Tires for '05 Outback

[notsosimple]

Getting down to the 'replace me' indicators on the wifes Outback. Looking for a new set and cant really tell where to go. We do a decent amount of highway traveling (About 500 miles/month on freeway and regular running around) including mountains so they will need to be an all terrain/season type of tire with decent snow handling. Also hoping for good wet traction as in Portland we get our fair share of rain.

Any thoughts? Local Americas Tire rep said to get the Goodyear TripleTreads. They look nice, but they are close to $700+ for a set of 4 installed. Was hoping to stay around $5-600 if possible.

[AWDFTW]

Hmm...you need a tire that is good on the highway, in the rain, in the snow, and decent off-road? Nope, a single one that is great for all of that doesn't exist.

Seriously though, the GYTT are a popular tire, but they seem very hit or miss on quality (tread life, balance, etc) as of late. I am quite happy with the Primacy MXV4's in my signature as they have great highway manners and are tolerable in snowy conditions, but I haven't taken them off road. My folks have them on their 2006 OBXT as well and are pleased, as long as they last decently they will be worth their cost.

America/Discount Tire is a good place, as they will typically price match any better deal you find, so do shop around.

I suggest reading some reviews on tirerack.com

[notsosimple]

Thanks for the quick reply. Off-Roa is way less important than the other factors. Mountains I meant highway driving in the mountains Big difference.

[AWDFTW]

Ahh, gotcha.

Like I said, hit up tirerack.com or one of the other big online tire stores and read some reviews for your vehicle.

When it came time for tires for our 2003 it was between the MXV4 and Nokian WRG2. The Michelin tires were cheaper and easier to get, with a longer tread life rating. I don't do a great deal of driving, but most of it is highway, so a comfortable tire was a bonus.

That being said, the blizzard that rolled through made me wish I had the Nokian's winter performance.

[Radar]

I just put Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires on my '05 Outback XT. I've just driven them 120 miles or so on wet freeway, but they are great so far. They are supposed to be exceptional for wet braking, along with good gas mileage. They are quiet and corner much better than the stock Potenzas. Not cheap tires, but you get what you pay for.

The other Primacy model is the MXV4, which leans more toward snow performance instead of wet performance.

[number 41]

I have the Goodyear Triple Treads and recommend them. But, yeah, the money.

Take a look at the Cooper CS4.