Gonna need winter tires this year, halp!

[MattL]

Hey guys, long time no see!

I'm looking into getting a winter tire set up for my 2012 GS. Currently still rocking the factory rims and tires, no modifications of any kind have been done to this area.

I'm a noob when it comes to this sort of thing. What do I need to look for? I have no idea what R15 and all those other numbers mean.

I'm probably going to try and hit up someone on kijiji for a set of rims and tires, unless someone on here is selling. I don't have a lot of money so I'm trying to get a half way decent set for as cheap as possible, as I'm sure Crappy Tire and the dealership want an arm and a leg.

Thanks :D

[Johns 08 3 GT]

The tire size you want is 195/65R15 or 205/55R16.

The bolt pattern in 5X114.3

The center bore is 67.1mm (the very center hole)

[ottoyu34]

I won't hit up Kijiji if you aren't even sure what you should be looking for.

Our sponsors should able to hook you up with great early-bird special along with manufactures rebates.

[XTOTHEL]

A set of tires winter (Michelin) will cost you about $1000, add on $200 for steel rims? Unless your all seasons are done too, and you want to use the stock alloy rims for winters and get a new set of alloys for the summer (around $1400 for the combo).

[Mazdy]

I have a set TOYO GARIT KX 205/55/16 on steelies

bought from mazda dealership 2 winters ago

let me know

thanks

[ZRacing]

A set of tires winter (Michelin) will cost you about $1000, add on $200 for steel rims? Unless your all seasons are done too, and you want to use the stock alloy rims for winters and get a new set of alloys for the summer (around $1400 for the combo).

That's a little steep! :chuckle

[midnightfxgt]

Yea, 16" Michelins are closer to $800 Out the door than $1000

[XTOTHEL]

That's a little steep! :chuckle


Yea, 16" Michelins are closer to $800 Out the door than $1000

My bad guys! Just checked my reciept from last year and yea, it was $1100 from Costco, but there was also a $300 Lego set on it :P :P

[midnightfxgt]

My bad guys! Just checked my reciept from last year and yea, it was $1100 from Costco, but there was also a $300 Lego set on it :P :P

My little guy is almost 1. I cringe at the price of Lego and Meccano lol

[silverstarmazda]

Got a set that's fairly new for 400 but will need to dig out from storage. They're ready to go on steels and only have one season on them. Will make an official thread once I get them in

[ryan2.3]

if you're looking for new, it may be worth it to take a trip to the US. Even with the exchange you can get a set for less than $500
i'm going to go into my 3rd winter on GT Radial Champiro IcePro's and i should be good for a couple more.
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/findTireDetail.do?c=0&rcz=48066&ar=55&rf=true&rd=16&rc=MIDINT&cs=205&dVeh=dVeh&ra=searchWinterTiresByVehicleAndSize.do&fl=w&tc=GITST1&yr=2004&pc=15971&vid=008513

had a second set on my other 3, which is also going into it's third winter (to the person i sold the set to) with a couple more seasons left on them. I bought both sets at the same time so they cut me a deal and i only paid about $72/tire 2 years ago when the dollar was closer to par.

Discount tire usually has sales here and there.

[midnightfxgt]

if you're looking for new, it may be worth it to take a trip to the US. Even with the exchange you can get a set for less than $500
i'm going to go into my 3rd winter on GT Radial Champiro IcePro's and i should be good for a couple more.
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/findTireDetail.do?c=0&rcz=48066&ar=55&rf=true&rd=16&rc=MIDINT&cs=205&dVeh=dVeh&ra=searchWinterTiresByVehicleAndSize.do&fl=w&tc=GITST1&yr=2004&pc=15971&vid=008513

had a second set on my other 3, which is also going into it's third winter (to the person i sold the set to) with a couple more seasons left on them. I bought both sets at the same time so they cut me a deal and i only paid about $72/tire 2 years ago when the dollar was closer to par.

Discount tire usually has sales here and there.

The exchange rate kills it right now. for $400-$550 locally you can get a wide range of tires in that size.

[Whisper]

I've been looking at Winter's too and have been interested in the Michelin Xi3. $800 is on the ball for these tires without steelies. But right now CT has them for $70 off
http://tires.canadiantire.ca/en/tires/winter-tires/product/0051817P/michelin-x-ice-xi3/0062032/

Just keep an eye out for deals and don't rush into buying even if we have snow before winter.

[midnightfxgt]

I've been looking at Winter's too and have been interested in the Michelin Xi3. $800 is on the ball for these tires without steelies. But right now CT has them for $70 off
http://tires.canadiantire.ca/en/tires/winter-tires/product/0051817P/michelin-x-ice-xi3/0062032/

Just keep an eye out for deals and don't rush into buying even if we have snow before winter.

$170.49 on Sale plus labour (IIRC - Crappy tire is about $100+ for this), or you can buy from a Forum sponsor for $175 installed.

IMHO - Buy from someone who supports the community, has the better price, better machines, and better service.

[ottoyu34]

Most sponsors prices are mount, balance, installed. They even provide the right steel rims for you car.

Also, it's easier to deal with in case of any issues.

[crxgsr]

Also, it's easier to deal with in case of any issues.

Actually, I believe ALL tires bought at canadian tire have ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY, which almost no one else offers (aside from Continental Tires for the first 12 months or GTRadial).

But the 205/55R16 Michelin Xice3 can easily be had for $770 ALL-IN (even taxes) plus rebate.

There is also a deal going around this week only. 205/55R16 General Altimax Arctic for only $500 all in, plus rebate.

[kckev99]

Hey guys, long time no see!

I'm looking into getting a winter tire set up for my 2012 GS. Currently still rocking the factory rims and tires, no modifications of any kind have been done to this area.

I'm a noob when it comes to this sort of thing. What do I need to look for? I have no idea what R15 and all those other numbers mean.

I'm probably going to try and hit up someone on kijiji for a set of rims and tires, unless someone on here is selling. I don't have a lot of money so I'm trying to get a half way decent set for as cheap as possible, as I'm sure Crappy Tire and the dealership want an arm and a leg.

Thanks :D

I wrote some tire reviews on some of the past tires of I've used. I have personal experience with 2 specific ones on the Mazda 3 same gen as yours. As many have said yours will be 205/55 R16.

BTW... I'm selling the tires. I've used them only two seasons, 2013/14 and 2014/15. I would also like to note that I've taken 1 month vacation in each of those winters. Therefore 2 winters of use minus 2 months so lots of life left in them. PM me if you are interested in buying them.

My reviews and impressions:

Toyo GSi-5
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?73589-Toyo-GSi5-Initial-Impressions&highlight=kckev99

Falken Espia EPZ - I believe these are discontinued...
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?49075-Falken-Espia-EPZ-tire-initial-review&highlight=espia

[Jabb]

I have a set of 205/55R16 evergreens, barely any usage over 2 winters on them. I can give them to you for $250 (without rims). Send me a PM