Tires4 '05 5M Outback Sport?

[Charles Lasitter]

We're taking delivery of the car soon and I'd rather not use up the
original tires before enjoying the benefits of available alternative
tires.

While we are getting the short throw shift option for sportier
driving, I don't want to match that with the most expensive sports
tires, as the care will be driven in a very responsible manner --
most of the time.

It's the wife's car, and I'm actually considering two sets of tires
(winter / summer) because we do get some significant snows here, and
if I go that route, one set of tires need not accomplish everything.
I'll still need "fallback" recommendations for a single set if things
get too spendy, however.

The car will be driven 99.99% on paved roads, and 90+% of that will
be urban driving where the roads are often in fair to poor condition.
I'd like the car to handle as well as the original issue tires, with
the replacement tires providing a better quality ride and / or less
road noise for highway trips.

I'm considering studded snows because they've worked great for me on
the van and I've seen them mentioned here as well.

Kumho is often mentioned as a good replacement tire here.

-- CL.

+-----------------------------------------+
| Charles Lasitter | Mailing / Shipping |
| 401/728-1987 | 14 Cooke St |
| cl+at+ncdm+dot+com | Pawtucket RI 02860 |
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[KLS]

It's the wife's car, and I'm actually considering two sets of tires
(winter / summer) because we do get some significant snows here, and
if I go that route, one set of tires need not accomplish everything.
I'll still need "fallback" recommendations for a single set if things
get too spendy, however.

We are driving Mastercraft Avengers on the '99 Legacy OBW year round,
but I also drive Mastercraft Glacier Grip snows on my '98 Audi A4
Quattro in the winter, and these are wonderful tires. Don't bother
with studs, a waste of money and useless after the first winter. The
Avengers cost $388 mounted and balanced, the Glacier Grips $352 for
same, in sets of four. Our winter driving conditions are similar to
yours.

 

[Dai]

Assuming you'll be driving in RI and vicinity, and not needing max
performance tires, an all-season tire thats been receiveing high praise is
the Pirelli PZero Nero M&S. They're around $105/ea for a 205/55-16.

If you go the 2 sets route, a tire to consider may be the Avon M500. They
run about $80 in 16" and $100 in 17".

Though neither is a grand touring tire, they may be quiet enough while
giving you good dry & wet traction.

Check out tirerack.com. Even if you dont plan on buying online, its a good
site to check prices and get local shops to pricematch.

 

[hippo]

We're taking delivery of the car soon and I'd rather not use up the
original tires before enjoying the benefits of available alternative
tires.

While we are getting the short throw shift option for sportier
driving, I don't want to match that with the most expensive sports
tires, as the care will be driven in a very responsible manner --
most of the time.

It's the wife's car, and I'm actually considering two sets of tires
(winter / summer) because we do get some significant snows here, and
if I go that route, one set of tires need not accomplish everything.
I'll still need "fallback" recommendations for a single set if things
get too spendy, however.

The car will be driven 99.99% on paved roads, and 90+% of that will
be urban driving where the roads are often in fair to poor condition.
I'd like the car to handle as well as the original issue tires, with
the replacement tires providing a better quality ride and / or less
road noise for highway trips.

I'm considering studded snows because they've worked great for me on
the van and I've seen them mentioned here as well.

Kumho is often mentioned as a good replacement tire here.

-- CL.

I'll preface this by saying I've got an OB wagon, not an OB Sport. I'm in
South Coast New South Wales, Australia. Lots of hills, bends and rain and
the occasional rather quick (!) foul weather trip. No need for snows or
studs though.

Used mostly mid to upper range Yokohama, Pirelli & Michelin on previous
Liberty (your Legacy) wagon, 3 Saabs and various others. Hate Geolanders -
too squishy. When I bought the OB it had 30% worn Federal Formozas & I
expected to be throwing them away and replacing them pretty fast. I've
since fitted another set because the ride handling compromise (running
36psi all round) is way better than the price suggests.

Suck it and see I say! Cheers

 

[Charles Lasitter]

Don't bother with studs, a waste of money and useless after the
first winter.

I've been driving studs for years and could never call them a waste of
money given the number of times they've saved my behind.

Given the higher price for the Kumho Ecsta MX, I'm now leaning towards
the HP4 716 based on price and the TireRack reviews as an option for
all season tires. The ASX are only $10 more, the ratings seem to be
pretty close to the HP4 716.

I've seen a number of mentions favoring Kumho studdeds for demanding
winter driving. I'd still love to hear from someone that has tried the
GreenDiamond tires though.

-- CL.

+-----------------------------------------+
| Charles Lasitter | Mailing / Shipping |
| 14 Cooke St | cl+at+ncdm+dot+com |
| Pawtucket RI 02860 | 401/728-1987 |
+-----------------------------------------+