of 2 of the tires. They are Michelin X-Ice and have only been used 2 seasons so they seem like a good deal but I need to know if the "rip" will continue to spread and cause a leak in the tire. Thanks Kevin

ANSWER: Kevin,

Without looking at the "rip", I can only guess, but this doesn't sound promising.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The seller has indicated that the tire should seal properly but is there any way to determine if the rip is small that it won't spread? Do tires normally rip or tear on the inner rim after they have been put on and taken off several times? Thanks, Kevin  

Answer
Kevin,

Without looking at the "rip", I can only guess, but normally these kind of rips are caused during the mounting process.  Unless the buyer is willing to be paid AFTER the tires are mounted and verified that the rip has not caused a problem, I suggest you pass up this deal.