9-3 Aero Tyres

[Robbie76]

Hi Guys

Hoping someone can give me advice on what tyres to get for my new Saab 17" alloys, to be fitted to my new 9-3 Aero Coupe! Price is a factor! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers

[malcolm]

I have Kumho KU31 on my Aero they seem fine cost £265 for 4

[GerrardSpear]

I was quoted £115 a corner for 225/45/17 Continental Super Sport 2's. ouch.

Currently runing 215/45/17 P7000's that came with the car. Noisy.
Will be changing to 225's soon so will be interested in what this thread chucks up.

[sgould]

If you go for 225/45 17 tyres, I think people (and Saab) are recommending the Extra Load/Reinforced version with the 94W rating instead of the standard 91W. Certainly on my 9-5 the stiffer sidewalls have almost eliminated the premature wearing of the outer edge of the front tyres. I think fliptop finds the same on his 9-3.

The tyres are a bit more expensive (£5 - £10 each) but last around 50% longer!

[potto]

Interesting to compare my latest front pair (225/45 17 91Y Good Year F1s) with the 94W Contis I've had the last couple of times - definitely notice the difference in sidewall strength. The ride is slightly better (but the Good Years are marginally better than Contis on that score anyway), but turn-in is not as sharp - noticeably more understeer.

Pity I had to buy the 91s, but I was 120 miles from home, late for a meeting and had a puncture ...and the other front was about bald anyway

Still, they'll be gone in about 3-4 months

[Robbie76]

Thanks for the info guys. Could anyone suggest a brand and what is a reasonable price? My local Saab dealer (independent) quoted me for 4 tyres (Toyo 215/45/17) and to fit and balance for £450. He seems to think they are the best tyres available for the Aero. Can anyone tell me if this is a good tyre and price?

[potto]

Good tyre (if Proxes T1-R) but bad price for Toyos, £85 a corner is more like it.

Go for 225/45 rather than 215 if getting a full set, much improves the car - better ride, better handling, less nervous and less tramlining (in my experience). Also often a bit cheaper as more cars use 225s...

I still reckon the Good Year F1s or Conti SportContact 2s are the best, and you should get a set of either for £400-420 if you shop around - even for the 94W rated tyres.