I think you can get better tires than the OEM but recommendations from this or another group will depend a lot on where you live, type of road conditions you encounter, etc.
Carl
Ditto Carl's recommendation of Tire Rack. I have purchased several sets there over the years. Their site has a lot of consumer reviews and ratings. No difference in tires for AWD versus FWD/RWD. I just replaced the Michelin Pilots on my Audi quattro with Sumitomo HTR's from the Tire Rack - $85 each versus over $200 for the Michelins.
Tire Rack can also ship your tires directly to an approved local installer, if you like.
NFI, just a very satisfied customer.
Dan D '99 Impreza RS2.5 (son's) Central NJ USA
Thank you both. Using tirerack, discounttires, and consumer reports I decided on the goodyear assurance triple tred. tirerack $102 each, + $45 shipping discount tire $122 each; out the door about $600 including installation
The OEM tire cost almost double, which makes me wonder why it was selected as the OEM tire.
If I mail order the tires, is it a good idea to bring just the wheels and the new tires to have them mounted and balanced by a shop?
I am reluctant to let mechanics screw with my wheels because they always overtighten the lug nuts. Something might get warped. When I tighten the nuts I always use a torque wrench set to the recommended torque.
Can't help you here, I have a decent shop that doesn't go nuts (no pun intended!) tightening the lug nuts....
Dan D '99 Impreza RS (son's) Central NJ USA
Dig around or email tirerack . They have a list of recommended shops for different areas of the country and can even drop ship the tires to the shop. I ordered new alloys and tires so I put the wheels on myself in my garage. But the shop they listed for my area is only a coupla miles away and I feel it would've worked out well. Be sure to mention to DT your on-line pricing from TR. They may surprise you by lowering the price some to get your business. Nothing against TR
- I had a good experience with them - but DT has helped me, my wife and daughters out MANY times with free flat repairs and even 'used' tires in 'urgent' situations. Nothing wrong with giving a local business a shot.
(lots of folks like those tripletreads.)
Carl
I have a year and a half on a set of Pirelli Pzero Nero's M+S on a '02 wrx wagon. Much better wet and dry traction than the RE92's.
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