After putting my car through its paces the last couple of weeks, I have to admit I really like these tires. Especially for being a 60 series tire, I find the sidewall is very firm and well controlled (just they way I like it)....possibly even more so than the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires I have on my old 7-Series, which is their top of the line ultra high performance all-season tire.
I'm getting ready to replace these tires before winter and am having a difficult time not buying another set. The only reasons I'm hesitating are:
Price (they're around $220/each...significantly more than the Pilot Sport A/S Plus for some reason)
Poor winter performance reviews (most likely because they're such a firm, long wearing tire)
I used to run dedicated winter tires and 3 season tires, but both "cost" and room in the garage has kept me from continuing to do so. So, I need to find a tire which sacrifices some of the great handling of these Latitudes for some better winter capabilities. I had ran the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus on my old Outback XT in the winter and found when the tires were new, they did a respectable job--especially for such a high performance tire. But, after 5-6k miles--even though there was tons of tread left--they seemed to lose a good bit of their winter grip.
Right now on my short list is the Nokian WR-G2 SUV tire which runs around $140/each. It's a V-rated all-season tire which is supposed to be stellar in the winter and excellent in dry conditions, plus it's designed for higher performance SUVs. Will keep the board posted on my decision.
Anyway, the REAL reason why I felt obligated to write this was because I don't think I've run across any posts here about the stock Latitudes; good, bad or otherwise. Does no one else here like them--or is everyone but me running 18" rims?
Tim
