[Marc]

I am about to put my winter wheels/tires on my VR6 Jetta. My 225/45/17 Michelins are getting low.

Does any one have experience with the Kumho Ecsta AST performance tires? Often, if something sounds too good to be true (price wise)...it usually is. But, the reviews on tirerack for these tires are very high.

Anyone have any thoughts? Will be buying over the Winter.

 

[Merlin]

Last year I put Goodyear Fortera triple-tread on my wife's SUV. They come in SUV and passenger car sizes, they have a similar tread design to the tire you posted. They have performed very well in all conditions and their road manners have been exemplary in every situation, including snow. They do have two drawbacks; one, they seem to be wearing at an accelerated rate (this may be the vehicle, though....her original Michelins were junk at under 30K), and because they are a directional tire, rotations can only be performed front to back and not side to side, so keeping your front end alignment good, proper shocks, and tire pressure are key to longevity.

I am not familiar with the brand/model you posted, but the tires I bought that are a similar design have performed well.

Good luck!

 

[MrDoEverything]

Hate them.

Currently on my Miata and they are the worst handling tire I've wasted money on. Unfortunately I wasn't told before purchasing that my friend had them on his M3 and hated them and another buddy had them on his WRX and didn't like them either.

Highs: Decent water traction, average wear (10 months is ave for me) Cheap

Lows: Soft sidewall, Poor communication = Lack of confidence during hard driving.

 

[Marc]

Hate them.

Currently on my Miata and they are the worst handling tire I've wasted money on. Unfortunately I wasn't told before purchasing that my friend had them on his M3 and hated them and another buddy had them on his WRX and didn't like them either.

Highs: Decent water traction, average wear (10 months is ave for me) Cheap

Lows: Soft sidewall, Poor communication = Lack of confidence during hard driving.

hmmm, good information. Thanks

 

[ShadoFire]

I have outfitted Benz's, Police interceptors and the wife's minivan in Michelin Pilot® Alpin® PA2 in various 17" sizes. They are amazing tires, you'll slip on the ice with you shoes and pull away with the Pilot Alpins'. The Benz customers love them because they don't compromise handling and The Police like them becasue they can drive like they do in summer.
My Wife hauls the most valuable cargo, my 3 kids, I wanted the best and that's what I put on. They will perform like studs on the ice that we get here, and if you look at my location, we drive on a lot of snow and ice.