My friend has a 2009 Fit Base. Currently, the car has 60,000 miles. For the last 35k, it has a set of 195/60-15 Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S tires. The Exaltos are nearly worn out, but have delivered excellent wet/dry performance and handling. Ideally, the goals of this next set of tires would be something that would not sacrifice too much in handling, but will deliver longer tread life and better fuel economy.
Since my friend is a bit broke at the moment, and I used her car for a bit during my college days, I offered to pay for 1 or 2 of the tires. Of course, this comes with the benefit of me being able to influence what tires were bought; I would not mind using this opportunity to "test out" tires that I would not otherwise buy.
The car's original tire size is 175/65-15, but this size has very limited choices. That was why the Exaltos were 195/60-15. Upsizing the tires gives more choices, but reduces fuel economy and shops will always mention to you that you have the wrong size tires on.
If I were to stay with 175/65-15, these are my current choices in order of desirability:
1) Yokohama AVID Ascend $110, T-Rated, 85k warranty (TireRack)
2) Yokohama Avid EnVigor $100, H-rated, 60k warranty (TireRack)
3) General Altimax HP, $88, H-Rated, 55k warranty (TireRack)
For 195/60-15, these are my current choices:
1) Continental ProContact EcoPlus+, $72, T-Rated, 80k warranty (special order from DTD)
2) Michelin Primacy MXV4, $108, H-Rated, 60k warranty (DTD)
3) Hankook Optimo H727, $70, T-Rated, 100k warranty (DTD)
Two other thoughts:
1) I will not consider any tires that may be discontinued in the near future, since obtaining a replacement will become an issue. As a result, the Avid TRZ, Michelin Hydroedge, Michelin X-Radial/Harmony are eliminated. The Michelin Defender will not be available in this size until July, which is too far away.
2) Wet traction and dry traction must be acceptable. This rules out some LRR tires such as the Ecopia EP422.
3) Also, I would like something that has reasonably decent handling. After all, the last set were the Exalto A/S. Therefore, I am a bit concerned about some of the handling reports of the Hankook H727, as they have been described to be extremely floaty on the highway.
So, there you have it. Let me know what you guys think. I would like to pull the trigger tomorrow since DTD's $50 instant off promotion ends at that time.
Thanks in advance!
Since my friend is a bit broke at the moment, and I used her car for a bit during my college days, I offered to pay for 1 or 2 of the tires. Of course, this comes with the benefit of me being able to influence what tires were bought; I would not mind using this opportunity to "test out" tires that I would not otherwise buy.
The car's original tire size is 175/65-15, but this size has very limited choices. That was why the Exaltos were 195/60-15. Upsizing the tires gives more choices, but reduces fuel economy and shops will always mention to you that you have the wrong size tires on.
If I were to stay with 175/65-15, these are my current choices in order of desirability:
1) Yokohama AVID Ascend $110, T-Rated, 85k warranty (TireRack)
2) Yokohama Avid EnVigor $100, H-rated, 60k warranty (TireRack)
3) General Altimax HP, $88, H-Rated, 55k warranty (TireRack)
For 195/60-15, these are my current choices:
1) Continental ProContact EcoPlus+, $72, T-Rated, 80k warranty (special order from DTD)
2) Michelin Primacy MXV4, $108, H-Rated, 60k warranty (DTD)
3) Hankook Optimo H727, $70, T-Rated, 100k warranty (DTD)
Two other thoughts:
1) I will not consider any tires that may be discontinued in the near future, since obtaining a replacement will become an issue. As a result, the Avid TRZ, Michelin Hydroedge, Michelin X-Radial/Harmony are eliminated. The Michelin Defender will not be available in this size until July, which is too far away.
2) Wet traction and dry traction must be acceptable. This rules out some LRR tires such as the Ecopia EP422.
3) Also, I would like something that has reasonably decent handling. After all, the last set were the Exalto A/S. Therefore, I am a bit concerned about some of the handling reports of the Hankook H727, as they have been described to be extremely floaty on the highway.
So, there you have it. Let me know what you guys think. I would like to pull the trigger tomorrow since DTD's $50 instant off promotion ends at that time.
Thanks in advance!