Looking for options on a winter wheel/tire combination. I can get a set of used OEM 17s with the all season tires for a decent price. Are these decent in snow? Should I just go ahead and pick up some blizzaks but in the process spend an extra 600 bucks? What should I be paying for a set of used OEM 17s?

 

I have OEM 17s for my 05GC that I plan to run. IVe driven RWDs in the snow alot and I feel confident with my choice. After this season, I will make the determination if I will need winter shoes. The OEM wheels and tires I picked up was for $600 plus shipping from ebay. They have all season tires. I know these will work 10X better than the OEM 19" setup just because of the compound difference. G/L with it.

 

I also have an 05, 6MT, and picked up a set of OEM 17" '03 wheels with OEM All seasons. We typically get quite a bit of snow here, not Buffalo snow, but a decent amount. I'm also not in the city. If I were, and they plowed like Milwaukee does I'd give it a go with the all seasons that are on there now. Knowing that I can always call Tire Rack and have a set of Blizzaks there in a day or two.

I picked up 4 Blizzak WS-50's because I have a 30 mile commute and they plow for **** out here by me. I also don't want to see the G wrapped around a tree for trying to save $500.

 

Hey let me know how those work out! Oh, and by the way they were 04's

 

Blizzaks WS-50 is awesome
they grip in the snow like pilot sport in the dry!

 

I definitely recommend getting the winter tires. I have the Dunlop Graspics on 17" ASA wheels and have a commute that is 40 miles each way and did not have any control problems last winter. I would say that the price of the OEM 17" should be less than the new 17"s and you will retain the OEM look.
Even though the Dunlops did not let me down, I would recommend another tire. I had a set of Blizzak's on my 2000 BMW and liked their performance better, I forget which model it was but it was described as being better on ice than in deep snow. Since I only drive on plowed roads or in situations where there is black ice, they were perfect for me. In addtion, there is a certain amount of satisfaction in passing front-drive cars with all-season tires that can't make it up the hills.