'03 GLI Summer Tire Recommendations?

Question

Blew out three of the original stock Michelins earlier this winter, and decided to replace with winter tires and deal with the expense of replacing the michelins with 4 brand new summer only tires after the snow season left us. The Michelins are so expensive, and now I have a dedicated set of winter rims and tires, looking for a good summer only tire that will fit my

17" stock rims. Wet weather is common here in the northeast so that is a consideration. Looking for a balance between performance, road noise and cost. No need for anything that is deemed race worthy, just a good tire for very spirited highway and back road use. Would most likely get them from tirerack.com if they're available.

2003 Jetta GLI. 225 45 HR17's came on the car.

Rob Guenther · Accepted Answer

I love my Nokian WR tires (Same company that makes the Hakkapeletta snow tires)... tho these are true 4-season tires (so you don't need winters with them... they also work well in the summer season, come in H rated and V rated versions... I have the H rated) so you would almost be wasting money since you already have winters, they do make a line of summer tires, but I believe they are more costly.I find they have tons of grip, awesome in the rain, quiet enough, stable on the highway, and they actually work in snow!(they have "Hakka siping").... Best tires I have used - wear rating is 420 on them, so same as the Michelin MXV4+ that came on your car (we have these on our Volvo.... Not as nice as the Nokians in any weather, and the Michelins are more money, we have Goodyear Eagle LS on our other Golf, they are garbage tires... enough grip (tho not as good as the Michelin or Nokians), but there's something about how they feel when you drive the car I don't like...

Spencer · Answer

I recommend Bridgestone Potenza RE950; a great 3 season tire.  On thehighway, semi-panic stops (80-0 mph), they just stick to the pavement.I've driven 45,000 miles on mine and there is still lots of tread left(30%).  Wet and dry handeling is the same.  The ABS hasn't kicked insince I changed from the OEM BF Goodrich Comp T/A.  These tires lovewet weather.I decided to buy mine after I read all the reviews on 1998 Golf GTI 2.0L

EC · Answer

Dunlop 8000 or 9000.I've never used a better street tire.

'03 GLI Summer Tire Recommendations?

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