Falken Espia EPZ ; Reviews?

[faramir9]

So, DTD has a great deal on Falken Espia EPZ winter tires through Dec. 1. With three rebates, I can get a set in 185/65/14 for my Saturn for $158 shipped-to-door.

Tempting---but I know next to nothing about this tire. Online reviews are sparse. I've never driven on Falken tires and the local tire shops here do not normally stock them.

Still, for that price it's worth research. I would like to get winter tires---and winter is just about here---but cash is tight. Anyone know anythng about these tires?

Thanks.

 

[Ndx]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?49075-Falken-Espia-EPZ-tire-initial-review


are Falken's still made in Japan ?

 

[IndyIan]

http://1010tires.com/Tires/Reviews/falken/Espia+EPZ

Seem pretty decent and if it makes you feel better, they go for $100+ each up here!
Keep in mind your mounting costs are fixed no matter what tires you get, so the super deal on the tires alone doesn't seem as good when you include all costs.
Also the cheaper snows I've run do tend harden up with the years and wet pavement traction gets worse. Didn't bother me to much but its an issue to be aware of.

 

[faramir9]

Originally Posted By: Ndx
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?49075-Falken-Espia-EPZ-tire-initial-review


are Falken's still made in Japan ?


Thanks for the link. Where these tires are made is one of several questions I wonder about.

 

[Canawler]

Originally Posted By: Ndx

are Falken's still made in Japan ?


The Falkens I put on the wife's Xterra last spring were made in Thailand.

 

[faramir9]

Originally Posted By: IndyIan
http://1010tires.com/Tires/Reviews/falken/Espia+EPZ

Seem pretty decent and if it makes you feel better, they go for $100+ each up here!
Keep in mind your mounting costs are fixed no matter what tires you get, so the super deal on the tires alone doesn't seem as good when you include all costs.
Also the cheaper snows I've run do tend harden up with the years and wet pavement traction gets worse. Didn't bother me to much but its an issue to be aware of.


Thanks. That's the one cluster of reviews I found at a quick search before posting this thread. Thinking I might pass on these and get Hankook iPike for $30 more---if I get winter rubber at all this year. The clock ticks....