@storm/others
Though they can change the tyre tread and date stamps, they cant change the softness of the tyre.
When I was recently changing tyres for my Corolla, the only choice I had was either used S Drive or new A Drive (there were NO others in the size I needed, 195/55/15 or 205/55/15).
The S Drive had almost full tread (for 10k), but I rejected them because they were stone-hard.
The A Drives I got were super soft, indicating its unlikely they were made before 2008, at the very earliest.
It says 1609 on them - I paid 5500 each, and even though I know its a bit pricey, I think I didnt get second hand, re-treaded and/or smuggled tyres.
I hope not!
Feel the softness of the tyre -- thats how you can check if its new or not.