Do I really need z rated tires or can I go with something cheaper? I don't have to replace my tires yet but in the future obviously I will. (Actually I just replaced the left front due to a chunk missing on the inside but that's a different topic).

 

Depends on how fast you want to go.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...eral/speed.jsp

 

... and the top speed you're planning on maintaining...

 

Having previously run the tire programs for several auto manufacturers, I can tell you it is always recommended you get a speed rating that is equal to or greater than the OE fitment tire. This doesn't mean you can't go with a lower speed rating, but is not recommended by the manufacturer.

 

I could not find the OE tires on tirerack.com
What do they usually cost?

 

They are on tirerack.com. I believe the price is $211 ea. You might want to call around locally to find pricing. I would probably chose another brand. You can actually look on the tire rack sight and find customer reviews of tires or search this site as I have seen several brands reviewed.

 

I paid $240 for one of the OE tires at my dealer, plus $10 to put it on. The only reason I bought it from them is because they said the one I had on was damaged so much that it was unsafe to drive on it.
I wonder what the shipping is on that tire from tirerack?