Stephen Kormilo

I also posted on the Tire & Wheel Forum, but thought that I might get some different viewpoints here.

I need to replace the OEM Pirelli P6s (215/55 x 16) on my 2002 A4 3.0 fairly soon. I was leaning towards the Bridgestone RE960AS's as opposed to the Bridgestone G009's. In fact I had almost made up my mind until getting some prices yesterday. I now have to decide between the Bridgestone RE960AS's and the Michelin Pilot Exaltos. Previous price quotes had put the Exaltos significantly higher in price than the RE960's, but they are now slightly less expensive. Actually, the Exaltos are $Cdn5 more per set of 4, but they come with a MIRB for a $50 Esso gas certificate. Tirerack performance ratings for the Exaltos are slightly better than the RE960's.

OTOH, the Exaltos appear to have been around for quite a while. Are they likely to be discontinued soon? Maybe why the price has dropped? I am slightly concerned about possibly having the same replacement dilemma an A4 lister just had when a blown tire couldn't be replaced because it was no longer in production.

Any opinions out there on the pros/cons of the RE960AS's vs the Exalto AS's?

Merkin

I have ASX on my 90Q and its great on dry and decent on wet, Im running G009 on the A4 and its been so far so good this past 2 weeks and great in the rain.

and the first 2 tires are cheap as hell

just think, you can burn out on the generals and not care because it's so cheap

Stephen Kormilo

wet & cool weather performance are a major requirement in this 'neck of the woods'. Plus, while I have, and use, a set of winter tires, snow has been known to occur at short notice here in B.C., especially at higher altitudes. The Generals are summer tires & would likely be really bad in case of a sudden, unexpected snow squall. I didn't price the Kumhos locally, but they are quite a bit lower in the wet & snow performance than the 960AS's. The G009's were a serious contender, but the few extra $$$'s for the better all-around RE960's are worth it, for me anyway.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

EZ3.0A

We put Exaltos on our MINI and they are excellent, to replace the crappy runflats.
X-pensive but well worth it, rain traction is amazing.
I think Bibs are the "roundest tire" ie quality out there!
get 'em , esp if you're getting a deal.
I doubt that they are not going sell them anymore- too new.