Buy the best tires you can afford. - Focaljet

**focaljet-1** · 11-11-2001, 01:10 AM

I know most people are on a budget.

I also know that tires can be seen as "boring" and hard to get excited about. Some people don't like to spend a lot on tires because they wear out and need to be replaced, so they buy low end.

Trust me, if you can afford it, buy the best tire money can buy. On the TireRack web site, look at tires that fall into the "Ultra High Performance" or "Maximum Performance" category.

These tires are incredible in the dry and most of them are pretty decent to fantastic in the wet.

THEY WILL NOT BE GOOD IN THE SNOW. But that's where, if you live in the snow belt, you should find a way to have a set for 3 seasons and a dedicated set of winters.

Tires are probably one of the, if not the, best upgrade you can do to the handling performance of your car.

Yeah, I'm a tire geek [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] - but seriously, if you haven't driven your car with a REALLY good set of tires, then you haven't experienced it's true potential.

**focaljet-1** · 11-11-2001, 01:15 AM

FYI, my current set of "summer" tires:

Bridgestone Potenza S-02 Pole Position

and, my "winter" tires:

Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50

**soundq** · 11-11-2001, 01:25 AM

pwesonally i just purchased some yokohama avid h4 tries in 205/45/16 to put on my factory wheels and i love them much more traction that the firestones and excellent wet handling no more hydoplanin i payed 90 dollars each for them and they are all season high performance tires

**focaljet-1** · 11-11-2001, 01:26 AM

And these will be going on the SVT:

Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position

or these:

Michelin Pilot Sport

Although, I am eager to drive the Conti's that come stock on the SVT, it will be my first experience with them.

BTW, I never buy the same tire twice, life's too short. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

**Dev** · 11-11-2001, 01:28 AM

Damn Ron.. You are a tire geek.. I'm thinking about the Kuhmos here.. No snow out here... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**focaljet-1** · 11-11-2001, 01:33 AM

I am not a fan of all season tires, just by their nature, they are a compromise.

Some of the new ones are good, like the Yokohama AVS dB, Firestone Firehawk SH30 and the Dunlop SP Sport 5000.

But everyone has to treat themselves to a super sticky set of "no compromise" dry tires at least once in their life, IMHO. My bet is you will never look back. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

**focaljet-1** · 11-11-2001, 01:37 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by zx3ford:
Damn Ron.. You are a tire geek.. I'm thinking about the Kuhmos here.. No snow out here... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] <hr></blockquote>

The Kumho's seem to break the "you get what you pay for" rule of high performance tires.

They are definately the most bang for the buck. There are better tires out there, but they cost a lot more too. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

I have yet to try a set of them but look forward to giving them a spin (so to speak). [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

**focaljet-1** · 11-11-2001, 01:39 AM

Now here is some Kumho's I can dig:

ECSTA R700 Performance Rally Tire

Mount up a set of these on some heavy duty wheels and have some fun! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

**Dev** · 11-11-2001, 02:44 AM

Man you are having too much fun on Tirerack>>> [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**LiquidS2** · 11-11-2001, 10:19 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by wrcfan:
Yeah, I'm a tire geek [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] - but seriously, if you haven't driven your car with a REALLY good set of tires, then you haven't experienced it's true potential.<hr></blockquote> Man, I thought I was bad. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] Finally, someone that's worse than I am about tires. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

**Slackmeister** · 11-11-2001, 10:43 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by wrcfan:
Trust me, if you can afford it, buy the best tire money can buy.<hr></blockquote>

I am in total agreement; and if you are talking about "regular" tires (for example--75,70,65 series), the difference in price is minimal. What's $100 over 2-4 years? Before I worked at a tire store, I always bought the cheap stuff. Never again. Every action of your driving--acceleration, steering, and braking--is transferred through those four contact patches. Not a good place to skimp.

