One more thing........going for the SL to have more tire choices, AND have better performance in winter conditions here in WisCONsin. Agree ?

Any twin city/Buffalo SE owners that can comment on SE 18" tire handling when things get slippery and frosty ?

Thanks again....
D

 

Getting a second set of tires on rims is the best choice. Then you don't have to pay twice a year to get your tires mounted and balanced. And your nice alloy wheels stay that way, not exposed to salt all winter long.

You'll find that the cost of steel rims is nearly balanced out by the cost of mounting and balancing winter and summer tires on the same rims over the lifetime of the tires (about 3-4 years).

CM.

 

Maximame - The SL does give better tire choices (especially less expensive ones), as well as a more comfortable ride. But, just as CanadianMoFo said, if you intend to do much driving in Wisconsin in the wintertime, your best bet is probably getting 17" steel wheels (not very expensive) with winter tires. there is no need to spend money on Michelins or Pirellis for what these tires will be used for. They are strictly 'transportation' to ease you thru the winter weather (and preserve your beautiful alloy wheels).

Adding to CMF's advice, having tires taken off/mounted on these expensive Maxima wheels twice a year is not a comforting thought. I would expect to eventually see some wheel damage from all this on/off stuff. And these wheels are around $700 each at the dealer. Also, these Maximas are extremely sensitive to tire balance, so you would absolutely require rebalancing at every remounting. Within just a few years, this would add up to more than the cost of the steel wheels.

What CMF and I are saying is to choose between the SL and SE based on personal preference, not winter conditions. Let your 17" steel wheels and winter tires do the dirty work on whichever one you choose.

 

SL has a niiiiiiiiiiiice soft ride (when your struts are blown...).

supa soft but tout