New tyres for a 2001 Subaru WRX

[davrostavros]

Hello,

I noticed since getting my 2001 WRX last week that the tyres were looking a bit flat and so I deccided to pump them up. A few days later they were looking flat again. Low and behold they were. I have just taken them to the garage thinking that the valves might be loose or something.

The guy said at first glance that it looked like the alloy would need re-laquering to seal as it has been kerbed a bit. When he took the tyre off he showed me that the inside of both front tyres was pretty much bald, more than likely due to the tracking being out. I asked about whether I would need four tyres (as the car is 4WD) and he said that as the rear tyres had over 6mm left I would only need two fronts.

A couple of questions, is this OK to just get the two fronts and what tyres should I be getting.

I have just bought the car, insurance and a whole bunch of other stuff so money is to say the least a bit on the tight side. The tyres that are on it are Wanli 1099 and although they would appear to be a budget brand they have seemed fine for me (at least my style of driving).

SO basically, two fronts are OK and what type of tyres would be OK to put on it?

Thanks

[_Batty_]

As posted in the Subaru section, and if on a budget:
Bridgestone Re050's, Avon ZZ3's, Falken 452's/ZE912, Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta, Kuhmo KU31's etc etc etc
All decent tyres, and less than the OEM equipment (mine are RE050's which are OEM i think).

[v8250]

you'll be fine with just replacing the two front tyres. they'll be 215/45r17 87w if on 17x7JJ wheels. for good performance mid-priced tyres buy Khumo Ecsta Le Sport KU39 from Blackirlces.com @ only £84.55 fully fitted. You won't be disappointed.

http://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/kumho/ecsta-...

Do check your wheel sizes before buying! HTH.

[jon-]

I just don't get the love for the Kumho, it's never once placed well in a group test.

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Kumho/Ecsta-KU39...

Midrange like the Fulda SportControl or Barum Bravuris 2 are better objectively. Even the dated Uniroyal Rainsport 2 beats the Kumho, though I'd not recommend it for a car like a scooby due to fairly soft sidewalls.

[KaraK]

I would change all four just to get the same all round - running Imprezas with mis-matched front-rear tyres isn't fun

I've been running Falken 452s on mine for the last year or two and they've been very good for the price.

[davrostavros]

I decided to just get the fron tyres changed so phoned a local near my work and they were able to get me a pair of falken 914 for £80 each. I couldn't find them anywhere cheaper and got it done the same day.

Guess what, no judder or anything on the road home and I even tried to push the it a bit. At least I ain't going to get 6points from the cops if they pull me over!