Question for the AWD car owners

[BigSki]

I wasn't able to find a decent replacement for my totaled WJ, so I picked up a '99 Subaru Forester from a friend. I've just had it state safety inspected, it only needed to have an exhaust leak repaired before it will pass, but the inspector pointed out to me the dry rotted tires on the car.

The inspector couldn't fail the car because of the dry rot, but he politely suggested new tires would be a wise purchase. I can't disagree with him, this car under-steers horribly in the wet weather we've been getting all of last week because the rubber is in such bad condition.

This leads me to my question for the owners of AWD cars on here- do you have any recommendations for tires? I can't afford to have a set of dedicated snow tires right now, and I can't see any use in running a snow tire ( Blizzaks for example) all year long, so do you guys just run a decent all season type of tire? Any thoughts to keep in mind when looking at tread patterns for year round use?

I looked at BFG Advantage T/As and some Yokohama's today, I'm open to other suggestions. I know that this little AWD vehicle is completely different from my old WJ in terms of designed usage for on road/off road travels. I have no plans of any modifications, just getting it 100% up to date on maintenance which won't take very much, my friend took pretty good care of the car.

[humve]

I dont own a AWD car but a good all season tire I think would be a good choice. Just try to find a good brand and not a china made tire.

[binaryterror]

What size tire, and intended use?

[BigSki]

Originally Posted by binaryterror

What size tire, and intended use?

After much debate, I went with General ALTIMAX fr34. Great reviews on Tire rack and Subaru forums. I should have them mounted tomorrow, I'll report back.

[EeePee]

Shoulda got Firestone Winterforce tires and ran em all year.

Congrats on the car.

[BJoe]

Originally Posted by BigSki

After much debate, I went with General ALTIMAX fr34. Great reviews on Tire rack and Subaru forums. I should have them mounted tomorrow, I'll report back.

Those look like they'll be a good tire in most conditions, good luck with them

Originally Posted by EeePee

Shoulda got Firestone Winterforce tires and ran em all year.

Congrats on the car.

Funny you mention this, I've been noticing that 235/75R15 All Terrains are getting harder and harder to come by any more, might have to go that route for my XJ on the next set of tires

[BigSki]

Originally Posted by EeePee

Shoulda got Firestone Winterforce tires and ran em all year.

Congrats on the car.

Thanks for the congrats! It's a torquey little bugger.

If I was willing to spend the loot, a set of steelies and Blizzacks would have been mounted for winter use, but with the complete lack of said 'winter' showing up I looked for a decent all season tire. I'm surprised at how many people lift these Foresters and run legitimate all terrains.

[binaryterror]

Originally Posted by EeePee

Shoulda got Firestone Winterforce tires and ran em all year.

How many miles you get outta your snows all year plan?

I ran Hankook iPikes in the winter, but after 4 seasons, the wear was amazingly light. And I used to install first high in the 40's and remove when no more 40's in the morning which is having them on longer than most.

Good pick up on the car, just watch head gaskets, pretty common on all NA Subarus. Other than that normal maintenance.

[EeePee]

~10k a year, maybe. Maybe a little less. Whatever car I get next, I'm doing it again.

[binaryterror]

Originally Posted by EeePee

~10k a year, maybe. Maybe a little less. Whatever car I get next, I'm doing it again.

Honda Civic Type-R!

[EeePee]

Yeah right.

[sixty3]

I realize it's too late now, but I put Continental DWS on my 2009 sti. I gave up quite a bit from the "summer" tire that was on the car but I can drive in the rain and snow now.

I'm 50,000 miles in and they are still fine, but we've moved to the Dallas area and I think my next set will be more of the "summer" variety...

[idaho]

I have a subie too and I realize it's late but I'd recommend Goodyear eagle gt tires, awesome year round tire.

[Mike Flea]

I bit late here too, but the stock Firestone Affinity's ( all Season ), on my AWD Patriot has been fine both last winter and this winter here in Chicago. Congrats on the new vehicle

[BigSki]

Thanks for all of the feedback. 2 days on the new tarhs so far. The 3 week rain storm seems to have passed for now, so no wet weather feedback. These tires mounted without issue, and balanced out very well. Much quieter than the dried out Yoko's. I'm waiting for some crappy weather to give these a good workout.