Might be the last set...how high should I go?

[daves87rs]

Okay...after updating my wife's car, one of the last things I will do is put a set of new tires on it to replace the current Kelly Navigators, which are at about 5/12ths right now. They have been pretty good tires, and it looks like I'll get about 50ish out of the 70k promised...which really is not bad for mostly city driving...

Anyways, there will be no drawn out threads for this cavalier (you're welcome Critic

) I'm looking to get what I think will be the last tire I put on this ten year old car. Sadly, no matter how hard I fight, I think this car has another 2-3 years before the rot/rust gets real bad (though it could depend on the winters) So with that being said- I'm looking at a good tire, though I'm not sure I want the top of the line...


Maybe it's because it's been beat into my head, but I'm pretty set on something from the Michelin family this time around. Though I have limited choices...pretty much the Defender, BFG Touring/Advantage TA, or the Tiger Paw AWP. Just how much difference would I be looking at with these three? Prices are around Defender-101 /BFG TAs-73/ TPs-75 per tire.


And when I said other choices, I only meant a few- either the Cooper CS4s/Mastercraft Anvengers or the Yoko Avid touring-S. I'm not playing guess who made what tire any more...I guess I should be happy that in the size for this car (195/70/14s), you either get high end or chinese junk....


Of course, comments good or constructive are welcome......

 

[HTSS_TR]

Discount Tire has GT Radial Champiro VP1 in your size for $45. If you plan to keep the car only 2-3 years then this tire with 40k miles warranty is okay.

 

[CourierDriver]

buy used

 

[skyactiv]

Look for a tire with low rolling resistance if available in your size. They can potentially increase your gas mileage a tad. Even if such a tire more expensive, you could recoup the initial expense. The Michelin Defender is a "LRR" tire and your best choice I think. The cheapest route for this tire is the Tirerack for about $450 delivered to your house and taking them to Wal-Mart for installation. $500. I have got Discount Tire to match what I would spend going the Tire Rack route, including tax and install, on expensive performance tires.

 

[Tdbo]

Of your choices, I'd say either the BFG Touring/Advantage TA's or the Yokohama Avid Touring-S. I have had multiple sets of both and have found them to be an excellent value. They don't necessarily excel in performance, but they handle well, do well in the rain/snow, and provide excellent wear, if you keep them rotated.

 

[Maximus1966]

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
...current Kelly Navigators, which are at about 5/12ths right now...


That's a lot of tread. You won't need new tires for a while.

 

[Eddie]

Go to the WalMart website and look for tires. Order and get free store delievery and Walmart can mount & balance if you wish. I bought Nexium tires at Walmart and had them M&B for a very good price. Tires have ~ 10,000 miles on now and look to go ~ 50K. Very happy with them. PS 5/12 tread is only about 3/5 worn so why new tires now? Ed

 

[Burt]

Where's a good place to buy used?

 

[dparm]

Originally Posted By: Burt
Where's a good place to buy used?



Discount Tire stores actually have used tires.

 

[JHZR2]

Even the michelins in that size are third world sourced.

Yokohama and cooper may be the last two us made in that size.

I like Michelin, but wouldn't pay first world prices for third world stuff.

 

[Drew99GT]

Discounttire Direct has Hankook H727 on closeout prices. I'd go with those based on price, longevity, and winter traction. They've been the highest, or a close 2nd, rated all season tire for the last several years.

 

[CourierDriver]

In chattanooga there are several used tire stores, maybe some in your town. Sometimes they have new tires that came off of wrecked cars, keep checking, you may save over 50 pct, but you must check often and start early before you need the tires. On 8 and 10 ply van tires I have bought them for 45 bucks each and new they are 160 to 225 each. These were on my one ton van. 3300 lb load range.

 

[javacontour]

Figure three years. Multiply your annual mileage by three and choose tires that you expect to last that long.

We have run a bunch of the BFG tires you mention without drama. But we drive 20K+ miles/year so we go through them in about 3 years give or take.

 

[Falken]

Those Kelly's have a lot of tread. Don't bother changing them.

 

[dparm]

Who cares where the tires are made? China != [censored]

 

[Wolf359]

Originally Posted By: Falken
Those Kelly's have a lot of tread. Don't bother changing them.


It's not really that much, 2/32's is considered bald, but I really wouldn't want to go lower than 3 or 4/32's because wet weather traction won't be that good. Also if you're getting used tires, make sure you check the date code, anything over 6 years old is suspect especially if you're in the south or a hot weather climate. If you have cold winters, you might be able to stretch it out a couple more years.

 

[Rolla07]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Discount Tire has GT Radial Champiro VP1 in your size for $45. If you plan to keep the car only 2-3 years then this tire with 40k miles warranty is okay.


+1

For a car of that age id go with cheap tires but not the cheapest. I think these fit the bill.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: dparm
Who cares where the tires are made? China != [censored]


Because I live here and pay taxes here and would expect a major discount. Especially since jobs are finite and I end up paying unemployment for folks who would otherwise be making tires.

20-30% of a tire's cost is labor. (http://m.seekingalpha.com/article/890441) I'd expect a discount commensurate with that, but don't see it compared to tires of similar sizes in the line made in Canada, France or the USA.

The michelins are made in Mexico, but same situation. Won't pay first world prices for third world stuff.

 

[bepperb]

Advantage T/A's... I had a set and I liked them. Average snow tires but otherwise I really liked them. Made in USA (in my size at least) and the cheapest on your list.

Enjoy buying a 300 dollar set of tires, when you replace this car it's going to be hard to find something with 14 inch wheels!

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: bepperb


Enjoy buying a 300 dollar set of tires, when you replace this car it's going to be hard to find something with 14 inch wheels!


Ain't that the truth!!

And with install, even these tire sizes aren't cheap.

I remember getting $25 tires in 155r-13 on my father's corolla.