[ 11-11-2001: Message edited by: Slackmeister ]

**nazthug** · 11-11-2001, 03:02 PM

ive got yokos parada, 205/45/17, they are cool, i guess they still really well, i havent had a chance to compare but my next tires are going to be:

215/45/17 size of these:

best tires i can think of, so im getting em

and the cool thing is, the more they wear, the better they stick [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**YNOT** · 11-11-2001, 04:39 PM

Has anyone tried the Sumitomo HTRZ's?? I've got 'em and I really like 'em. I used to be a big BF Goodrich fanatic, but I really am impressed with these. The TOYOS are supposed to be really nice too.

**Ducman69** · 11-11-2001, 05:20 PM

I noticed a difference like night and day when I strapped on the KDWs.

It was a no-brainer at the time with a free G-tech thrown in and a sale price in that size due to the CSVTs just having been discontinued.

Not sure what my next tire is going to be. The S0-3s or cheaper RE730s are highest on my list. Definitely doesn't make sense to spend a lot on your suspension if you roll around with poopy tires though. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] I have even considered mix-matching tire sizes, and just replacing the front tires more often than the back. For example 225/45/16s S0-3s up front and 205/50/16 S0-3s in the back. Probably need to install the Eibach front sway bar then.

[ 11-11-2001: Message edited by: Ducman69 ]

**SCZX3** · 11-11-2001, 09:08 PM

Ron,

Look into the P-zero's.

I had a set on my last car. (88 Escort GT) and let me tell you those tire were flat out awesome. I live near the BMW plant here in SC and until someone totaled that one I was embarassing Bimmers on the corners daily.

I am called a tire geek as well. so be it, I love the feeling of a great tire that breaks away with manners. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Greg

**jwardell** · 11-12-2001, 11:20 AM

This is a lesson I learned this summer when I got my paradas and was floored with the difference in traction on dry and when as compared to the stock RS-As. Now I'm waiting for some snows to see how well my new Pilot Alpins work. The stocks were all over the place last winter, so like you I am now excited about tires. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I will never buy an all-season again.

**P-51** · 11-12-2001, 11:31 AM

I disagree, I don't see the point in spending tons of money on street tires when you don't race on the street. They are going to wear out, and 99.9% of the time when you aren't at the limit, you're just wasting your money. I just buy reasonable tires, learn the limits, and stick with it.

When I am racing, I use racing tires. I don't race on the street, so what the point?

Anyway, my next set of tires is probably going to be:

The ZX3 won't be daily driven starting next summer, so a set of R comps will suffice for all my racing, and occaisional street "pimping" I need. Probably get a set of 17" wheels, 225-45-17 Kumho V700's and that's it. No more street tires.

**focaljet-1** · 11-12-2001, 11:38 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by P-51:
I disagree, I don't see the point in spending tons of money on street tires when you don't race on the street. They are going to wear out, and 99.9% of the time when you aren't at the limit, you're just wasting your money. I just buy reasonable tires, learn the limits, and stick with it.

When I am racing, I use racing tires. I don't race on the street, so what the point?

Anyway, my next set of tires is probably going to be:

The ZX3 won't be daily driven starting next summer, so a set of R comps will suffice for all my racing, and occaisional street "pimping" I need. Probably get a set of 17" wheels, 225-45-17 Kumho V700's and that's it. No more street tires.<hr></blockquote>

I don't race on the street either, but I am an enthusiast. I must just drive a little more "enthusiastically" then you Rob [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] because I can definately tell the difference between a $100 tire and a $200 tire in my daily driving. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

**Aaron** · 11-12-2001, 08:27 PM

Ok, I am also big into tires. I feel that one should AT LEAST spend some money to get DECENT TIRES. This is the ONLY contact between yo uand the road. NOTHING ELSE. I also run the BLIZZAK ws-50 in the winter on my stock wheels like you Ron. I love them. I can feel them better than any other tire, They do awesome on packed snow and powder. I went to Vermont last year and I was running 75-80 mph with 8 in of snow on the ground and 8 in falling. I took a picture of it from inside the car cause we were haulin! I felt very confident in my tires.

