Now that I have decided on a 17" rim for my 2000 SE, I'm now looking at tires (235/45R17).

www.tirerack.com offers approx 44 tires in this size. I've narrowed my choice to 3: Kumho ECSTA Supra 712 ($100), Bridgestone RE730 ($147), and Michelin XGT Z4 ($188).

I originally nixed the Kumhos because of the price (I figured you get what you pay for). However, these tires rate very well according to tirerack's informal owner surveys. They list all three as being very good with the Bridgestone slightly edging the Kumho's and the Kumho's slightly edging the Michelin's.

My question is why??? What makes a $100 tire outperform a $188 tire. Saving $88/tire really appeals to me!

Anyone who has Kumho tires...please post what you think of them (i.e. performance, wear, wet handling, etc).

Thanks!

 

The brand name perhaps? Kumho is notvery well known like the others.....but I have heard nothing but good things about those tires.

 

I agree with UMD...it's probably the brand name. I've had them for about 1200 miles and they've been smooth running and problem-free so far. There hasn't been much rain here in SoCal but with the deep groove running down the middle, I'm sure the water should be channeled away pretty easily. I say go for it!

 

Thanks for the reply guys.

dogg: How does your ride on the 18's compare with the 17's? You experience increased noise or vibration?

 

Kumhos are inexpensive for two reasons - they are new here so can't charge for their name and they are Korean - less expensive labor. Neither is a reason for them to be looked down on.

Dave

 

Thanks wdave...I think I'll give them a try. Certainly can't beat the price.

 

It's not anything that's noticeable or remotely bothersome. It's definitely been worth the investment IMO. Let us know how the Kumhos treat you.

 

GOOOO KUMHOS!!!
kumhos are bad-a$$....
i'd buy the set of kumhos only if my nittos were all worn out...damn....

 

I know this is wayyy off the subject but I can't help but notice your sig. You should update it to read "Lakers up
2-0 in the series"....yesss! Go Lakers. Sorry fellows

 

hahah ditto.... GO LAKERS

 

Thanks for keeping me decent guys.
For the sake of keeping this post relevant to the thread...GO KUMHOS (and Lakers)!

 

Good job mbcp_tdogg!