Which winter tires to get?

[Raggie]

Hi I'm new so I hope I'm posting in the right section.

I have a Mazda Protege SE 2003, and I'm starting to look into snow tires this year.

I'm wondering which kind you guys would recommend at a reasonable price?

[99 Pro]

Everyone that I know seems to like the Blizzaks. Besides that, not too sure.

[Bartron8000]

Everyone that I know seems to like the Blizzaks. Besides that, not too sure.

Yeah those are great winter tires. My dad has a set for his 02 SE-R, and I have a friend with an SRT-4 that loves them.

[geomatics_tech]

i have some Nokian rsi winter tires, they get the best reviews.

[ChopstickHero]

i had dunlop graspic ds-1's on my car for 3 winters, worked great.

[SciFiMan]

I'm considering the Dunlop Winter Sport M3 next month. They seem to do well in tests and reviews.

[Raggie]

i have some Nokian rsi winter tires, they get the best reviews.


How much are Nokians? I hear people talking highly about them.

[LarryH]

I'm new to this forum, but since I'm also looking at snows for an ES (2002), I thought I'd mention my findings. (P195/55 R15)
I've had a few tires mentioned to me that are less expensive than the Blizzaks.
First a make called Eurowin was recommended, but I'm a bit apprehensive of something I've never heard of. They are cheap though.
Then I was told that the Dunlop Graspic DS2 are very good ($30.00 more per tire), but that they will wear out fairly quickly.
Another tire, and the one I may end up with is the Kumho KW17. I've read good things about them and they are reasonably priced, (about $105.00 Canadian installed). They were recommended by 2 dealers I spoke to.
The Champion GT's were also mentioned. I was told they are designed by Nokia. They are $10.00 more per tire than the Kumho's and when I asked my salesman which he liked best, he said it was a toss up and that the Kumho's are very good. There was also a Continental mentioned by one of the firms I called, but they liked the Kumho as much.
So, I'm also trying to decide which to buy. I'm leaning towards the Kumho, but I would appreciate any suggestions.
This should benefit the original poster as well as myself.
Thanks,
Larry

[Raggie]

What about Toyo? How do they compare with Kumho and Nokian?

I spoke with the Ontario Mazda Dealership and they said they are coming out with a Toyo Winter Package for $780 for 15". I think he mentioned this package included wheels, plus I'm not sure what else. My tires are 14" so I'm sure it will be slightly cheaper. I'm just wondering if this is a good package price?

[geomatics_tech]

toyo garret ht's are very good, a little bit cheaper than my nokians. I payed $160 cdn per tire for my 195/55/r15 nokian rsi (replacment for haqqa q).

[LarryH]

whichever tires you decide on, be sure to price them out with a tire dealer before you buy them at the Mazda dealer. New care dealers are usually expensive for tires.
Larry

[LarryH]

Oops, I meant new car dealers.

[LarryH]

Anyone have experience with the Kumho's?

[Raggie]

Check out this thread, someone rated the Kumho:
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115385