Now this summer I ran Kuhmo Ecstas. they are nice tire, do good in the rain, BUT I have a sedan and they wear REALLY weird. Almost like my rear end is too light and it hops a little. Not enough to feel, but enough to wear the inside of the tire funny. I have rotated them four times already. Sometime they hum, even when warmed up. the next time I see ya Ron I' ll show you its really weird.

**esseff** · 11-12-2001, 09:53 PM

Have any of you heard of FULDA tires? They are the best winter tires for my money...Sumer ( 3 season tires ) Give me Pirelli's or give me the shoe leather express. Bet you think I am opinionated... well you're wrong. I'm right!
He said as he stepped down from the soap box, tongue firmly in cheek.

**ZTS_Dude** · 11-12-2001, 09:53 PM

Can you fit 215/50's on the Stock 16's? (Or 215/45) When I get new tires (I want to wear out the stock ones, since I figure it will save me money, and winter is coming, and they're all season- soo...yeah) I'd like to get 215's, but I know the rims aren't too wide. Would they fit?

**P-51** · 11-13-2001, 09:08 AM

Ron, I'm not saying I can't feel the difference, I'm saying it's just not worth the extra money in my mind.

And I'm not saying I buy Wal-Mart tires or something. If I was to get street tires, it would be probably the KDWs, or the Ecsta Supras. Good, but low expense tires. I wouldn't buy some of those things like Michelins or whatever that are like $200 a tire or whatever.

I can feel the difference, but I wear out a set of tires in a year, and it gets too expensive. Not when I can buy a decent set of KDW's for $90 a tire.

**focaljet-1** · 11-13-2001, 09:26 AM

I agree, both the KDW's and Ecsta's are very good tires for the money, nothing wrong with those.

I won't pay astronomical prices either [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I got my Pole Positions for $158 ea. when the retail was $228. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

My quest is to experience as many different high performance tires that I can. For that goal, I'll spend a little $ but thats just my personal preference. Like I said, I'm a tire geek.

Maybe I should have titled the thread differently [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

I just wanted to make sure that I got my point accross. I know I will probably piss some people off saying this but, I just don't want someone buying, let's say, a Parada and thinking they are experiencing the best tire technology has to offer.

Not to pick on the Parada there isn't anything majorly wrong with the it.. It's a decent tire IMO. but it's not at the level as many people may lead themselves to believe.

I have several friends that work at TireRack and they get to test all the tires under controlled circumstances so I use a lot of what they tell me to make my decisions.

**ZX3Racing** · 11-13-2001, 11:01 AM

I can tell you one thing about the Paradas, they are a thrill in the rain when they are worn out!! I have under 20,000 miles on mine and they are shot on all four corners. I will be looking for a new set of tires in the spring.

I saw a set of Michelin Pilot Sports here at work but unfortunately, they do not come in the size I want for the Focus.

[ 11-13-2001: Message edited by: ZX3Racing ]

**Ducman69** · 11-13-2001, 02:33 PM

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Not when I can buy a decent set of KDW's for $90 a tire.
<hr></blockquote>
Where is that? I don't feel that I got all that great a deal afterall. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] They used to be $98 on special sale at TireRack... now they are $116.

11-11-2001, 01:10 AM	#1
focaljet-1 Small Car Czar Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: On the RotorMedia helipad Posts: 29,091	Buy the best tires you can afford. I know most people are on a budget. I also know that tires can be seen as "boring" and hard to get excited about. Some people don't like to spend a lot on tires because they wear out and need to be replaced, so they buy low end. Trust me, if you can afford it, buy the best tire money can buy. On the TireRack web site, look at tires that fall into the "Ultra High Performance" or "Maximum Performance" category. These tires are incredible in the dry and most of them are pretty decent to fantastic in the wet. THEY WILL NOT BE GOOD IN THE SNOW. But that's where, if you live in the snow belt, you should find a way to have a set for 3 seasons and a dedicated set of winters. Tires are probably one of the, if not the, best upgrade you can do to the handling performance of your car. Yeah, I'm a tire geek [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] - but seriously, if you haven't driven your car with a REALLY good set of tires, then you haven't experienced it's true potential.

