Bill, I experienced the same dilemma just 2 months ago.
The 4 tires on my car were about 8-9 years old, plenty of tread left, and the car is garaged most of the time. The tires were the cheap Pep Boys ones that have been discussed here in the past.
About a year ago, I saw something on TV about old tires being unsafe, and started to think about replacing the VW's tires. I decided it would be done when I had the extra $$. The tires had the typical fine cracking that you see on older tires, but other wise looked OK w/ plenty of life left.
In August, I was checking air pressures when I noticed that the one tire was developing a golf ball size blister on the side wall, while another looked like the tread portion was separating from the tire body ( the mesh steel was showing through a newly developed gap on the sidewall).
That week, I bought 4 new Firestone Eurometrics (the only brand that was available in stock in my area). These were more expensive the the cheapies. Pep Boys, Sears, NTB would have to order them.
Steering, ride quality, etc. is MUCH better. I could not believe the difference. Whether it's because the other tires were old/ cheap, I don't know, but shop around before you buy.
I would say don't risk your safety (and your prized car) with old tires that may have low miles and have been well cared for/not abused. Buy the new ones before something tragic happens.
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" ..... I ain't no bandleader!!"