I've happily used UHP 235/45R17 tires on my Passat and Beetle 18T convertible with nothing but smooth cruising. I tried 38 psi but backed off, the slightly tauter steering wasn't worth the harshness on SoCal's crumbling surface streets. Mine were all German origin.
I've got a set of kumho ecsta SPT's and they are awesome. No sidewall flex whatsoever, very impressive tire for the money. For a 320 treadwear rating, they do a good job.
I have ASX's and for the most part they're pretty nice. I like how quiet they are and they have decent grip, only real problem I have with them is the sidewalls like to flex alot if you drive spirited, but if you dont really care about that and just want a good all around tire that does pretty damn well in the rain I would say they're a great choice.
Well, about time I updated this: I went with the Kumho SPT's and have been pleased with them so far. Good traction in the dry, nice and stable in the wet, and they are very quiet compared to the Potenzas I had previously, so that's good. Two things I've noticed with them though: They are not quite as stable on uneven pavement, as they move from side to side a little more than the previous tires. Also, I haven't been able to hit the same kinds of fuel mileage as the old tires.
I just moved back to the northeast and purchased a set of General Altimax Artic. Apparently they are Gislaved NF3's which is a Scandinavian tire rebranded by their parent company (Continental) and sold as Generals in the US. So far they have been good but no major snow storms but some ice and slush. I got them studded. Once the warm up they are fairly quite. Not to mention they are pretty inexpensive ($99 each). I got wheels, tires with studs, mounted/balanced and shipped for under $1K from Tire Rack. Pretty good if you ask me. -Ron
From what I have read these are great tires.
If you're looking for cheap performance summer tires I'd recomment the General Exclaim UHP or the Sumitomo HTRZ III, you'd be VERY surprised they handle and grip about 90% as well as a tire double it's cost, VERY well worth the money at about $80-$100/tire. I bought a set of the Exclaims and was very surprised, and 3 of my friends are running the HTRZ's and both tires are amazing for that pricepoint.
I am currenlty running 235/40/18 tires on 8.5 wide rims all around. I don't know if it's just me but the car feel a lot smoother now
I have had both, and can honestly say that I will not buy the Kumho's again. There is nothing wrong with them, but they are definately not what I would classifiy as a "performance" tire. They have a very nice, and have a quiet and comfortable ride. They just don't stick like a good performance tire should .
no way man i had the khumo 712 xtas and they SUCKED!! they didnt get traction at all, they just wheel hopped everytime off the rip. then i get new wheels and tires, with Nitto's on them... and i havent had any wheel hop. they get great traction, instead of hop i now get the little squall.. but the car is moving not sittin still beatin the crap out of my car.
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