1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
If you HAVE to HAVE Michelin's I'd go with the Energy MXV4-plus. I had them on my last car (94 Taurus SHO) for about 65,000-70,000 miles. Great touring tire, decent in the snow, great tread life, but a little on the expensive side (about a 35% premium). Next tire I tried was the Yokahama AVS db. It handled better than the MXV4's in the dry and rain, but were terrible in the snow. Tread didn't last that long (although it was more my fault becauase by that time I had a fully modified suspension and lowered the car along with 265-270 HP) so I basically ran the AVS's into the pavement.
I have the Michelin MXV4's on my 9-3 (15"s) for the winter and they ride very smoothly, handle decent (again, these are touring tires) for 15"s. I run 17" Michelin Pilot HX radial X with a whopping 140 treadwear rating during the Summer. They handle great in the dry, but can get you in trouble in the rain.
As far as the 205/55-16 vs. 205/50/16 issue, both sizes are listed in the owners manual as a suitable tire for the 9-3 SE. Buy the 55's if you are concerned about $$$ since there are more tires available in this size which translates into better prices. The 55's will also ride better (larger sidewall) but the 50's will handle better.
I had 2 loaner 9-3 SE's with the Pirelli's (believe P6000 sport veloce) and I thought they made too much noise when cornering (they tended to squeal around corners even when I wasn't pushing the car). This was with 2 different 9-3 SE loaners, so I doubt that it was an alignment issue. I also thought they rode a little on the hard side.
I would definitely stay away from Kuhmo's based on personal experience. I went through 2 sets of 205/55/16 WR ECSTA Supra 712's over a 2 month period chasing out-of-round issue and ended up $160 in the hole last Summer. I'm still pursuing this reimbursement from Kuhmo of America because apparently there was a strike at the factory when my 2 sets were made and temporary Korean labor couldn't make round tires. I ended up selling the 16"s and getting the 17"'s.
Do yourself a favor and just get the MXV4 plus's and a 4 wheel alignment.
posted by 68.45.255...
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