11-11-2001, 01:15 AM	#2
focaljet-1 Small Car Czar Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: On the RotorMedia helipad Posts: 29,091	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. FYI, my current set of "summer" tires: Bridgestone Potenza S-02 Pole Position and, my "winter" tires: Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50

11-11-2001, 01:25 AM	#3
soundq TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: KC, MO Posts: 944	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. pwesonally i just purchased some yokohama avid h4 tries in 205/45/16 to put on my factory wheels and i love them much more traction that the firestones and excellent wet handling no more hydoplanin i payed 90 dollars each for them and they are all season high performance tires

11-11-2001, 01:26 AM	#4
focaljet-1 Small Car Czar Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: On the RotorMedia helipad Posts: 29,091	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. And these will be going on the SVT: Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position or these: Michelin Pilot Sport Although, I am eager to drive the Conti's that come stock on the SVT, it will be my first experience with them. BTW, I never buy the same tire twice, life's too short. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

11-11-2001, 01:28 AM	#5
Dev Coffee Black Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: (Devon)Citrus Heights, CA USA Posts: 29,561	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. Damn Ron.. You are a tire geek.. I'm thinking about the Kuhmos here.. No snow out here... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

11-11-2001, 01:33 AM	#6
focaljet-1 Small Car Czar Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: On the RotorMedia helipad Posts: 29,091	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. I am not a fan of all season tires, just by their nature, they are a compromise. Some of the new ones are good, like the Yokohama AVS dB, Firestone Firehawk SH30 and the Dunlop SP Sport 5000. But everyone has to treat themselves to a super sticky set of "no compromise" dry tires at least once in their life, IMHO. My bet is you will never look back. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

11-11-2001, 01:37 AM	#7
focaljet-1 Small Car Czar Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: On the RotorMedia helipad Posts: 29,091	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by zx3ford: Damn Ron.. You are a tire geek.. I'm thinking about the Kuhmos here.. No snow out here... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] <hr></blockquote> The Kumho's seem to break the "you get what you pay for" rule of high performance tires. They are definately the most bang for the buck. There are better tires out there, but they cost a lot more too. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] I have yet to try a set of them but look forward to giving them a spin (so to speak). [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

11-11-2001, 01:39 AM	#8
focaljet-1 Small Car Czar Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: On the RotorMedia helipad Posts: 29,091	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. Now here is some Kumho's I can dig: ECSTA R700 Performance Rally Tire Mount up a set of these on some heavy duty wheels and have some fun! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

11-11-2001, 02:44 AM	#9
Dev Coffee Black Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: (Devon)Citrus Heights, CA USA Posts: 29,561	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. Man you are having too much fun on Tirerack>>> [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

11-11-2001, 10:19 AM	#10
LiquidS2 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Haltom City, TX Posts: 856	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by wrcfan: Yeah, I'm a tire geek [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] - but seriously, if you haven't driven your car with a REALLY good set of tires, then you haven't experienced it's true potential.<hr></blockquote> Man, I thought I was bad. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] Finally, someone that's worse than I am about tires. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

11-11-2001, 10:43 AM	#11
Slackmeister Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Southaven, MS Posts: 1,045	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by wrcfan: Trust me, if you can afford it, buy the best tire money can buy.<hr></blockquote> I am in total agreement; and if you are talking about "regular" tires (for example--75,70,65 series), the difference in price is minimal. What's $100 over 2-4 years? Before I worked at a tire store, I always bought the cheap stuff. Never again. Every action of your driving--acceleration, steering, and braking--is transferred through those four contact patches. Not a good place to skimp. [ 11-11-2001: Message edited by: Slackmeister ]</p>

11-11-2001, 03:02 PM	#12
nazthug [FJ] Addict Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: san ramon, ca, usa Posts: 14,215	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. ive got yokos parada, 205/45/17, they are cool, i guess they still really well, i havent had a chance to compare but my next tires are going to be: 215/45/17 size of these: best tires i can think of, so im getting em and the cool thing is, the more they wear, the better they stick [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

11-11-2001, 04:39 PM	#13
YNOT Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 2,736	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. Has anyone tried the Sumitomo HTRZ's?? I've got 'em and I really like 'em. I used to be a big BF Goodrich fanatic, but I really am impressed with these. The TOYOS are supposed to be really nice too.

