Replacement Tire Recommendations

[TedH]

My 2001 Outback Wagon has about 50,000 miles on the original Firestone Wilderness tires so it's time to shop for replacements.

 

I've looked at Michelin and Bridgestone as replacements but I'm curious about Dunlops and Pirellis.

 

What are your tire recommendations for a car that's driven about 95% primarily on Southern California highways? I rarely drive off-road or in the snow. Of course, "I want it all:" handling, good gas mileage and long tire life.

 

Thanks for your help.

[SevenSisters]

Consumer Reports (Nov. 2003) liked the Dunlop SP Sport in their Performance All Season evaluation. Considering it's about half the cost of the Michelin MXV4 Plus and rated better, it looks like a good choice.

If you want Ultra High Performance, they rated the Goodyear Eagle F1 highest.

Goodyear is introducing a new Triple Tread that's supposed to be real good too.

I'm riding on Regatta II's. Not the best tire for Cali, but a good summer and winter traction for us Northern snow folks.

Don't forget to buy an extra wheel and 5 tires so you can set up a five tire rotation pattern.

[Commuter]

I have not gone thru a lot of tires, but I have some experience.

 

I don't have any experience with Dunlops or Pirelli's though.

 

I've probably had the best luck with Michelins. I wore out a set of X-Ones on my 97 OB. The Toyo 800 Ultras on there now have been good, but I've had to battle a slight vibration issue with them. When they go (this coming winter), I'll probably take a serious look at the new Michelin Hydroedge. The early reports on them seem to be good.

 

I like Yokohama too. Some of the best tires I've had have been Yokohama. But... I was counting it up recently. Out of 10 tires over nearly 20 years, I've had 2 bad ones. Not exactly good stats.

 

Take a look on TireRack. You can probably get a good idea of what the tire will be like by reading the reviews.

 

Commuter

[cookie]

pretty quick. I just got about 27,000 mile on a set of Dunlops on my BMW. I have Bridgestone S03s on there now for about $1,000 mounted. Will probably get less mileage out of them as they are softer.

Check Tirerack.com for all the evaluations and ask over there on the tire expert board.

The Michellins on my Subaru are the second set at 100,000 miles and sure are holding up well. Since I bought it used I don't know when they were changed.

I think that unless you have a pretty serious suspension under the car or unlimited money a compromise tire would sut the car better. Tire Rack has reviews and if a lot of folks liked them it is a good sign.