Well, my tires have had a good run, but the tread is wearing down and it's time to get new tires.
I have Cooper Cobra Radial G/T P215/55R16 tires on my 1997 Nissan Maxima SE now. I'd like to get a set of comparable tires for under $400 USD, but, judging from the shops I've called, that's not going to happen.
What are the best P215/55R16 tires for the price? In other words, how do I get the most "bang for the buck"? I don't have the equipment or know-how to put them on myself, so it has to be some place local. I live in Springfield, MO.
Also, I was told that the 97 Maxima SE has to use P215/55R16 tires. Is this true, or do I have other options? Money's a little tight right now and I'd rather not spend $500+ on a set of new tires if I can avoid it.
Best tires for 97 Maxima SE for price?
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Sentientbydesign
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Re: Best tires for 97 Maxima SE for price? (Peretz)
Here's a quick overview on the size of your tires. A 215/55/R16 is broken down like so...
215 is the width of the tire in millimeter, so it's 21.5 centimeters. The 55 is referred to as the sidewall aspect ratio. Basically, you take the width (215) and multiply it times 55% which gives you the sidewall height.
Anyways, yes, you can use a different size tire, BUT no it's not recommended. The tire size you are using now, is a "best" fit for the rim you have. You could go wider/narrower, taller, lower, but then things start changing. If you change the sidewall height, you end up with a speedometer and odometer that don't read correctly anymore.
As for a suggestion... I personally like Bridgestones, but if you're trying to keep things low cost, I'd recommend the Nexens. Here's an Ebay link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem
I haven't personally used them, but I've heard good things about them. You can do a search on the site and there should be a few threads about them.
You can buy them on ebay for about $300 including shipping and have them installed somewhere in your area for $10-$20/tire putting you around the $350-$380 range.
Also, check the independent tire dealers. They're usually less expensive and easier to negotiate with. The only benefit in going with a big dealer is warranty.
215 is the width of the tire in millimeter, so it's 21.5 centimeters. The 55 is referred to as the sidewall aspect ratio. Basically, you take the width (215) and multiply it times 55% which gives you the sidewall height.
Anyways, yes, you can use a different size tire, BUT no it's not recommended. The tire size you are using now, is a "best" fit for the rim you have. You could go wider/narrower, taller, lower, but then things start changing. If you change the sidewall height, you end up with a speedometer and odometer that don't read correctly anymore.
As for a suggestion... I personally like Bridgestones, but if you're trying to keep things low cost, I'd recommend the Nexens. Here's an Ebay link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItem
I haven't personally used them, but I've heard good things about them. You can do a search on the site and there should be a few threads about them.
You can buy them on ebay for about $300 including shipping and have them installed somewhere in your area for $10-$20/tire putting you around the $350-$380 range.
Also, check the independent tire dealers. They're usually less expensive and easier to negotiate with. The only benefit in going with a big dealer is warranty.
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SEMaximaDude97
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Fri Sep 14, 2007 2:53 pm
- Car: 1997 Nissan Maxima SE
Re: Best tires for 97 Maxima SE for price? (Sentientbydesign)
You might want to look into Michelin Pilots. I'm not sure what they have available for Maximas but I've used them on other cars I've owned and they work out great. Depending on what type you get they can be pricey though. Check out tirerack.com they usually have some killer deals on there.
Re: Best tires for 97 Maxima SE for price? (Sentientbydesign)
Sentientbydesign, thank you for the quick lesson in tires. I'm a n00b to all this, so every piece of easily understandable information I can get my hands on is of great help.
SEMaximaDude97, I'd like to get the Michelin Pilot Exaltos, but they're $131 on tirerack.com and, I'm guessing, would be even more expensive locally. If money were no object, I'd track down the Michelins and have them installed. Unfortunately, money is not only an object, at the moment, it is the primary object.
I had almost settled on the Fuzion HRi, but noticed their ratings for snow and ice traction were not so hot (not bad, just not great).
A local business recommended the Firestone Firehawk GT, but that would cost over $100 more than the Fuzion HRis.
My parents suggested Falken brand tires, but the only local business I've found that sells them is Sears; they quoted ~$515 for a set of 4 installed.
Wal-Mart only sells Union Royal and Goodyear tires in the 215/55/16 size, and I've been told those brands are not so great.
SEMaximaDude97, I'd like to get the Michelin Pilot Exaltos, but they're $131 on tirerack.com and, I'm guessing, would be even more expensive locally. If money were no object, I'd track down the Michelins and have them installed. Unfortunately, money is not only an object, at the moment, it is the primary object.
I had almost settled on the Fuzion HRi, but noticed their ratings for snow and ice traction were not so hot (not bad, just not great).
A local business recommended the Firestone Firehawk GT, but that would cost over $100 more than the Fuzion HRis.
My parents suggested Falken brand tires, but the only local business I've found that sells them is Sears; they quoted ~$515 for a set of 4 installed.
Wal-Mart only sells Union Royal and Goodyear tires in the 215/55/16 size, and I've been told those brands are not so great.
Re: Best tires for 97 Maxima SE for price? (Peretz)
What do you all think about Kumho Solus KH16s?