11-11-2001, 05:20 PM	#14
Ducman69 I pretend to know everything. Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: van by the river Posts: 18,749	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. I noticed a difference like night and day when I strapped on the KDWs. It was a no-brainer at the time with a free G-tech thrown in and a sale price in that size due to the CSVTs just having been discontinued. Not sure what my next tire is going to be. The S0-3s or cheaper RE730s are highest on my list. Definitely doesn't make sense to spend a lot on your suspension if you roll around with poopy tires though. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] I have even considered mix-matching tire sizes, and just replacing the front tires more often than the back. For example 225/45/16s S0-3s up front and 205/50/16 S0-3s in the back. Probably need to install the Eibach front sway bar then. [ 11-11-2001: Message edited by: Ducman69 ]</p>

11-11-2001, 09:08 PM	#15
SCZX3 TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 498	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. Ron, Look into the P-zero's. I had a set on my last car. (88 Escort GT) and let me tell you those tire were flat out awesome. I live near the BMW plant here in SC and until someone totaled that one I was embarassing Bimmers on the corners daily. I am called a tire geek as well. so be it, I love the feeling of a great tire that breaks away with manners. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Greg

11-12-2001, 11:20 AM	#16
jwardell Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Newton, MA Posts: 2,264	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. This is a lesson I learned this summer when I got my paradas and was floored with the difference in traction on dry and when as compared to the stock RS-As. Now I'm waiting for some snows to see how well my new Pilot Alpins work. The stocks were all over the place last winter, so like you I am now excited about tires. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I will never buy an all-season again.

11-12-2001, 11:31 AM	#17
P-51 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Brighton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 14,962	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. I disagree, I don't see the point in spending tons of money on street tires when you don't race on the street. They are going to wear out, and 99.9% of the time when you aren't at the limit, you're just wasting your money. I just buy reasonable tires, learn the limits, and stick with it. When I am racing, I use racing tires. I don't race on the street, so what the point? Anyway, my next set of tires is probably going to be: The ZX3 won't be daily driven starting next summer, so a set of R comps will suffice for all my racing, and occaisional street "pimping" I need. Probably get a set of 17" wheels, 225-45-17 Kumho V700's and that's it. No more street tires.

11-12-2001, 11:38 AM	#18
focaljet-1 Small Car Czar Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: On the RotorMedia helipad Posts: 29,091	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by P-51: I disagree, I don't see the point in spending tons of money on street tires when you don't race on the street. They are going to wear out, and 99.9% of the time when you aren't at the limit, you're just wasting your money. I just buy reasonable tires, learn the limits, and stick with it. When I am racing, I use racing tires. I don't race on the street, so what the point? Anyway, my next set of tires is probably going to be: The ZX3 won't be daily driven starting next summer, so a set of R comps will suffice for all my racing, and occaisional street "pimping" I need. Probably get a set of 17" wheels, 225-45-17 Kumho V700's and that's it. No more street tires.<hr></blockquote> I don't race on the street either, but I am an enthusiast. I must just drive a little more "enthusiastically" then you Rob [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] because I can definately tell the difference between a $100 tire and a $200 tire in my daily driving. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

