Tires for '08 Sport

[RedRav4Me]

First let me say that I did use the search function, but got so many hits that didn't pertain to my question. With that said here is my question. I need to replace my Yokos and a local discount tire place recommended Hankook Optima h725a's. I can get these out the door for $650. I did some research and lets just say the reviews were not all that good.

I have an '08 Sport that I bought new before getting laid off from my job, so obviously money is of great issue here. I would have to keep my purchase to under $200 a tire. I live in Minnesota so weather is definately an issue as well.

Just looking the most bang for the buck, a decent tire for the money, and reviews from people I trust.


thanks in advance!

[leeharvey418]

Here you go. Stock size, $160 a tire, excellent winter performance according to TireRack's testing, and a very good UTQG wear rating.

[RAVPHO]

Here's what I've been running - Hankook Ventus RH07's - IMHO, at $125/tire, they're the best bang for your buck. I bought four last Summer for $500 installed. A great all season tire that performs well in inclement weather (I've tested them in the Sierras all Winter/Fall, and they have not let me down). I'd rate them as follows:

Rain: 9.5/10
Snow: 9/10
Noise: 9/10
Treadwear: 8.5/10

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...Ventus+AS+RH07 - more reviews on discount tire's website to help you with your decision.

The only complaint I have after 15,000 miles on mine are that they initially felt squirrely on freeways that were paved with rain grooves, as the tread tends to "hook-up" with the grooves.

[blackrav]

Originally Posted by leeharvey418

Here you go. Stock size, $160 a tire, excellent winter performance according to TireRack's testing, and a very good UTQG wear rating.

+1

I have Conti CrossContact UHP's which I have been very happy with. They wouldn't work for you as they are not rated as snow or extreme weather tires but the link provided are an all new Conti that gets some very good reviews from TireRack and is an all season tire. It is considered an ultra high performance tire which means it's probably got some pretty serious grip too. I know the RAV4 handling was like night and day with the UHP's I got. You might expect to get a little less MPG though. UHP's have been discontinued it looks like so these new DWS's look like a replacement I would consider when my UHP's wear out.

[leeharvey418]

Originally Posted by jamesdav

...You might expect to get a little less MPG though...

At the risk of sounding like a pimp for Continental, the DWS is supposedly made of a low rolling resistance rubber compound.

My biggest reservation about those tires is that if something sounds too good to be true, well, you know... From reading the instrumented tests that are available, and reading the reviews from drivers who have actually put a couple of thousand miles on their tires, though, it looks like Continental has hit an absolute home run with this tire. Their only apparent shortcoming is the typical-for-Continental dead spot in on-center feel. But look at it this way- after I got used to having zero feedback from the stock Yokohamas, even my tall-sidewall Continental CrossContact LX were a drastic improvement.

[RedRav4Me]

Thanks all for your replies! I like what I have heard and read on the DWS's I would say they are in the lead!

I'll let ya know what I decide to go with.

thanks again.

[e4Rav4]

I'm in the same boat, though located in the Greater Cincinnati area so we get a wide variety of weather. Seems Michelin's Latitude Tour P235/55R18 99T's from Sam's Club at $177.88 per is the way to go. Fronts are down to 4/32 but the rears are from 7/32 to 8/32. I'll solicit two cents on whether I should buy a set of four or just two with a rotation.

FOLLOWUP:

D'uh! All wheel drive = all four tires changed. Bye-bye Yokohamas.

[djw479]

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/pts/1792263778.html

Just passing on a link to a Chicago Craigslist ad I noticed when looks for Rav4 accessories on craigslist. I don't know where you're at in Minn...but see if he would ship them (just tape them together like TireRack does and slap a mailing label on them).

Maybe he'd also negotiate on price? I'd ask for pictures and if any punctures fixed. Its a little more risk than buying from retailer, but the savings could be great.

I am NOT the seller, nor know him. I'm just trying to help another unemployed/underemployed person like me.