Looking at UHP all seasons for stock 2003 Focus SVT. I don't put many miles on this car but I would like something on the sportier side. I have old Hankook V12 s on it now which have been fine for last 10 years but it is time. Car will see 40 degrees maybe frost but no snow. I take it in the backroads a couple of times per year but mostly urban driving.
My tire guy recommended Sumitomos for about $650 installed with alignment. Jumping to Michelins hits closer to a grand. Not sure my level of driving will really take advantage of the pricier rubber .
245x45x17
i have Generals on my other car and have been happy with them. Thoughts on these two or similar tires?
Tire Rack YouTube review seem like the Generals have better turn in, which is one of this car's strengths. It ain't a monster, but it is responsive.
In reply to GTwannaB :
we have the last version of the Sumitomo's on the 00 Focus ZX3, and loved them. When it came time to replace the stock tires on the 16 Focus SE Sport, we went with the Sumitomo P03. The tire seems responsive, it handles wet well, and even isnt horrible in light snow.
For something a little sportier, but not quite 200TW tire, look into the Firestone Firehawk 500. I have them on my Jetta. They are great all summer, not as awesome in the rain as the Sumi's, and handled the hour trip to Lime Rock and back with weather in the 30's with no problem.
I have run 2 sets of the old PO2 before, and liked them a lot, but now I am running the GMax, so it might not be a fair comparison with an older generation, but anyway. I like the GMax a lot better, its quieter, the ride is better, and from my experience, the GMAX is an all-season geared towards warm seasons, the P02 gave up a lot of that for very good snow traction. If you never see snow, I would go with the generals.
I have never bought a Sumitomo tire I didn't like. I can't say that for Michelin.
I'd look into the Hankook ventus S1 AS and Conti extremecontact sport as well.
When General was sponsoring the Challenge I bought a set off GMax for my GS430. I've been really pleased with them.
