Subaru Forester II (2002 - ) - Tyres

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Thu 30 Oct 2008 19:15
Tyres - hjp forester
Hi all.

I'm asking for advice on tyres for my 04 plate Forester. I have been told that all four tyres need to be replaced and that the price is going to be about £80-120 per tyre!! I have a brand new Michelin spare which can be used, meaning that I will have to only buy 3.

Alternatively, there is a brand 'Phate/Phates' that are roughly £40-50 per tyre. I just don't want to buy tyres that are going to squeal and give a poor ride, equally I don't do too many miles but sometimes there is a need for that extra bit of ground clearence and traction.

I'm not a stranger to vehicles and going 'under the bonnet' but my last 2 cars have been V Corsa's. The most recent bought 2/H in 04 (circa 17,000 miles) and traded this July with 32,000 miles.

Due to this lack of mileage you can see why I would like to know if it's totally necessary to pay £300-£350 for tyres, and yes, I did know about maintenance and upkeep before I bought it :o)

Many thanks

Henry.
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Thu 30 Oct 2008 19:46
Tyres - corblimeyguvnar
Would that be Fate tyres?
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Thu 30 Oct 2008 20:23
Tyres - hjp forester
Could well be. Sounds like Fate. I thought it was 'Ph' for some reason, don't know why. Cheers.
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Thu 30 Oct 2008 20:01
Tyres - PST
Had a similar-ish situation with a recently aquired CRV - brand new Bridgestone spare and 3 budget tyres on the car. Now these had 6 or 7mm on them but just for my peace of mind I replaced with three new Bridgestones which came in at £70 each including fitting.

In general terms there seems to be three price levels for tyres; the well known brands, Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli at £70+. A second tier of the likes of Kumhos, Falkens etc at £60+. And finally the no-name makes or ditchfinders as my garage called them from £40+. I think there was a thread on here recently that suggested the second tier tyres were perfectly acceptable.

If you happen to need 205/70 15s and want some ditchfinders with 7mm on them for a very reasonable fee just let me know before I fleabay them :)

Check out blackcircles or mytyres for a good range of tyres and prices specific for the Forester.


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Thu 30 Oct 2008 20:38
Tyres - hjp forester
I'll have a look for that thread as mine need to be changed fairly soon.

One local tyre fitter that receives our custom didn't even mention the ditchfinder option and that's probably why. I just thought that it might be worth shopping about and getting points of view as I was used to tyres at £30 for my Corsa and thought it was a bit steep.

Thank you for the offer of your tyres but on your info I'd head for the 2nd tier or try and get a bargain using my spare.

I will also try blackcircles and mytyres.

Many thanks
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Thu 30 Oct 2008 21:09
Tyres - corblimeyguvnar
Also try Camskill.co.uk, tyre-shopper.co.uk, etyres or pneus. First two will probably be the cheapest.

CBG
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Thu 30 Oct 2008 21:42
Tyres - Falkirk Bairn
Costco prices are usually good for Michelins throughout the year

Just now there is an additional 20% but you have to buy 4 (and you have to be / go with a member)
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Sat 1 Nov 2008 12:14
Tyres - hjp forester
Thank you!!
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