[jjmckay]

Hello!

I have a Mazda3 s 2.3 5 door. Strato Blue. Purchased new in April 2005. I love it.

It's hovering around 0 degrees F here in Chicago and last night I came out to the lot after work and it had a rear flat. Thankfully, I had access to a real lug wrench rather than the wimpy one supplied. I noticed that my original equipment RS-A's (P 205 50 R17 ) are pretty weak on tread -- they have about 33K on them. I think I better replace them. Had some Goodyears and Dunlaps on past cars (Saturn SC and Probe--sibling of MX 6) that served me well into upper 40K miles.

My dealer says they can replace the RS-As but I have been reading how overpriced they are for what you get. I was a bit sticker shocked--the RS-A's average about $180 each--especially since I am disappointed in how my existing RS-A's have worn.

I don't have the storage and financial option for different Winter and Summer tires. I'd like to get all-season tires.

What do you recommend for Chicago's varied weather. I'd prefer to spend something like $120-$160 per tire but no more than $180 since that will give me a credit card bill. I just feel like the RS-A's are overpriced and even more so considering how long they lasted. If you are in Chicago, please suggest tire dealers, if you like.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your advice.

 

[the415]

you should try the search function.

this question gets asked everyday.

you dont even need to spend that much to get a really good all season tire.

 

[dread]

kuhmo ecsta asx, much better than the stock rsa's in every condition, $90 on tirerack.com

 

[ed b]

I just ordered the Kuhmo ASX from Tirerack 4 w/ road hazzard and shipping came out to something like $432. They're shipping directly to the Firestone in my area (Jeff Park) and they wil install for 88.16 w/ tax.

I will post a reply on the tires when I get them on the car, the 3 is my wife's car. If the tires work out I might have to get a set for my 90 Celica GTS.

 

[greyzoomer]

There are so many better tires out there besides the RSA's.........search it...........lots of different opinions on different tires.

 

[cemeb4dk]

I livein the western burbs of Chicago. I just put on a set of Yokohamas 520. It was $560 installed for all 4 at discount tire. It is liek driving a new car, actually better than new. I always thought it was the suspension on my 3 that gave it a rougher (former ) ride but it was those crappy RS-A's. I really cannot believe how much better the car feels. I even took it into the mall parking lot where there still was ice/s;ush snow and it handled awesome.

I would seriously look in to the 520's