I got my car in Sept of 2002. I am still on my stock tires. My question is, do I need new tires? Here are some pics. ALL 4 tires are stock....
REAR:



FRONT:

 

They look pretty worn, not bald though. I say saftey first, change them as soon as posible. But if you REALLY needed to, I think you could hold off until 30000, don't know if it would be safe, but you could.

 

Did you not have the tire feathering problem??

 

I've seen much worse. Most states have a legal limit for tread depth in the center of the tire. If you really want to know, then get a tread depth gauge from Wal Mart or such and check the center groove. If it is 5/32nds or lower you need to replace your tires. I know working at Wal Mart that we weren't by law allowed to rotate or balance tires lower than 5/32nds.

 

I'd change them and get some sick tires.

 

i just got rid of mine. they lasted till just under 27k. the fronts were replaced but the rears were very similar to yours, and with any rain at all i was starting to slip a bit. not much room for error with those 040's, bad wet traction to start with. i know i used this as an excuse to go to 19's with rims. i suggest the same, of course i have the touring aout so i had to get off those 17's.