I started this new thread to reflect the change in topic.

Before we buy any tires in Calgary, I would like to compare prices with The Tire Rack. I was looking for tires for my wife's CRV so I went to the Tire Rack website to make a tire choice. I asked my friend for a price on these tires (he can give me wholesale + 10%). Even with the exchange, duty etc. (I allowed 15% for GST, duty etc.) it would be cheaper to order from the Tire Rack. I'm not saying this would necessarily be so for all tires, but it is worth checking. Dave, you figure 225's for the rears for winter?

 

Yes, that's what I use. But as noted before, 225 will give you a slightly "real world" LESS contact width than the stock tire. I remember putting a tape measure to them and the snow tires are about 10-15 mm narrower rubber on the ground but since it's for winter, a narrower tire is not a bad thing. If you want identical contact width, see if they have the snows in 245's.
This is a very interesting proposition with regards to importing from Tire Rack. You still need to factor in cost of mounting and balancing. Usually, a tire shop will give you a discount or even "throw it in" if you buy the tires from them. I will try to get you a name and location of Blaskin & Lane ASAP so you can get a number from them for comparison. We're talking some significant bucks here, so go where the savings are.

 

Don't know if this is of any use as it was almost 2 years ago.
For my 2 rear Blizzak MZ-01 rears, mounted & balanced, all taxes = $454.15
Just for reference, my fronts (Goodrich Winter Slalom) = 278.09

 

It is interesting to see that I have the same situation here in Indiana, where the Tire Rack is located. I checked all over town and the best deal was not on the set of tires that I wanted and locally, they were $100 higher than the Tire Rack. Discount Tire couldn't get the Dunlops, but Jim came through for me.

I'm getting a set of Dunlop Winter Sport M2's mounted and balanced for $518 (US). It's a bit of a drive for me, but I'm saving $100. It probably won't even snow this winter.

Bob

 

What do you think of these ?

 

I've used Pirelli 210 Wintersports and Michellin Alpin's on my 944 turbo (no ABS, no traction control) on 16" wheels. Works great in Calgary winters.