'03 Forester - Replacement tire question

[Tom McCarthy]

My '03 Forester has 44,000 mi. and I want to put new tires on before on
before winter. I live in New England, they have to be snow and ice
capable. I don't venture off-road, rarely off paved surfaces. The
originals were Yokohama Geolander (215/60R16). A couple of tires I was
considering are: Michelin MXV4-Plus, Firestone Affinity LH30, or
Bridgestone Turanza LS-H.

I would appreciate any experience other Forester owners have had with
replacement tires. Thanks.

 

[H]

Try the Goodyear Triple treads, Tirerack.com has them as one of the top
rated all-seasons out there with excellent treadwear. I put them on my 04
(got rid of the Geo's) at 17,000km last December. I've done snow, ice and
lots of rain, mostly hwy. Made a world of difference to handling and the
anti-lock brakes don't kick-in (pulsate) hardly ever in the wet any more due
to the wet traction. They look good too.

 

[George Bame]

I bought Michelin Hydroedges for my 03 Forester. They have a similar tread
pattern as the Goodyear Triple Treads. From what I can discern, the
Michelins and Goodyears looked like a tossup. I've bought Michelins for
years; so, I opted for them. I've done some serious wet weather driving
with them and found them to be excellent. Haven't had them in any snow.

I got my Hydroedges from tirerack.com, then had the dealer mount and balance
them. I saved well over $100 that way, and found the tirerack folks
excellent to deal with.

George Bame
Norfolk, VA

 

[jabario]

I put Kumho KH18's on my outback and love them so far. Great in the
rain and dry. No snow yet

 

[Edward Hayes]

I put Kumho Ectas 716 HPs on my Forester. I live is SW Florida and
must say they are very excellent in heavy monsoon type rains. I now
have 16,000 miles on them and drives as new. No snow experience of
course.

 

[Larry Van Wormer]

I bought Michelin Hydroedges for my 03 Forester. They have a similar tread
pattern as the Goodyear Triple Treads. From what I can discern, the
Michelins and Goodyears looked like a tossup. I've bought Michelins for
years; so, I opted for them. I've done some serious wet weather driving
with them and found them to be excellent. Haven't had them in any snow.

The Hydroedges are good in light snow at least, according to a friend
who has them on his Forester. Better than any other all-seasons he has
used, though not as good as dedicated snow tires, of course.

Larry Van Wormer

 

[Kurt C. Hack]

I've been happy with my Goodyear Triple Treads. Get the H rated version
though.

-Kurt