I thought I give some insight into the all season replacement tires sweepstakes. After reading this thread a few dozen times to prepare for the day when I needed to finally change my OEM tires, well that time has come folks at 55,000 miles. The other day I saw the threading of my tire being exposed if that's the correct way to say it. Moreover, the wear indicators showed that it was even with the grooves. It was a gift that my car even passed inspection last August.
Anyways, I was 110% dead-set in getting the Hankook Optimo 727's, but I had a difficult time finding it at a local store. Of course I could get it online but I rather go to a local area tire store and do everything at once. So I browsed the websites for my local tire stores and it seems that they don't carry the particular size of 225/60/R17 or don't have it in stock at the moment. The store was offering a $40 rebate all the way up to an $80 rebate if you apply for a credit card on the Hankooks. Hence, I was leaning on these tires a lot.
I also thought about getting the Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread but yet again, the local stores did not have the right size. This goes the same with Michelin Hydroedge, I just can't seem to find that size in my area. Mind you, I did not look all over like crazy, just the few tire shops (Big Brand Shops) down the street because I didn't have the most time to look while babysitting my kids.
While researching, I came across the Nitto NT421Q. It seems to be a new tire specially made for crossovers and SUV's. Even though my initial goal for a tire was treadlife and the 100,000 Hankooks were in my alley. I started to like the idea of this tire. They also market this as a high-performance tire which is V-rated which is cool since now I don't have to worry about driving at high speeds. Note I am not a speeder, I am more of a eco-driver trying to get the most miles but drive fast when everyone else is to stay safe.(NJ turnpike for instance) Moreover, there is a special promo of buy 3 get 1 free.
So I just thought I stop by the tire store and order it in person since it says on their website that it is not in-stock. A lady in front of me was offered by the sales guy that he could grab a tire she wanted at the warehouse. Cool, I wanted to do the same with the Nitto's.
Good news, the sale guy says they have the tires stocked at another store. Even though I was not in a rush, they said I could have the tires installed later in the afternoon but then he gives me an estimate, it came to over $800. HUH? ANd the promo is for a Black Friday sale for a few days. I then find out they were trying to add an extra 3 year program of rotations, balancing, insurance etc. I told him I have a place to balance and rotate my car and I didn't need that, but he tries to say its part of the deal.
So I said, umm. can I order the Hankooks and get the promo $40 rebate? The sales guy tells me that they don't carry that model in-store or warehouse. So I ask, why is it in your website?
After a few moments, he takes out a paper to make sure what the promo is and then tells me he want to be fair and make sure I really didn't have to get the extra service there and he seems to finally agree I can get the Nitto tires only. So instead of paying over $800 I end up paying a little over $500 after taxes and disposal fees etc.
The point of this whole story? I would suggest Rogue owners take a look at the Nitto's, they seem to be quiet and give a smooth ride while offering performance qualities. Even though I have not driven over 45 mph yet on them and only owned them a few hours it shows great promise.
Personally any new tire is better than a worn tire. Just get anything that makes you happy is my advice.
At first I wanted performance but the prices were too high, then I wanted longer treadwear, but I did not have any luck finding the right size in my case. So I was lucky to bump into the Nitto's. Research them too so you can see if these are your type of tires too.
One thing about research, it seems outside this thread, people complain about the Hankooks as being noisy and the Michelins or goodyears of having a harder ride because of it's firmness. I probably still bought these tires if I could have found them or if it was available in the size in my area. I just wanted new tires.
Anyways, thumbs up for the NItto's.