Looking at TireRack.com, snow tires were priced pretty high and performance winter rubber was looking even worse. Discount Tire and any of the other local shops were 25% higher or more. So after reading various posts and suggestions I decided 17" rims would be a fairly good option, essentially the same price or cheaper than 16" steelies if I found the right set.
So with the power of Craigslist, 17" x 7" alloys off of another poster's Mazda6 + a set of slightly used 215/50 R17 Dunlop Winter Sport M3s means I'm set for the winter. I think I got this done just in time (as it's supposed to snow tonight!) and for $500+ less than new 17" rims and Winter Sport M3s, and don't have to consider driving on the stock Potenzas which are reputed to be downright dangerous at freezing temps or below. The setup's even less costly than 16" steelies & cheap winter rubber.
If it wasn't raining so hard outside right now I'd take a pic of the car, but overall I think the rims look decent on it and the rubber feels pretty good. I'll try to get a shot of it up soon.
MS3 Snow tires & wheels, budget solution...
Anyone know of any places to get winter rubber cheap??? (Wanting Blizzaks) So far the best pricing I can find is either Discount Tire and TireRack. Or, if you know of a tire that is comparable and costs less that would be good too! Planning on doing many snowboard trips, so I'm gonna need good ones.
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Zwetty wrote:Anyone know of any places to get winter rubber cheap??? (Wanting Blizzaks) So far the best pricing I can find is either Discount Tire and TireRack. Or, if you know of a tire that is comparable and costs less that would be good too! Planning on doing many snowboard trips, so I'm gonna need good ones.
I've been led to understand that Blizzaks are going to be way too mushy for most speed3 drivers... The Dunlops I put on mine aren't considered studless snow & ice tires, but performance winter tires, and while most reviews say they aren't AS grippy as Blizzaks or the like would be in the snow and ice, they are going to be good enough while still delivering excellent dry road performance - my week on these so far has borne this out.
You might want to consider looking at performance winter stuff before going down the studless snow & ice route... I brought up X-Ice tires to the Costco and Discount Tire guys, and both immediately recommended performance tires after knowing what the car was. YMMV.
Did you try going to Performance Tire on Santa Fe? Are you going w/ 17 inchers???
Zwetty wrote:Anyone know of any places to get winter rubber cheap??? (Wanting Blizzaks) So far the best pricing I can find is either Discount Tire and TireRack. Or, if you know of a tire that is comparable and costs less that would be good too! Planning on doing many snowboard trips, so I'm gonna need good ones.
AIM WO4
[color=#339966][font=Microsoft Sans Serif][color=gray]CMZƆ[/color][/color][/font]
[size=75]2012 Sinful Sallow, Evo X GSR[/SIZE]
[color=#339966][font=Microsoft Sans Serif][color=gray]CMZƆ[/color][/color][/font]
[size=75]2012 Sinful Sallow, Evo X GSR[/SIZE]
I would look at the Hankook Ice Bears. That is what I just ordered. I would highly recommend a 2nd set of rims for winter. Not only does it make it easier to switch, but stretching out your tires every season is not good for the bead in the long run. Also 18" tires are almost just as expensive as a full set of 17"s on wheels. I just got a set from Discount for $1200 out the door. Just my $.02
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