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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 5
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Joined: Nov 2002
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My 98 Contour SVT is running on almost bald Dunlop SP5000s. I bought them for $125 each 2 years ago from Sears.
I searched the forums and most people talk about the high performance tires. I would like to buy some tires that will last. Is it worth the extra money to buy the high performance tires, even though they don't last well? The car is used to commute 30 minutes in traffic and on windy rural roads.
I need all-seasons, since I live in New England (and snow and ice will be here soon).
I guess we've been happy with the SP5000, except that they wore so quickly and they were costly (I think). Is $100 a tire reasonable?
Is there anything cheaper? I've toyed with the idea of using tirerack.com and having sears put them on, but all of tire racks suggestions are high performance.
Just need some advice from people who know more than I...
By the way, I am not a new user, I read the forums, and just hadn't posted in a while. We just sunk $2500 (total) into both of our contours to make them last a bit longer. Checking this group saves us time and money!!! Our second child is due in February and the contours are going to have to see us through a bit longer.
L Whitecross
95 Metallic Green Contour GL
98 Silver Frost Contour SVT
not getting another car for a while
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,423
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,423 |
The SP Sport 5000 is near the top of the list of best all-season performance tires. The only other tires I can possibly think or recommending are the Dunlop SP Sport A2. Slightly cheaper, less dry performance, maybe another 5-10k miles out of them.
Jus my opinion, but since you said your commute is a windy rural road, I'd look for good summer tires. Actually I'd look for winter tires/wheels in MA for now for about $450-500/set. Then get some nice performance tire come Spring. I've been to MA and ther are some excllent driving roads.
Aaron
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,660
Hard-core CEG\'er
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First, congrats on the second child on the way. I've got two (one of each, 4.5 and 2.5) and they keep us hopping.
Second, if you can spare the money I'd seriously get a set of dedicated winter tires for the winter and decent 3-season "performance" tires for the summer. I recommend the Kuhmo 712 for the 3-season tire - they came on my CSVT (which I've had 3 weeks now) and they are a fine basic performance tire that are known to deliver good tread life for a performance tire. As for winter tires, the Michelin Artic Alpins are my choice, but there are less expensive alternatives that work nearly as well.
If you can't spare the cash for a second set of tires, I'd recommend something other than the Dunlops, only because my personal experience with them has been crappy - the two sets I've had were never round. Lots of other choices around for about the same money.
Scott
Troll! '99 BMW 328i
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 357
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 357 |
Originally posted by lwhitecross:
My 98 Contour SVT is running on almost bald Dunlop SP5000s. I bought them for $125 each 2 years ago from Sears.
I searched the forums and most people talk about the high performance tires. I would like to buy some tires that will last. Is it worth the extra money to buy the high performance tires, even though they don't last well? The car is used to commute 30 minutes in traffic and on windy rural roads.
I need all-seasons, since I live in New England (and snow and ice will be here soon).
I guess we've been happy with the SP5000, except that they wore so quickly and they were costly (I think). Is $100 a tire reasonable?
Is there anything cheaper? I've toyed with the idea of using tirerack.com and having sears put them on, but all of tire racks suggestions are high performance.
Just need some advice from people who know more than I...
By the way, I am not a new user, I read the forums, and just hadn't posted in a while. We just sunk $2500 (total) into both of our contours to make them last a bit longer. Checking this group saves us time and money!!! Our second child is due in February and the contours are going to have to see us through a bit longer.
If I were you, I would call tirerack, and order from them.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4
Newbie
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Joined: Nov 2002
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You may want to consider the Michelin Pilot Exalto, they worked great for me. http://www.kustomz.com/svtwheels.jpg
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,867
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Now available at Tirerack:
Kumho HP4 716, Hi Perf All season, 360AA, $60 each.
Sumitomo SRIXON4, HPAS, 400AA, $62 each.
The Dunlop SP5000's are at $98.
No test data on the Kumhos, and the Sumi's show you taking a hit in most traction and handling areas, even snow, for about the same tread life.
I would seriously call Tire rack and tell them what you told us.
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
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