V70XC '99 Tires, Recommendation

RichSad · Post by **RichSad** » 09 May 2010, 05:15

I have a small leak in one of my tires. Firestone said they couldn't patch it because the walls were old and cracking. Lots of tread life left but I think they are old (the car is new to me as of Dec 09).

It is clear someone had replaced two of the four tires at one point. I know this is bad for an AWD. I am planning on dropping the rear transaxle soon making it a FWD, but until I do, I am thinking maybe I need to replace all 4 tires. If it were FWD only, I imagine it would be OK to have 2 tires that match on front and 2 on rear, even if they are not all the same age/wear.

when the rear window got stuck down, we noticed a wobbling sound from rear tires like a seriously mismatched pair of tires or improper balance. So this leads me towards replacing all 4 so they match and get balanced.

What are good tires for this 99 cross country? I want something cost effective but safe and decent performance (let's just say I don't baby my turbo charger).

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 May 2010, 22:48

I like the BF Goodrich's I've put on mine (on my 2nd set, and they're wearing quite well now that I've sorted out my alignment problems), some like Generals, others say that Falkens do well, and I hate every set of Michelins I've ever driven a car on. They're SO LOUD.

Bridgestone Potenzas are decent tires too.

I run the Traction T/A's (now the Touring T/A's) on mine, and they have good traction in all conditions...whether throwing it around corners faster than I should, and good braking and traction in wet and snowy conditions. They're pretty quiet too, I hear more wind and engine noise than tire noise out on the highway.

Honestly, go to Tire Rack and check out their tire ratings system, plug in your make and model and view what they've got available.

RichSad · Post by **RichSad** » 10 May 2010, 04:35

Thanks for the feedback. I was naively leaning towards Michelin. I am not familiar with Falkens and have never owned a General tire (though I know they've been around).The Falken's are rated pretty well in Consumer Reports (Michelin Primacy MXV4 are top rated in their tests) with the Falken Ziex ZE912 in the second spot in raw ratings (though not recommended).

I will take your advice, to go see what is available and at what cost and compare them to various recommendations.

Phaeton · Post by **Phaeton** » 10 May 2010, 07:16

I just put Michelin Pilot all season's and I'm really happy. I had Toyo's before and they where a lot noisier.

Post by **ghoulama** » 10 May 2010, 10:48

i also have the bf goodrich touring t/a and they are great. great traction in snow and quiet on the highway.

RichSad · Post by **RichSad** » 10 May 2010, 11:49

I am struggling with this choice. I appreciate all the feedback. I am leaning towards Michelin Primacy MXV4 although they are about the most expensive option I am considering. They were Consumer's Reports highest rated H-Rated Performance All Season tires. Seem to be good deals on General Altimax HP, but they won't last half as long as the Primacy MXV4s. Consumers didn't rate the BF Goodrich touring t/a well, but a lot of people have recommended them so I will price them out.

I discovered today somebody (probably the used car dealer I bought the car from) put tires of a different size on the front than are on the back. The front are 215/65R15 and the rear are 205/65R15. Not sure how urgent this is to correct but I know all four should be the same size. I realize this is just the width but still I worry this isn't right.

adhilliker · Post by **adhilliker** » 20 May 2010, 15:42

I've just had a flat yesterday. I'm running Toyo's @ 205/65-15. I understand the need for same sized tires on AWD's, but, could I replace the 2 rear tires with another brand same size? I know between manufacturers that there can be a slight size difference and I really don't want to buy 4 new tires when 3 have good tread on them. I can't seem to find Toyo's anywhere in the area.

Thanks