Subaru Outback Forums banner
1 - 7 of 14 Posts

· Registered
'08 XT 5MT, NBP
Joined
·
114 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
We have 65K on our stock Bridgetone tires and they are probably good for 5K more, but I'd like to finally replace them now that winter is at our doorstep. I want another set of quality, least compromising, all seasons and would be willing to give up some life for better dry & wet grip. One tire I'm considering, b/c I have them on my other car, is the Conti DWS'. Any others you'd recommend for my '08 XT?

Thanks,
 

· Registered
'08 XT 5MT, NBP
Joined
·
114 Posts
Discussion Starter · #5 ·
I have the mxv4's on my '07 OBXT and couldn't be happier. Here are a list of pros and cons:

Pros:
- Quietest tires I've owned
- Good grip in snow (For all-seasons)
- Peformed phenomenally in standing water on the freeway near Seattle, no hydroplaning
- Driven off-road several times, nary a problem
- COMFORT!!!
- Very good tire wear, assuming you rotate, align,

Cons:
- With comfort comes weak sidewalls (at speeds of 90+). If you stay in the 50 - 75 MPH range, you will have no problems whatsoever.
- Mudding in the mountains is quite tough without lugs on the tread.

Simply put, if you are at high speeds (80+) a lot, you may want a sportier tread design. Even at lower speeds (40 - 80 mph) on HARD turns, you will notice sidewall flex. But if comfort and all around grip is your main gripe, this is definitely the tire for you. I'm not sure what they're selling for recently, but I would pay top dollar for these, hands down.
Thank you for the great level of detail - this is what I'm looking for! I do hit 90mph ocassionally and certainly hit and ride @80mph relatively frequently so I'm not sure it's the PERFECT tire for me. Outside of that, they seem near perfect though. TireRack has a set of 4 going for $704.00, but after the mail-in rebate, $634.00. The Conti Extreme Contact DWS' are going for $568. Kumho Ecsta 4X is another option at only $436.
 

· Registered
'08 XT 5MT, NBP
Joined
·
114 Posts
Discussion Starter · #7 ·
The MXV4 is highway cruising tire. Quiet, comfortable, great in wet, acceptable in dry, tolerable in snow.

My folks had the V rated version on their 06 OBXT, and they wore faster than mine have...but it was a different tire size, speed rating, and vehicle application. Performance reviews between my dad and myself were the same though.

The DWS are good tires, but seem to have mixed longevity reviews. They would be on my short list as well.
Thanks! Does anybody have experience with the Kumho's?
 

· Registered
'08 XT 5MT, NBP
Joined
·
114 Posts
Discussion Starter · #10 ·
Thanks everybody. Right now, consideing everything I've heard, I think I'll likely go the Conti's route. The door isn't completely closed yet, if others care to comment.
 

· Registered
'08 XT 5MT, NBP
Joined
·
114 Posts
Discussion Starter · #14 ·
Bought the Conti's and had them static balanced and mounted today. Also went ahead and did a 4 wheel alignment. Have yet to put some miles on them but will do, then report how the feel compared to the stock Bridgestones. Thanks again, everybody.
 
1 - 7 of 14 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top