Recommendation for Subaru Outback

[harrydog]

Too bad the other thread was locked but I understand why.
I hope this one doesn't follow the same path.

I'm now leaning toward these two tires and would like opinions, especially on the Nokians.

1) Michelin Primacy MXV4
2) Nokian WR G2

The Nokians will cost me about $50 more thant the Michelins for a set of 4. They're supposedly much better in winter conditions but I don't know how long they will last if I run them year round. They are a 50K mile tire and the Michelins are a 60K mile tire. I don't mind giving up a little tread life to get better winter grip but if they won't last me at least 40K miles...

 

[ChiTDI]

PM sent.

 

[paul246]

You have to remember that the winter grip of the Nokian will decrease as they wear. Much better to invest in a set of steel wheels and winter specific tires, you will get much longer life out of the summer and winter tires that way.

 

[harrydog]

Originally Posted By: paul246
You have to remember that the winter grip of the Nokian will decrease as they wear. Much better to invest in a set of steel wheels and winter specific tires, you will get much longer life out of the summer and winter tires that way.

I know, but I just don't want the hassle of two sets of tires. I've done that in the past.
I'm willing to live with the trade-offs. I just want to find the best option.
If the Nokians winter grip would only be good for one year I may not be interested. I'm looking for tires that I can get 2 to 3 years out of. At least 2 winters worth of decent traction.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Michelin Primacy MXV4 is expensive, tires + mounting + balance + ... will set you back more than $700 for 4 tires.

Michelin is usually last a long time, I have a set of Harmony on LS400 for more than 50k miles and still have some tread left for another 15-20 miles. Most other tires like Kumho, Yokohama, Sumitomo ... with similar tread wear rating lasted less than 40k miles on that car.

If you can afford the cost of Primacy MXV4, I say go for it. Buy it at Costco or Sams Club or local tire shop for tread life warranty purpose.

 

[Audi Junkie]

I think they are both overkill for an Outback.

 

[charbaby]

Harry,
I like your other choices from your first post better than the ones that you mention now. You mentioned some good A/S tires in that first post and you don't have to mess around with a second set of rims. You can drive these A/S tires all year around, they should last a long time, will do great in a Ohio winter(I've seen Ohio winters on the news, kinda like Buffalo) on a Subaru AWD especially the Tripple Tread and the Avid TRZ and others that I can't remember. Probably cost a whole lot less. Especially since you say that you to run the tires all year around.

Just my .02cents

 

[Gunguydin]

Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
I think they are both overkill for an Outback.


The Outback does go forward with no problems in slippery conditions, but I have found it easy to break lateral traction. It kind of comes as a suprise due to over confidence from it's GOING FORWARD PROWESS. Something with a winter traction reputation would be good.

 

[Hollow]

http://www.subaruoutback.org If you aren't there you should be.

There's been a good deal of discussion on the 3rd Gen OB having a tendency to wander the rear end under certain conditions, a good swaybar upgrade goes a long way on these cars.

Also, I'll be putting TripleTreads on whatever new OB we end up getting, they were great on our 96.

 

[harrydog]

Originally Posted By: HollowEyes
www.subaruoutback.org If you aren't there you should be.

There's been a good deal of discussion on the 3rd Gen OB having a tendency to wander the rear end under certain conditions, a good swaybar upgrade goes a long way on these cars.

Also, I'll be putting TripleTreads on whatever new OB we end up getting, they were great on our 96.

Yeah, I'm already a member over there. The TT is very popular over there but as others have said, they seem to have more than their share of complaints as well.
Although I'm still open to many of the possibilities mentioned, I'm leaning strongly in favor of the Primacy.
I have to drive to Memphis the first week in December and I'm hoping to put off buying the tires until after that trip. I'm sure I could change my mind between now and then.
The Yokohama YK520 is another one that just came to my attention. It's not available from Tire Rack for some reason. Discount Tire sells them.

 

[rjundi]

I own a set of Nokian WR G2's on a close cousin (albiet performance) 2005 Legacy GT Wagon. They are leaps and bounds better in slush, rain, and snow conditions vs the Michelin's. However they tend to wear a bit fast. 40k will be great but not sure if possible on our car. However my car uses 215/45/17's which are only available in V-rated. The H rated Nokians definitely last at least 40k miles if not 50k in my experience. I have owned a few sets of Nokian's prior.

The Nokian's are not overkill for an Outback unless you like sliding around corners and not stopping well.

 

[harrydog]

Originally Posted By: rjundi
I own a set of Nokian WR G2's on a close cousin (albiet performance) 2005 Legacy GT Wagon. They are leaps and bounds better in slush, rain, and snow conditions vs the Michelin's. However they tend to wear a bit fast. 40k will be great but not sure if possible on our car. However my car uses 215/45/17's which are only available in V-rated. The H rated Nokians definitely last at least 40k miles if not 50k in my experience. I have owned a few sets of Nokian's prior.

The Nokian's are not overkill for an Outback unless you like sliding around corners and not stopping well.

I agree that they aren't overkill. Is the WRG2 available in an H rating?

 

[Gunguydin]

I will be getting the WR G2's probably later this month as a dedicated winter tire. (On an Outback). I'm a little bit leary of an ultra winter only, ultra soft compound tire because most of my winter driving will be on dry roads. Concerned about wear and poor handling.