Hey guys,

I'm the proud owner of a new to me 2003 G35 Sedan 5AT. I love it

100k miles, some minor problems - all for 10.5k. I feel like I got a good deal - do you guys think so?

However, going into it, I knew the tires were in need of replacement. They're actually mismatched - 3 Michelins and one off-brand crap tire that's basically bald.

Clearly, it's time to get new tires.

I'm looking for something (probably) all season. I live in the SF Bay Area (Santa Cruz actually) and commute every day over highway 17, which can be really hairy when wet - so I don't want to risk loosing traction with summer tires.

My budget is relatively modest. I'd love to stay under $150 per tire if at all possible. I'm used to buying economy tires for my Camry so this will be quite a shock

I don't drive aggressively too often, but I don't want a set of cheapo tires. I'm using the stock wheels, and want to stick to the recommended size which is (if memory serves) 215/40/R17.

I've heard Nitto has a great all season tire, but I forget the model. I've also heard the Michelin Pilot Sports are a good fit. I welcome any and all suggestions!

Thanks guys, I'm new to all this stuff.

~MiSfit

 

the stock size is 215/55/17 not 215/40/17. U can get general exclaim UHPs for under $100 each for that size and alot of members give very good reviews for their price. Good luck.

 

Below is a tirerack link to the brand and model I am currently running (Avon Tech) - I have different size wheels and tires then what you are looking for, but they make a 215/55/17. I have been very impressed with the performance of the tire for the cost.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....ech+M550+A%2FS

 

Unless you drive in temps below 50 degrees, I'd stick with summer rubber. It offers the best traction in dry and wet. All season rubber when you need traction in very shallow snow (less than 3") or mud and/or running in temps below 40 degrees.

There are lots of cheap and good tires summer performance tires available from Sumitomo, Kuhmo, Dunlop, Avon, and Nitto at the Tirerack. One thing though, DO NOT buy directional tires because the front suspension design is hell on directional tires and they'll be far more prone to feathering on the inner tread block especially if you lower the car. I learned the hard way with my 215/55R17 Avon M550s. Stick with asymetrical tires.

 

Cool guys - thanks for all the advice! I really like what I hear about the Exclaim UHPs - many reviewers think they're amazing.

Now to find some vendor who sells them

~miSfit

 

Don't do it. That's a directional tire.

 

I have found recently that many tires are exclusive to tirerack or other similar online companies. You may not be able to find them at your local tire shop. The Exclaims are on tirerack for only $85 a piece + shipping of course - probably a great deal even after shipping and paying to have them mounted and balanced, tirerack shipping is usually pretty cheap.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....&AID=10398365&

 

you can run a directional tire backwards, given summer and dry. directionals are geared more towards wet traction. so if he lives in a warmer climate, he COULD opt to get them and run them that way, they are cheap tires and doing it this way can save him some money...

 

Kumho ASX arent bad for semi-spirited daily driving and the tread wear was good on the ones I had/have/replaced... good all season and reasonably priced tire.

In fact I'm thinking of selling them - should I bother?

 

From my past experience you cant get much for used tires even if the have lots of life left.....but if they are just sitting in your garage taking up space you had may as well try to craigslist them locally. IMO.

 

^^^ there is lots of tread left... and yes, they are just taking up space in the garage... I am keeping the OEM wheels though in case I part out the car and sell the Volks - however, I thought about selling the OEM wheels with the Kumhos - the wheels are poweder coated... I dont think a G wants them, but do other cars use our wheels? I saw the 300Z with OEM G wheels... Do Altimas or Maximas use our wheels?

 

How big of a deal is directional design?

I was under the impression that many G35 drivers use these tires - if so, are they making a poor decision? I'm not set on these tires or anything - more than open to other ideas!

I will probably get them on tirerack and have a local shop install them..

~MiSfit

 

I sold my oem 17" 5 spokes with some michelin's - can't remember model of michelins with about 8k miles on the tires to a guy on craigslist for $550. He put them on his 07 altima and it was a large improvement over his hub caps. Picked up my 18" coupe wheels in excellent condition with Avon tech M550's w/ 3k miles on them for $700. Worked out well for me put em on CL see what happens would be my suggestion.

 

^^^ I'll consider that - thanks.

 

i found www.theshopsanbruno.com who quoted me $88.00 plus $15 to mount and balance for each tire. Falken ze-912. I ended up going to America's Tires and they did price matching. I also have a set of Kumho ASX's on my RSX, but I think they are a bit loud.