1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I too live in the ATL and need tires for my 9-5. And I was looking at the Conti's as an inexpensive alternative to the Michelins. Not any more.
I don't know why people don't like the Michelin as they are probably the best quality tire money can buy. The product that pops out of the molds is simply terrific in terms of QC. That means the tire will balance better, holds its balance, not need constant visits to the tire shop, and with proper maintenance give you 30,000 or so smooth miles.
Dunlop SP Sport 5000 is a fine tire but not available in 215/55-16. You have to upsize to get it.
Bridgestone Turanza LS is a fine Michelin alternative but 215/55-16 only comes in H rated. Got to upsize if you want v or Z. And prices were just increased.
Bridgestone RE950 would be ideal but only H rated and you said you don't want that. Still, this tire is my #1 choice right now.
Nokians are great but expensive. I was quoted $136.95 each + $6.40 shipping from Greer Ent. And if you have a problem you'll have to send them back to Greer as Nokian dealers in the South are few and far between.
Yokohama's look good but are hit and miss on quality. I've heard too many horror stories. I know a dealer in ATL that is dropping Yokohama due to poor QC and big time customer complaints. Buy at your own risk.
Not much decent at Goodyear in 215/55-16 except for the new Eagle F1-GSD3 which is a ultra performance tire and not cheap.
Not much for you at BFG in 215/55-16 unless you want to upsize.
The cheapo tires like Nitto, Sumitomo, Toyo, Falken, etc are all the same in terms of QC and durability. You gets what you pays for.
What's left???? Oh, Pirelli's. Great when new but have a bad rep for getting noisy when 50% worn. If you want to switch them out every 15-20K then Pirelli is fine.
The Michelin Pilot Sport A/S would be an almost perfect tire. Does everything extremely well, the best quality tire made by Michelin, would work perfect on a 9-5. But they're expensive and they're Michelin. Ahhhh well.
There's a few stragglers I haven't covered, mostly ultra performance tires like Dunlop SP Sport 9000 and Bridgestone S-03 but if you wanted those tires you would not have bought the Conti's.
I've been tire shopping for my 9-5 for 6 months. You've just received a synopsis of what I've learned. Hope it helps.
posted by 24.98.68...
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
