WalterC

Getting ready to shop for winter tire

How does Nokian R2 sound?
What's the rating/your opinion on it

I got quoted 1450 cnd taxed

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

I've only read reviews on them through some European sites, get good reviews though.

WalterC

Yes. I actually trust the guy I spoke to. He seems knowledgable and advise me these tires got good rating. My factor would be I may only keep the car for ~2 more winters and I don't drive that much. (Past 4 months I have only put 1750 km on it)

So not sure if I am putting the right money.

My friend is also offering 50% left on a few of Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D for about $600cnd (255/35/19)

MADDSLOW

iTrader: (1)

I used the Dunlop Wintermaxxs and my car was a beast in the snow, I was very happy with the way they performed.

terribleone

I have Hankook iPike's and I like them, very consistent feel (which is what I am usually interested in)

krazyfiend

Michelin x-ice3's on my winter wheels. They're great for anything less than 5-6" of snow... anything more and you need to look elsewhere or wait for the street to be plowed lower.

Reason I was sold on them, tread life expectancy and low road noise compared to other winter tires..especially when on dry pavement. I don't feel like I'm running the tread off them expeditiously when a temperature spike happens (55-60*) mid winter here in the midwest like I have when I ran Blizzaks in the past (newest iteration supposedly solved that though).

Neal@tirerack

iTrader: (2)

Unfortunately cant say much on those compared to our Blizzak and Michelin lines as its not a brand we carry.

WalterC

thanks everyone for the great info response.

i have turned down my friends offer on the Dunlop, base on the fact its not best fit and the price isnt in ratio to the thread left (if it was fit size on my OEM wheel i would take it since 50% thread would last me like 3 season at least)

i went to costco and they quoted me similar price ~1450 taxed on Bridgestone LM-32

i feel like with the same price Nokian is much better choice?

second thought, with my minimal mileage (~500 km/month) and i am not looking to drive fast in the winter (i lost my 350Z on snow last winter, lesson learned), maybe used tire wouldn't be a bad option for me, too bad i dont have much experience on used tires and dont know what to expect from them. they usually go for ~70-100/tire from the used tire store.

what you guys think?

Epiphany

Nokian Hakkas are the best winter tire I've driven on, and will likely be what I buy after this winter is up.

krazyfiend

If you can swing it, try to procure a set of cheap 18" oems that work for and your setup (especially if you have akebono's). It drastically lessens the cost of winter tires by about 30-35% as well as usually giving better tread life ratings/warranty's. I know it might be prohibitive due to space/storage, etc.. but 19" tires in general just are in another league in terms of pricing (compared to 18" and 20" sizes).

I've heard nothing but good things to almost near worship about the Nokian Hakka's mentioned by Epiphany-- especially from people I know that live up in Alberta and see the true test of winter.