Hey ya!

With 20k miles on the original s02's my rear tires are looking pretty bald and need replacing. I don't plan on taking her out in the snow, but maybe in good weather if its cold. What kinda tires should I throw on the rear? I've been tentative to just get more s02's, but they're in the higher price range, and how would I go about finding those and getting them installed in the Fredericksburg area?
Let me know what you put on your car, and how thats workin. Or what would you recommend for my case? Thanks.
Cheers,
Jared

 

I've been happy with Kumho's line. Personally for $$$ I've run the Escta 712s although their newer MX line is even more comparable to the S-02s than the Esctas are. Check them out on TireRack.com for pricing comparisons. Won't likely find better prices than that board sponsor. And they can deliver the tires whereever you would request.

I'll leave it to Skip to offer installation location advice. [He'll probably argue my Kumho suggestion as well...but I love him anyways]

- Dave

 

I just called NTB here in town because I'm trying to get these done before rolling out for a weekend jaunt down to B'burg. They have the Dunlop sp5000 and the Bridgestone s03's. I'm leaning towards the sp5000's because they might be more all weather friendly, but would like more feedback.
what do you all think?

 

Well, I have the Dunlops on the back, but I had to make a judgment call on the spur of the moment so I didn't really compare. They work for me.

 

if they worked well in your drive through wintergreen in that wet weather, they'll work for me.

 

Just to offer again...but not to confuse/confound...the Kumho Esctas are extremely effective in rain as well. They have a great "center channel" as deep as the diameter of your index finger (when brand new) that does well to keep the tire from hydroplaning. Wear better than S-02s & cost nearly half as much.

 

but the challenge for today is to find a shop that has them in stock and can throw them on today.

 

Yeah, that's kinda where I was...my car wasn't going to pass inspection with the tires worn so badly. My guy passed it but told me to get new tires ASAP. I went up the street to the tire wholesale place, picked some that were about in the middle pricewise, and had them mounted right then.

 

Today = Today...so I understand where you're coming from. Again, if it is worth anything, I can recommend that (with 3 orders under my belt now) TireRack.com has shipped to my home west of Richmond, VA within 2 days of order placement everytime now. One of those three orders arrived the very next day even though I made no special shipping arrangements (i.e. just UPS Ground delivery).

- Dave

 

Okay, I'm in the same boat as Jared - without the time restraint.

I need some rubber for the new Volks. Yes, Dave I am leaning toward the Kumhos too. Steve (tenblade) is telling me to get the MX's. My main fear is rain - I totaled my old Prelude on the interstate (nobody hurt) and have been frightened of driving in rain ever since. I was gripping that steering wheel pretty hard in Wintergreen

I will be riding on a lot of rear rubber (17x9 wheels) which has always had a tendency to grab anything they can find - not too appealing for rain. My rain experience with the S so far has been a little bit hairy on the Pirellis - about half tread life.

Any suggestions are appreciated.