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It's time to replace the Michelin MXV 4's on my '97 CSE. They're the stock size, 205/60/15. I haven't liked these tires since I got the car six months ago--they seem to be hard, as if the rubber has hardened after too many years of sitting there (the car had 48K miles when I got it, and I suspect these are original tires.) Every time I hit an expansion joint in the road I feel like I'm losing my fillings. My goal in buying new tires is to combine low road noise + comfort with decent handling, and I'm thinking of the "grand touring" type of tire, not performance. All California, no snow. Most driving is long distance on freeways or around town, usually with another adult member of the family verbally assisting me about the way I drive. So, my questions:
1. My '93 CS has 195/65/15's on it, and it rides a lot smoother than the '97 CSE. Is it absurd to think of going to a 205/65 on the CSE? Will it make the car look ridiculous? What about handling--I don't want to end up with a waterbed on wheels, even though I don't drive the car to its cornering limits by any stretch of the imagination. 205/65/15 Grand Touring? 205/60/15?
2. What about going to larger (16") wheels? Would that work in the opposite direction of what I'm trying to achieve?
3. Any suggestions for brands, etc.? Kumhos? Someone here put on a set of Goodyear Assurance's a while back--any results? Turanza's? I've been all over the Tire Rack site but still am unsure.
4. Do tires really harden with age/wear, or is that my imagination?
I'm sure this is anathema to many here, from some of the posts I've read. No, I don't want 225/40/17's with Bilsteins, folks. Apologies to the sportier set, and thanks in advance for any help.
posted by 63.203.6...
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