205/55/16 for a 99 impreza 2.2L 10-mile/day commuter in Utah

[beantmt]

I have a '99 impresa with 70k miles that I've had for a few years. When I got it I also bought some 205/55/16 from somebody who owned an outback sport (I think it was). The original tires have finally worn out so I'm looking to put on the bigger wheels and get new tires.

The problem is that I don't know anything about passenger car tires. For example, all the different types of all-seasons on TireRack confuses me, even after reading the description because I don't know which type I really want. I found some new Hankooks that I thought would look interesting (Hankook VENTUS V2 Concept), but the guy at the tire store said that they weren't an all-season, they were a "handling tire." So now I am even more confused.

What tires should I look at? I want something I can leave on year-round and that will last. Thanks so much for the help.

I'm obviously looking for the best bang for the buck.. Probably something less expensive since I drive it so little.

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[wtwwholesaletire]

I would recomend the Nokian WRG2. Excelent full out ice and snow traction along with all season and performance make this one a very few true All Weather tires.Check out there web site www.Nokiantyres.com.Look at the testimonials and testing facility very impressive.I have used them for over 10 years and love them.

Second Vredestein Quad trac 3 this is another All weather geared for the euro market excelent all around with slightly less traction than the Nokian G2 www.Vredesteintyresusa.com

Third Uniroyal GtZ A/S nice all around performance all season Value priced

[Patrick Olsen]

Originally Posted by beantmt

The problem is that I don't know anything about passenger car tires. For example, all the different types of all-seasons on TireRack confuses me, even after reading the description because I don't know which type I really want. I found some new Hankooks that I thought would look interesting (Hankook VENTUS V2 Concept), but the guy at the tire store said that they weren't an all-season, they were a "handling tire." So now I am even more confused.

This is why going to a local tire store is typically unproductive, unless you already know exactly what you want to buy. You, with your admittedly low level of knowledge about passenger car tires, already knew more about the tires than the guy at the tire shop! Hankook's website clearly lists the V2 Concept as a High Performance All Season tire.

Originally Posted by beantmt

What tires should I look at? I want something I can leave on year-round and that will last. Thanks so much for the help.

I'm obviously looking for the best bang for the buck.. Probably something less expensive since I drive it so little.

I don't have any experience with the tires wtwwholesaletire listed, but I know the Nokians always get great reviews.

If you're having a hard time picking from Tire Rack's site, just give them a call. Unlike the monkeys at the local tire shop, the technical advisors at Tire Rack are well trained and can help walk you through your options. AFAIK Luke is still "our" guy - x362, I believe. I think probably the biggest determining factor will be what sort of weather you drive in. I know some parts of Utah see lots of snow, and others don't. Some all-seasons do very well in snow (and sacrifice some dry capabilities), while others aren't as good in snow (but will be better during the non-winter months).

On a side note, the stock tires on your '99 Impreza would've been 195/60-15. To bump up to a 16" wheel and match that same overall diameter, you'd actually want a 205/50-16 rather than a 205/55-16. The slightly shorter 205/50 will help out a little bit with gearing and will keep your speedometer and odometer reading correctly. The 205/55 would throw the speedo/odo off by about 3.5% or so. There are plenty of tires available in both sizes, so selection won't be an issue.

[aclver1]

Where at in Utah are you? I have a few local tire connections and canget you a hold of someone that will get you a good price and the right tire. I also recommend Tire Rack, they know thier stuff and are a great price even with shipping.

[mosc]

If you don't drive aggressively around turns very often, you might consider a grand touring tire like the General Altimax HP. It's relatively inexpensive and is both extremely comfortable and long lasting. It's not the best tire around a corner but that may not be that important to you. It's great in the wet and decent in the snow:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....um=05HR6AMAXHP

yes, 205/50R16 is the correct size for your car not 55 sidewall.

[beantmt]

Thanks for the info, all. Especially regarding the proper 205/50R16 size. I will be looking at each of the tires you all mentioned. I have a set of new-model Hankooks on my Land Rover LR3, and I really enjoy them. I was hoping I could get similar quality from the Ventus V2s, and they are only about $70/ea. I'm just not sure if I want a "high performance" tire for this particular vehicle. Are there any pros/cons of a "high performance" all-season vs. a grand touring, or the others? I can't seem to make sense of it.

[mosc]

high performance means more dry grip at the cost of treadlife and/or bad weather traction. Touring means more comfort/quieter at the cost of steering response and/or price. Words like ultra and grand just push them further into those extremes.