I've been a Costco member for about a year. In general they sell good quality products at reasonable prices. I much prefer them over Sainsbury's and Tesco for food. I haven't used them for tyres but probably will when I need some new rubber.

I had a look round the Coventry store as a guest last week. Lots of good stuff, but not everything is cheaper. We bought a Samsung washing machine from 365electrical a month ago for £430, they had it in Costco for £480 and you've still got to get it home. I also priced up Conti Sportcontact 5s for my car in 235/45/17 and Costco were £7 a tyre more expensive than Blackcircles and it's further to drive than my nearest BC fitter.

Overall I think it's a good place and I'll probaly join, but pick and choose what to buy there.

Great for buying stuff like washing and cleaning products and groceries with a longish shelf life (tinned stuff, olive oil, coffee, Weetabix, rice, pasta, &c.), or if you are having a large party.

If you have a large freezer, then buying bulk meat and fish, cutting into smaller pieces and freezing it is good value.

The booze is directed at small restaurants and hotels, and isn't good value, though mostly well known brands. (Check out Aldi for excellent Barossa Shiraz and Pouilly Fumé, and their Malt Scotch is just re-branded from well know Speyside distilleries.)

If you're looking for electronic toys and domestic appliances, check prices carefully as they're not always competitive.

I had a new tyre (unrepairable puncture) fitted last week while we did our shopping. Our Michelin Energy 205/55 R16 91V was £61 + £7 fitting, new valve, balancing, &c + VAT = £82. It would have been £84 fitted via Blackcircles and £92 at ATS.

Costco seem to stock only Michelins and Continentals.

Edited by BigJohnD on 30/03/2013 at 23:42

tyres when on offer

engine oil

all meat and salmon

beer on offer

yogurt, pizza, queech

cooked chicken

if you live near its better