Need new tires for the WRX

[Kabob]

Alright, judgement time. Need quick advice!

My options:
-Kumho Ecsta SPT or ASX tires shipped from Tire Rack to a shop about 2 miles from a garage where the car's gotta go next. Tires would be $345-350 shipped and installing is $20/tire. Disposal is $10. Not sure if there's any more "fees" for the shop, it doesn't say so on the website and they have an excellent review (it's the only Express Oil Change that has all positive reviews on Tire Rack's website).

-General Exclaim UHP tires bought from a local tire guy, installed and balanced $460 out the door (we have a 10% sales tax here). A friend has been there and had a wonderful experience...I didn't ask but he says they offer free lifetime rotation/balancing as well.

Price-wise, after all the fees and taxes it'd be about $450 vs. $460 or so, so price isn't the option. Do I want the Kumho's or the General tires? The guy at Big 10 I talked to was super nice/helpful, and he said he could have the tires in by tomorrow morning. Tire Rack should get 'em to the shop in about 2 days, I talked to a rep who was very helpful and both guys I talked to at Express seemed courteous and on the level.

Not sure what to do, but these need to get ordered today.

 

[Kirby]

Originally posted by: kabob983
I live in Birmingham, AL where we rarely see snow (except for the other day, but that was a weird weather snap that people around here say they haven't seen in years).

That shit was crazy! I took at least 50 pictures of the snow.

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: nkgreen

Originally posted by: kabob983
I live in Birmingham, AL where we rarely see snow (except for the other day, but that was a weird weather snap that people around here say they haven't seen in years).

That shit was crazy! I took at least 50 pictures of the snow.

Pfft, no it wasn't! Course, I used to live in Vermont and my wife is from Missouri, so we've seen what "real" snow looks like

Course, that totally awesome experience didn't help me from making my car do a Brian Boytano impression...

 

[thecritic]

I wouldn't go with the Kumho ASX tires. Their treadlife seems to be so-so. Summer tires will give you the best grip and handling at temperatures above 40F. However, their treadlife is only about 15k on average. Your best option would be to get an ultra high performance all-season tire, such as the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus. For less money, the recently redesigned Goodyear Eagle GT is also worth a look. If you could post your tire size, we could probably be of better help in evaluating the options for your budget.

 

[mc866]

I had the Kumho Ecsta SPT on my Impreza for my summer tires, not the best tire out there but worked out well for me, I think Kumho offers a great tire at a reasonable price. The ASX I believe are more of an all season while the SPT are considered summer performance.

 

[vshah]

check if you can get michelin pilot exalto pe2 in your size. they are kinda expensive though, i think ~160 a tire on tirerack. they came on my car and were amazing in dry and rain. i needed all seasons however so i replaced them with a set of bridgestone potenza g019 grid when they wore out