11-12-2001, 08:27 PM	#19
Aaron TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ft.Wayne Posts: 416	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. Ok, I am also big into tires. I feel that one should AT LEAST spend some money to get DECENT TIRES. This is the ONLY contact between yo uand the road. NOTHING ELSE. I also run the BLIZZAK ws-50 in the winter on my stock wheels like you Ron. I love them. I can feel them better than any other tire, They do awesome on packed snow and powder. I went to Vermont last year and I was running 75-80 mph with 8 in of snow on the ground and 8 in falling. I took a picture of it from inside the car cause we were haulin! I felt very confident in my tires. Now this summer I ran Kuhmo Ecstas. they are nice tire, do good in the rain, BUT I have a sedan and they wear REALLY weird. Almost like my rear end is too light and it hops a little. Not enough to feel, but enough to wear the inside of the tire funny. I have rotated them four times already. Sometime they hum, even when warmed up. the next time I see ya Ron I' ll show you its really weird.

11-12-2001, 09:53 PM	#20
esseff TEAM Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Northwestern, NJ, USA Posts: 569	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. Have any of you heard of FULDA tires? They are the best winter tires for my money...Sumer ( 3 season tires ) Give me Pirelli's or give me the shoe leather express. Bet you think I am opinionated... well you're wrong. I'm right! He said as he stepped down from the soap box, tongue firmly in cheek.

11-12-2001, 09:53 PM	#21
ZTS_Dude TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: [Tim] PDX/Salem, OR Posts: 723	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. Can you fit 215/50's on the Stock 16's? (Or 215/45) When I get new tires (I want to wear out the stock ones, since I figure it will save me money, and winter is coming, and they're all season- soo...yeah) I'd like to get 215's, but I know the rims aren't too wide. Would they fit?

11-13-2001, 09:08 AM	#22
P-51 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Brighton, Ontario, Canada Posts: 14,962	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. Ron, I'm not saying I can't feel the difference, I'm saying it's just not worth the extra money in my mind. And I'm not saying I buy Wal-Mart tires or something. If I was to get street tires, it would be probably the KDWs, or the Ecsta Supras. Good, but low expense tires. I wouldn't buy some of those things like Michelins or whatever that are like $200 a tire or whatever. I can feel the difference, but I wear out a set of tires in a year, and it gets too expensive. Not when I can buy a decent set of KDW's for $90 a tire.

11-13-2001, 09:26 AM	#23
focaljet-1 Small Car Czar Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: On the RotorMedia helipad Posts: 29,091	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. I agree, both the KDW's and Ecsta's are very good tires for the money, nothing wrong with those. I won't pay astronomical prices either [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I got my Pole Positions for $158 ea. when the retail was $228. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] My quest is to experience as many different high performance tires that I can. For that goal, I'll spend a little $ but thats just my personal preference. Like I said, I'm a tire geek. Maybe I should have titled the thread differently [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] I just wanted to make sure that I got my point accross. I know I will probably piss some people off saying this but, I just don't want someone buying, let's say, a Parada and thinking they are experiencing the best tire technology has to offer. Not to pick on the Parada there isn't anything majorly wrong with the it.. It's a decent tire IMO. but it's not at the level as many people may lead themselves to believe. I have several friends that work at TireRack and they get to test all the tires under controlled circumstances so I use a lot of what they tell me to make my decisions.

11-13-2001, 11:01 AM	#24
ZX3Racing TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 611	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. I can tell you one thing about the Paradas, they are a thrill in the rain when they are worn out!! I have under 20,000 miles on mine and they are shot on all four corners. I will be looking for a new set of tires in the spring. I saw a set of Michelin Pilot Sports here at work but unfortunately, they do not come in the size I want for the Focus. [ 11-13-2001: Message edited by: ZX3Racing ]</p>

11-13-2001, 02:33 PM	#25
Ducman69 I pretend to know everything. Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: van by the river Posts: 18,749	Re: Buy the best tires you can afford. <blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Not when I can buy a decent set of KDW's for $90 a tire. <hr></blockquote> Where is that? I don't feel that I got all that great a deal afterall. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] They used to be $98 on special sale at TireRack... now they are $116.

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