If by flat they mean no tread, then that is believable. I managed to get close to 18k out of mine. They still have some tread left but I know it won't pass an inspection. I've also seen a few people claim as much as 24k on the stock tires. Not sure how they drive, but when I'm home i definitely drive aggressively on the back roads of east TN (or any windy not very populated/trafficked road). I've also got a few days at the drag stirp and a bunch of highway miles on mine. so I'm very satisfied with the wear of the stockers.