Thanks for all the feedback on tires. I think I will buy a set of Kumho Ecsta 712's. I have a '97 Maxima Se with 16" rims and wonder if I should stick with the stock 215/55/16 or go to 225/50/16. Any thoughts?? BTW - what are others doing for winter snows on the Maxima?

 

If you are planning on running the 712s in the winter, think again. You will kill yourself on 712s in the winter.

 

I'm using some yokohama snow tires on my 15" steelies in the winter. I also have chains in the trunk just in case. I'm probably going to buy the Kumho's, and I am also debating whether to get the 225's or the 215's.

 

hey, I was also deciding long time what tires to buy with my new rims. I too, decided to go with the Kumho 712's...after a lot of research they are very good tires. Not too many people know about them -but based on stats & from opinions of others, they are good tires overall wet & try seasons. Definately go for the wider size...it will look better & give better handling.

I'm getting 235/40/18 Kumho 712's...i actually put down a deposit on them to keep on layaway for me with my 18" Konig Aluminum rims.

-I will most likely switch to my stock 15" hub caps and cheap tires when it becomes cold & winter approaches.

 

Not too many people know about Kumhos? Since when? Its the most popular tire on the market right now.

If you are looking for performance at a good price, the Sumitomo HTRZ-II is the tire of choice. This tire will run circles around the Kumho, both wet and dry, and is identical in price.

 

Before my need tires (BF Goodrich Euro T/A) I had some Kumho's The tirewear doesn't last as long as my tires now cuz mine are a lesser speed rating plus I live in UT so I need a more all season tire with having to deal with snow and water. I think depending on where u live. Kumho are ok in the dry season but plan on using your stock if you have rims for snow or rain tires. Thats what I'll be doing.
I like the Kumho tread alot though

 

I didn't mean this forum...i ment like in general not too many peole know about kumho's...and don't think they're good tires.


I never heard of sumitomo...and no one really said anything so im not gonna risk with something i haven't had too much input on. I went to tirerack.com and they don't even have this tire listed, is it old or something

 

They do too have it listed. People rave about how excellent that tire is on Tirerack. Check again. Its a superior tire to Kumho, and has been around longer too.

 

Not sure if you're stuck on the Kumho's or not, but I have the Falken Ziex, and they are NICE! Not too loud on the street, Z Rated, Softer Compound, Good Cornering, and reasonably Priced... $100.00 Each. Also, they work great in the snow...

 

I gots kumhos.
Been real happy with em.
The goodyears my 97SE came with sucked.
Sumitomos were also on my list, but cost more when I was buying.
I got new 17" wheels at the same time.
My plan was to put snows on the stock wheels
but this winter was so mild [least in my part of CT] I never got around to it.

 

I really was more than pleased with my Dunlop SP5000 tires I had on my '91 SE-R.I one-up sized to 15's on that car and was perfectly happy with the balance of ride, handling.

I cannot wait to get these tires on my 95 Max GLE. I just cannot decide on what size wheel I want. I do not want too large a wheel for the fact I do so much driving at long distances, I dont want the bent wheel syndrome due to a real low profile tire and rough ride those seem to give. I do not want to give anything up for "looks". i just want to enhance the handling of the GLE a bit.

Any good reasonable advice? Any fellow GLE owners up size their wheel/tires?

 

I would def. not use Kumhos for the snow. I had a set on my car and lost it and almost got myself killed.

 

I've got the Ziex 512's...Z rated, quiet, good cornering so far, M+S, rim protector, great tread design (looks the same as the 502's) with a big groove down the middle like the Kumho's and slightly cheaper than the Kumho's in my area. I'm happy with the purchase.

 

Kumho 712s suck (for my driving needs). I have had them for a few weeks now and am very disappointed. I was looking for a high performance summer tire.

These things howl like crazy when pushed hard...at least the
breakaway is predictable...it lets go in a nice controlled fashion...
but this is definitely not the sticky performance tire i was
looking for...i guess the high treadwear should have been a tipoff...

If you are looking for tires that really stick..forget the kumhos...
if you are looking for "sporty" tires that are decent at cornering, are reasonably quiet on the highway, and offer decent treadlife, the kumhos may be a good choice, esp at 98 dollars a tire.

i'm shopping around for a good deal right now on some s02s.