~~Replacement tires (So Friggin expensive) HELP!!!
 

I live up in Toronto, and have my 2001 Mazda Pro ES, and well its about time to get replacements... how did i arrive at this idea, well the blow up I had last week might have had something to do with it. But they are about 60% spent and not really up to the winter drive if you know what I mean.

So now I am running on a donut wheel and looking for a good price. but everywhere i look I just see super expensive shiet!!! why does car companies always make sizes that just violate you in the worst ways for buying new ones. Darn these lower profile wheels. (750$ for 4)

What I got are the Potenza 195/55/15" and I got a 87$ deal on 195/60/15, but I dont want to hurt the ratio factor.

Anyone know where I can find the 55's???

You may want to drive south of the line to see if some vendors in the USA have better prices. You can usually research online first. I suggest trying http://www.tirerack.com to get a general idea of American pricing, and to look up reviews on different models of tire.

There's also a Canadian source online, based in the Vancouver area (they ship all over Canada). Try http://www.tiretrends.ca, their prices are pretty good, and it's where I bought my snows. For anyone else interested in them, if you live around Vancouver, they will let you pick up from their Port Moody warehouse and save the shipping charge.

I have the Falken Ziex 512's and they are 195/55 r 15. I got them at NTB I think (I think Sears may have them too or can get them), but I am not sure if you have any of those available. They are relatively inexpensive, and they are really good in the rain and snow, at least compared to those Potenzas. Also these Falkens were rated number 1 all around in Consumer Reports for performance tires. They are not quite as good as the Potenzas on dry road, but much better on other surfaces.

Hope this helps.

I'm facing the same dilemma right now in my '03 LX. My front tires are nearly completely bald but I really don't want to shell out nearly double the price that 195/55s command over 195/60s or 205/50s. Those two are much more common sizes and therefore cheaper, the 205/50s only throw the speedo off by 1mph too fast whereas the 195/60s will read about 2mph too slow. I may go for the 205/50s now that I hear they shouldn't rub. I'm also concerned about how they'll look. The 195/55s leave quite a gap already that the 195/60s will fill in a bit but the 205/50s will make the gap even greater. majestikclub, do you happen to have any pics of your car with the 205/15s installed?

I got the Faulkin 512 for my 02 LX in 205/50's. Much cheaper then the 195/55's in the exact same tire. I only paid $45 a piece plus shipping from tirerack. Then only $8 a tire to have them mounted and ballanced at Hibdons.

Go for the 205/50's they are alot cheaper or the 205/55's, but they put you speedo off a little more than the 50's do.

Mine are great tires. Much quiter than the Potenzas and handle about the same. Much better in the rain too then even the new potenzas.

Hey Omron, are you on the Toronto Protege Board?

You might be able to find someone who is selling there stock tires.

Your other option is to replace all four, and see if you can sell the other three.

Also, there are some great deals on tires. ie, I am looking at replacing my 195/50/16 with Hankooks or Kuhmo summer tires, and they are running under $105 each, should be cheaper for 15". Even 205/40/16 are under $125 each.

Check out www.tiretrends.com to get an idea of pricing, then go to tireworld in Brampton when your ready to buy.

I drive FAR too much to use Azenis, I'd be replacing them every 3 months.
I'll probably end up going with the Ziex-512s in 205/50.

Dude, wheels and tires are barely over $750.

Alternate source for tires and wheels
 

Hey,

Have you guys checked out 1010tires.com? They are situated in Canada but sell to the States as well, and have 3 sister stores in Vancouver BC under the name of Volco Tires & Wheels.

I was on their site recenty and they had a new car feature. It allows you to upload your car image profile and place wheels on the car. Really cool feature I think. The url is www.1010tires.com.

good shopping!
Ben

Ok guys heres the deal, paid about 550 for all 4 tires, ended up buying a set of Yokohamas T4s.

The reviews are in, and I would say that the ride is totally different from the bridgestones that i just removed. And I took a Used Mazda 2001 from the dealership as a test to compare both tires brand new. And let me tell you that the Yoko's are clearly the better tire. 1) the ride feel and the road noise are much improved. 60 kmph right turns and left turns are more controlled and grip better, 3 attempts the Protenzas slipped a bit.

2) It was a good price, 119 per wheel, installed and balanced.

3) snow factor is good. they handled well enough for all seasons tires.

I would definatly recommend getting these tires.. in time I will see how the tire tread wear goes.. but from what i read from reviews is the rubber durability is definatly good.

4) these tires already safed my life, from avoiding a cement block in the middle of the #*(#$*(# HWY 410) car almost fished tailed on me but recovered well, It wouldn't have been that bad if I ditched but still, makes me think that buying these tires were a safe bet and good choice..

thats my opinion guys,, pick it to peices or follow it up.. I think Yokos are thumbs up. and i am a picky kinda guy too.. thats saying alot.

unrelated issue.......but why are all the internet tire companies in Canada out of B.C?????