At 35,000mi, my factory Dunlops are nearly bald. Sometime before next winter, I'll need new tires. I've only begun my search, but the cheapest I can find in the stock 195/50/16 size is $81 each. Has anyone found cheaper? Also, what are the limits of size change? 205? 215? 55? 60?

Thanks

 

Good question!
I was under the impression we don't have too many choices for the stock tire size...
More importantly, the $81 tire - 1)What Brand, and What Speed/Temp rating is it? Is this a comparable replacement?

 

Due to an embarrassing accident that I won't retell, I had to replace one of my stock tires. Kuhmo makes the Esta Supra 712 in stock size, and tirerack.com has it for $61

 

Well, I should've been more specific... I really need a good all season tire. If I wanted a performance tire, I'd probably go with the Kumho ECSTA Supra 712 for $61/ea @ tire rack. But in that size the only inexpensive all season is the BF goodrich TA for $88.

In a different size, there are many more options... such as 205/55/16

Specifically, The Continental ContiExtremeContact for $71. Its the highest rated tire in the all season performance category. I don't think I'd have any problems with fitment of a 205/55, would I?

 

From what I have seen if you go with a 195/50/16 your options are limited. There are many more options for a 205/45/16, but most of the manufacturers do not recommend mounting them on our size rim (6" width being the factor). However many of the 205/50/16 tires are well within mfg spec on our rims and there are also lots of options available in that size.

Using a tire calc it showed that the 205/45/16 is 1.7% high (speedometer difference) and the 205/50/16 is 1.7% low.

I personally do not think I will detect the difference in look of a slightly taller side wall and plan on using a 205/50/16 for my next tires.

 

Anybody have any views on the fitment of 205/55's?

 

I would go with a 205/50, not a 55, but finding that size in an all-season is quite difficult.

 

That's what came OE stock on my previous WRX Wagon. They're wwaaaayyy to tall. This you don't want.

205/50/16 is a far more logical choice. But, as stated earlier, all season performance tires will be hard to find. I'm running 205/50/16 Yokohama AVS ES100's on my Slipstream, but obviously these won't help you in the winter!

Good luck,
Jim

Edit: here's some all season tires in 205/50/16 from tirerack http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...erformance=PAS

 

these seem like a pretty good deal when I have looked at pricing on them... how do you like them so far? Any complaints in the rain?

 

Love them. Far better than the OE stock Dunlops in all road conditions. Rain doesn't even phase these tires.... they were made for it.

Far smoother too. the additional (slight) sidewall height of 205's really makes the P5 driving in my area tollerable. Some of the roads where I live just plain suck....

Hands down the best overall tire for the money I've ever owned. I can't see how they're so cheap.

HTH - Jim

 

The Dunlop; FM901, SP Sport 9000 and the SP Sport W-10 also come in 195/50/16 size.

 

if i had a p5, i'd get an aftermarket 15" and get 195/55-15's or even 185/60's... and save the 16" for a summer tire... 205 does make sence... wider tire, not much bigger, more choices...

 

How long are the OEM tires rated for, in terms of miles? I live in Louisiana, so we have alot of rain sometimes.

What tires would you recommend? Are the $61 Kumo good quality? Better than OEM Dunlops?

 

mnkyboy...the the Yokohama's...the AVS ES 100's....they are awsome. and VERY reasonably priced too. they live for the rain....and are totally awsome on dry pavement.

 

just what I wanted to hear... now that I have confirmed how badly the SP5000M tires suck in the rain (driving 210 miles today was more work than I have done in a whole year )... they have got to go and the ES 100's were what I was looking to get...