Hey guys. I just bought some 98 SE rims for my 90 GXE. I bought only the rims, and now Im shopping for tires. I have heard that I have to use 215/55/16 instead of 225/55/16, so thats what I'll be using (215). Well my question is, what are the best tires (bang for your buck).

I am in Los Angeles, so there is not much rain. I want a basically full dry traction tire. In the winter, I dont mind putting back on my stock rims.

I have been leaning towards Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 ($350 for 4 $88/each, from tirerrack.com) or
Nitto NT 450 ($371 for 4, $92/each, from discounttiredirect.com)
Prices include road hazard warranty.

Has anyone had experience with these tires?? And I prefer to buy them locally instead of online, so I can get them rotated/balanced every 6k miles, and if I ever get a flat take it in to get it repaired. How does it work with these online tire sellers?? I called around here in LA, and have been quoted around $100+/each for those tires..thats why Ive turned to looking online..
All advice appreciated..

 

Post in the wheels and tires section.

 

Yokohama AVS-ES100s. You won't regret it. They are in everyway superior to the 712s.

 

well first off, try places that say they wont be beat. and tell the stores what the other place has a price of, they usually beat it by like 20 bucks.

as for which size, use the tire calc from the wheel and tires section, its a sticky.

and lastly, check tirerack and look at the reviews for the tires you're deciding on. if you dont plan on racing it, go with a bang for buck tire. good luck.

 

How about Falken Ziex 512's or Kumho ASX. I was at America's Tire Co. getting my current tires rotated/balanced, and the guy was saying that they are phasing out the Kumho ecsta 712s. He said that most of their stores only have a few in stock, and then said that the treadwear is not good on them and they dont last long..
The guy was really trying to sell my the Kumho ASX's. Talked to me for 10 minutes about how the design is such that when you turn you get more traction, etc. etc.....Then he mentioned the Falken Ziex 512's. I told him I have heard about them not lasting very long, he said that they should go for 30k+..
Any other recommendations?? Now Im kinda leaning towards the Nitto 450's. what would you guys do???

 

712's are cool but the best tires I have experience with are the Bridgestone Potenza Re950's. But if it's a bit too much for your budget, the Yokohama AVS ES100's would be my next choice.

 

I've been pretty happy with any kumho product I've gotten.

 

BFGoodrich All Terrains


agreed with the potenza 950s.. i have them and my only gripe about them is that theyre noisy at high speeds

 

712 are good for the price...but they do wear fast and require more frequent tire balancing b/c they wear unevenly (this was on a stock car), in my experience.