Topic: 2001 Maxima tires

[milo]

Hello,
After 95,000KM I have to replace OEM Potenza 225-50R17 tires on my '01 Maxima SE.
I am looking for some help on choosing a good value for the money tire. Since I live in Mississauga
and work at the airport I don't need snow tires. I am looking for a good all season tire that will last
for some time and provide good grip, handling and ride.

I checked tires at Costco but I could not believe the price ($250 each plus tax for Michelins).

Thank you.

Milo

[Craig]

Since I live in Mississauga and work at the airport I don't need snow tires.

The planes don't give off that much heat...but if you want to stick with A/S tires, that's fine.  I agree that the the main roads leading to Pearson are plowed pretty regularly.

Yep, I've noticed that 17" V and W-rated performance tires go north of $200 pretty quickly.  TT seems to have a selection of Falken, Kumho and Avon tires in the $140-160 range.  Move up to $175, for a BF Goodrich.  There are lower cost options than Michelin, and at least one of them will suit your vehicle (and probably be a better tire than the OEMs).  I'll let Morty comment on which ones.

[2latecrew]

I have Kumho ASX on my 1999 Maxima and have been pleased with their quiet performance so far (only a 2 months). Not sure about winter driving as I use dedicated winters but they are A/S. They also have a slightly less perfomance oriented newer tire the SPT out. Should be in around the $150 range from most places.

Just about anything is going to seem like a big improvemnt over OEM Potenza which I've unfortunatley experienced on other cars i've owned.

No reason you should not be able to find something that's very good for your needs in the 150-160 range.

[mmret]

I am looking for a good all season tire that will last
for some time and provide good grip, handling and ride.

Not an easy tradeoff necessarily...

Potenza RE960 cost a fortune but they're the best thing since sliced bread 9 months of the year.
Nokian WR / WRG2 can actually go all year, almost anywhere in Canada.

Those are probably the two extremes in this case. Morty can fill in the middle much better than us...

Of course, even if you just throw darts at a wall you'll probably end up with something better than an RE92.

[milo]

Thank you all for your quick replies.
I was considering Kumho ASX and Yokohama AVID V4S based on reviews from Tirerack but wanted to see input form Canadian residents. Potenza RE960 are recommended as well but locally cost close to Michelins.

I was thinking of ordering from the US (now that the dollar is at the par) but not sure if that is a good route to take.

Since almost everyone mentioned Morty I hope he will provide some input as well.

Regards,

Milo

[HeliDriver]

... They also have a slightly less perfomance oriented newer tire the SPT out. ...

Actually, the SPT is a higher performance, summer-only tire.

I've got them on my Civic, and I wouldn't even want to think about driving on those in the winter.

[arch]

Morty is out of town this week so i'm hopping in to help out.  Hope i'll be able to provide some insight.

Both the ASX and the V4S are excellent tires.  Another couple to consider would be the Sumitomo HTR+ (TireTrends includes a RoadHazard Warranty for this brand) and even the Pirelli PZero Nero if you're looking for a premium option. 

I do agree that if you are needing to drive in the winter, you may want to consider a winter specific tire.  If you can get away with parking the car until the snow goes, then you can consider running an all-season.

Hope that helps!
Arch

[2latecrew]

... They also have a slightly less perfomance oriented newer tire the SPT out. ...

Actually, the SPT is a higher performance, summer-only tire.

I've got them on my Civic, and I wouldn't even want to think about driving on those in the winter.

Should have said AST

They don't list 225/50 17 on tires trends but on the site i bought my ASX from they list 225/50 17 ASX 165 and SPT 169 each. I considered them for my car but although they are more of a touring tire (and I assumed less tracion softer sidewall actually have a lower treadwear rating than the higher performance ASX. They do however have a very sexy looking tred pattern.

Pirelli PZero are about $70 more each. big money IMO for a stock maxima. Heck 280 will buy you a nice set f H&R springs for the maxima

[milo]

Just as the first snow storm of the season is moving into GTA tonight I thought it would be a  good idea to post an update to my original post.
After doing some research I decided to go with Yokohama AVID V4S all seasons. It seemed to get good reviews on many websites.
I purchased them here in Mississauga from Transland Tire. They gave me the best price ($680 for four tires, everything included) and I would recommend them to anyone.
So far Yokohamas have proved much better than original Potenzas RE92; quieter, better grip, softer ride, excellent in rain. The only test remaining is performance in snow and that will be tested tomorrow.

Thanks to all who replied to my original post.

[SkiBunny]

Those tires have a good rep from owners.  Be interesting to see how those are in the snow.

Never owned that tire, but I've never been happy with any v-rated tire in snow, even light snow.  So last time, I got an h-rated tire for my Eclipse turbo which is spec'd for v-rated tires.  I think the H tires were better than the V tires in the slush and snow.

But... the almanac is forecasting only 2-3 days of snowfall for this winter in toronto.  That's it.   

Remember last year, the first snowfall and day of freezing temps never came until February, and a couple of weeks later it felt like spring again.  No justification here for snow tires last year.

[tpl]

Those tires have a good rep from owners.  Be interesting to see how those are in the snow.

Never owned that tire, but I've never been happy with any v-rated tire in snow, even light snow.  So last time, I got an h-rated tire for my Eclipse turbo which is spec'd for v-rated tires.  I think the H tires were better than the V tires in the slush and snow.

But... the almanac is forecasting only 2-3 days of snowfall for this winter in toronto.  That's it.   

Remember last year, the first snowfall and day of freezing temps never came until February, and a couple of weeks later it felt like spring again. No justification here for snow tires last year.

Actually it was the w/e before Monday 15th January in the GTA   Friday 12th Jan dry roads. Monday 15th Ice everywhere. I remember exactly 'cos we closed on our house on the 15th but did not get to go there until the 16th.

[SkiBunny]

Actually it was the w/e before Monday 15th January in the GTA   Friday 12th Jan dry roads. Monday 15th Ice everywhere. I remember exactly 'cos we closed on our house on the 15th but did not get to go there until the 16th.

Then your account must be accurate no doubt, though I dont remember that day.  I mostly remember a warm winter that included us going up to our cottage in december and january, the lake still unfrozen throughout both months, and Blue Mountain remaining closed through Xmas and January for the first time on record because it was far too warm to snow or make snow.   
My heating budget loved it.

[tzh]

Those tires have a good rep from owners.  Be interesting to see how those are in the snow.