[quote author=joseph_liu link=topic=67741.msg1166549#msg1166549 date=1169655651]
Hey guys....
Well my RSA's have 21K on them now and they are shot.
I looked at tirerack and I am thinking about going with the Kumho ECSTA ASXs.
Any opinions on these tires?
I'm either going with these or the Avon Techs.
What do you guys think?
Thanks!
Joseph
[/quote]
Joseph, I got experience with both Avon Tech MS550 and Kumho ASX tires in 215/50/17 size. I have two mazda hatchbacks with Avons on mine and Kumhos on my girlfriend's. If I had to do it again (and I will soon), I would go with Kumhos. Here is why: ride comfort. Avons handle a bit better in every category, including rain and snow, but they are stiffer in sidewalls. I have to run my tires at 30 or 31 PSI year round, to get close to a comfort I had with RSA. The reason so many manufactures put Good Eagle RSA tires on their vehicles is ride comfort. They seem to have a sweet spot between ride comfort and acceptable handling.
Also, two things to keep in my mind: treadware rating. Kumho ASX tire has a higher rating, which mean that it will last longer. I have had Avons on my car since I picked at the dealership because I hated my girlfriend's Goodyear RSAs, and I have put 20000 miles on them so far. I am a fairly aggresive driver and expect them to last me 'til the beginning of the summer (or until I reach 25000 miles or so). Then I am going to buy Kumhos. You cannot beat that tire for the price. Good luck!