Hi Gord, I just bought a 6 speed 2005 GS model in Winnipeg. Very happy!

Very sorry for asking you but I want to buy winter tires and wheels this week. I'm going to follow your lead 100% as I think you're familiar with Winnipeg winters.

What is the tire/wheel package that you have, and who is the cheapest retailer to buy it from? Thank you very, very much.

I will be travelling to Kenora and Steinbach on business every month. I very much appreciate your advice on what I should buy.

David

 

Online, Talon tire had the cheapest price I found for winter tires. They also have free shipping for a lmited time.


In Calgary for the stock 18" size tires you are looking at around $350 installed and balanced


Talon Tire quoted between $260 and $280 per tire (depending on the brand) and has free shpping for a limited time.

 

I'm selling my 4 Michelin Pilot Alpin (225/40R18) only used last winter.

I bought a used car for winter.

PM me to make an offer?

Simon.

 

Hi David,

I bought from TireTrends in Vancouver - their prices were comparable to Talon Tire that most everybody else seemed to buy from, and their service and support is incomparable. I've bought 2 sets of wheels/tires and another set of tires from them over the past 2 years, with zer problems. I bought the Konig Holes wheel, 17x7.5, and Toyo Garit HT 215/55-17 tires. The wheels are more expensive than the FRDs that many others bought, but they are lighter and more importantly, I really liked the style . Here's a thread with a couple of pics of the wheels/tires. For the tires, I really wanted a slightly narrower tire than the OEM width, and there aren't as many choices in 215/55-17 as there are in 225/50-17. I'm really happy with how the Garit HTs performed, but at the same time would happily recommend the Blizzak LM-22s, Pilot Alpins, and a few other good performance-oriented winter tires.

We had a couple of good threads going last fall where the choices for wheels and tires were extensively discussed. They're worthwhile for background reading!
Winter Tire group buy?
Talon Tire group buy

Hope this helps - let me know if you have any further questions!

Regards,
Gordon

 

RX8wanted, I live in Winnipeg too.
If you are not comfortable with buying online, go see Ken at Winnipeg Wheel Works out on Gunn Road.
I bought a set of 17" "Panther" rims (made by FRD) that do indeed fit the 8.
We tested them on my car. Perfect fit.
Check my profile and look up all posts by me. I have pictures of my rims posted if you want to see what they look like.
As for tires the Toyo garrit is a good choice. I went with the michelin pilot Alpine pa2. I am partial to Michelin tires even though they are more pricey.
With Michelin you will have to go with a 225/50/17 as there is no 215/55/17 available.
Www.apa.ca has a link (click info center>tire info>winter tire ratings).
They give you a selection of tires to choose from. Pick from the performance car/sports car list. The Michelins, and Toyos are both on the list.
I bought my tires from Royal tire on Regent avenue, on the recommendation from Ken at Wpg wheel. I wanted a no nonsense tire guy that knows his stuff, and can balance tires well.
As a bonus the owner's son works with his pop. There are at times a relationship simillar to the father/son on Orange county choppers. Quite entertaining and well worth the price of slightly higher price than ordering online.
I am sure glad I have my tires already, because we are supposed to get some snow tomorrow!!!!! Yikes.
And to think that the tires shops thought I was nuts to be worrying about winter tires last month already!!!

 

Sorry for the delay in thanking everyone. I can only access this site from certain computers whose servers will permit entry.

Gordon, I called Tire Trends and spoke to a good guy named Arch. For your exact set, I was quoted $2,000 including taxes and delivery. He's looking into less expensive wheels for me over the weekend. I was hoping to come in at $1,500 max.

I'll keep you posted on any developments guys. Again, very much appreciated.

David

 

2 grand sounds about right. Thats what I paid for my wheels and Michelins.
Go see Ken at Wpg wheel works, get the panther rims, order a set of Toyo Garrit ht's (215/55/17), and you should come in around 1600 dollars all said and done.
Online I would recommend Tiretrends.com or Talon Tire.com.
If you buy from Talon ask for John.

Here is the group buy for Talon Tire this year:

https://www.rx8club.com/canada-forum-35/winter-wheel-tire-package-2004-a-38895/

The math is goofy but the end price is right.
I did not type the goofy math, it was a copy and paste from the email John sent me.

1562.00 plus 50 bucks shipping. Balanced, taxes, etc, done.
Wait for the snow and away ya go.

 

Thanks.