Reasonable tyres

[Eski1991]

Okay so following up on my thread regarding a fast estate, I have purchased (put a deposit down and agreed to pick up on return from holiday) a lovely Saab 9-5 Aero, however last MOT advisory was rear tyres near limit, I am planning to replace these ASAP once I have the car and was looking for a recommendation tyre wise. Have looked at Toyo Proxes and am currently leaning towards these unless there is a better option for less/same money. Looking at 144.00 for the two rears(not including fitting)

Also if anyone knows an online Saab specialist a recommendation would be much appreciated, I've heard the name Elkparts but they seem to be no more.

[Eski1991]

SEE YA said:

Just got a set for my daily car for £258 brand YOKOHAMA BLU EARTH AE01.
They are about middel of the range tyre wise.

Can only find 16 inch 205 width on those, need 17/225. Look nice enough though.

[Eski1991]

VolvoT5 said:

Does it actually work out any cheaper to buy from black circles (or similar) once the fitting cost is added on top? Quite a few local places seem to charge a fair bit to just fit tyres - I assume because they don't want to be fitting tyres people bought online all day, as there is no margin in it for them?

Mobile fitters like event tyres, seem to work out cheapest overall.

Toyo proxes?

Girlfriend is a mechanic - I don't be paying for fitting.

[Eski1991]

g3org3y said:

Worth checking out Kumho imo. Decent tyres for very reasonable prices. I've been using their KU31 for the last few years on the E30 and been impressed. Though, I think they were supposed to discontinue it and replace it with the KU39 which is £69 each in 225/45 R17.

Reviews look good, seem to be a summer tyre, not an issue in itself but will have to look into a set of winters on some steels.

[Eski1991]

jagnet said:

Have a close look at the Dunlop SportMaxx RT which is currently impressing in independent tests.

A little more than the Toyos, but with the Dunlop free fuel promotion they come out at £156.80 for the pair from Camskill (£176.80 minus 2x £10 fuel vouchers).

My current Toyos on the Saab are also getting low and I'll be replacing them with the Dunlops soon.

An extra £12 plus delivery nets you a class leading tyre. Fortunately 225/45/17 is such a common size that there's really very little price difference between midrange and top end tyres.

As for parts, I get a lot of mine from PFS. Never had any problems and are well priced. Even had a couple of sweets thrown in the box last time - I'm easily pleased

Dunlops also looking good in reviews and price wise. Thank you for the info on PFS. Are they a US company or just list prices in both currencies? Think I'd be fairly pleased with free sweets too.

[Eski1991]

jagnet said:

PFS are based in Northants

I assume they ship to the US then. Added to bookmarks.

[Eski1991]

g3org3y said:

Can't comment as I've not used them personally (I had the KU31s) but the reviews seem positive. Along with Hankook, I'd rate Kumho as very decent mid-range tyres. Given that you can spend £30 less per corner over an equivalent Continental or Michelin, that's a substantial saving and let's be honest a minimal 'compromise' in performance especially when you are talking about a family hack.

Family hack, I bloody hope not. I'm only 21.

[Eski1991]

philmh said:

Have a look at the neuton tyres from saab specialist neo brothers. They're made by yokohama and heve pretty good reviews. Mine are 225/45 r17 and cost £154 delivered plus £20 fitting. Happy with mine so far!

Found those on the NeoBrothers website (who also seem to be a reasonable Saab specialist) work out same price as the Toyos for the NT8000 but the NT5000 is cheaper still. Much of a difference between the two?

While I have the ear of two Saab drivers, have either of you looked into engine remaps at all?

[Eski1991]

nixon1 said:

Hankook V12's are doing well for me - increase in MPG too over my winters (was getting 300 miles per tank, now 350+).

Haven't heard a huge amount about Hankook, will be adding these to the shortlist though.

Also - MPG concerns on an S4? :P