Hey guys, 01 5AT here looking for Winter or A/S recommendations. Live in the midwest and looking for any names/tires sizes you guys recommend
Budget: looking to spend no more than $450

 

I love me some Bridgestone Blizzaks for winter. Check your local craigslist or kijiji, you never know what deals you can find.

 

Was looking at blizzaks for $670 the other day, forgot I could always look at 2nd hand options to meet my budget! I'll check em out

 

If you want a year-round tire, All-Seasons are the only way to go, Pirelli Cinturato P7s and Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 are great options.

If you want to pop for winter tires, then I strongly recommend buying new wheels for them as well. I've used Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, and General, and they all work well. I kinda-sorta prefer the Michelin X-Ice tires, but they are pricey.

 

Goodyear Ultra Grip GW-3, 8 Performance, or Ice WRT. Blizzaks are only 50% of the special rubber compound. When that wears, you're left with a normal all-season. The Goodyears are the same special rubber material, but all the way through. They perform better all around than Blizzaks. I've had numerous winter tires on the CL-S and other vehicles and these things are by far and away the best. Goodyear generally has rebates going on their tires too. Though they will ship for free to a local installer, buy them locally so the shop gets the money (like all small businesses they need it right now and you should pay the same either way).

 

pretty sure that a not entirely true because after blizzaks are 55% worn you are left with a normal winter tire not a normal all season tire.

 

Blizzaks doesn't have some super special rubber that no one else can create. They have the same stuff others offer. They do a lot of marketing BS in their descriptions. They're just the one that people circle jerk about, having not experienced any other winter tires, so all of them will feel good. There are MANY that are much better. They're just the Budweiser of winter tires. If you're looking for the best, stuff like Nokian Tyres are going to make Blizzaks look like driving on roller-skates.

 

So what you are saying is that you hate blizzaks so much that you think they magically turn into an all season tire after they are worn lol.

 

No I'm saying friends work in the tire industry and I've seen testing and breakdowns of the compounds involved. But if you think Blizzaks are the god tire, then go with them and enjoy.

 

I literally said I love me some blizzaks. I never said they are the best.

 

Thanks guys, seems most of the recommendations surpass my budget so I'm gonna try to see if I can get a deal on craigslist/ebay for used ones

 

On-line and local installers are always offering rebates or buy 3 get one free etc. You can get into a set of tires for a good price, but usually $100 or more for installation/balancing makes the price rise. Used tires are normally less, but unless they are new takeoffs you are better off with new. My two cents...

Tires are the only things between your nice car and the road so shop wisely

Mike