After replacing the tires on my wife's RX300, I began planning my next set of tires. I was at, ahem, Costco and saw a set of RE92s. Most every other tire there had a treadwear rating of at least 300 and the RE92s were 160, sheesh!! After that I felt so inferior, sniff. Here's my criteria/questions:

1) Gotta Stay Stock (Rims) - Can't let wife find out i'm spending cash on car stuff when she could be using said cash in Nordstrom's or Banana Republic (those bastards!!!). Besides, I'm already getting the Rice Burner/Rocket jokes at work and the thing is still bone stock, hehe.

2) Will 225/50-16 work? Or am I in danger of contracting a case of the "rubs"? Will these fit the stock wheel width?

3) I live in Southern California, dare I ditch the all season tires?

4) Any models/brands you're particularly fond of?

Anyhoo, thanks in advance for any advice, comments or flames

 

The 225/50-16 works fine on the stock rims and gives a better look. They are designed to fit 6 - 8" wheels and yours are 6.5". Diameter is right on so no speedo/odo errors and rubbing isn't a concern either.

California? If you don't go in the snowy mountains, summer tires will give noticably better results in the dry and wet. Good blends of traction with longevity include:


Firestone Firehawk SZ-50 EP
Kumho Ecsta Supra 712
Yokahama AVS ES100
Bridgestone Potenza RE750