Sounds kind of sick even thinking about it now but I figure it's worth shopping ahead. Leaning toward the Toyo Garrit HT's (215-55R-17) but haven't settled on a wheel yet. Does anyone know of a good dealership in the Greater Vancouver area (or an online source that is worth going to that ships cheap to Vanc.) that carries suitable rims that'll accomodate the TPMS? thanks

 

Canadian car?? We don't have TPMS.........

 

As for a dealer though, I'd recommend Volco.

 

Again, no TPMS on Canadian cars.

Online dealer - the best Canadian one IS in Vancouver! www.tiretrends.com . I bought my winter wheels/tires from them - the Garit HT 215/55-17 on Konig Holes 17x7.5 (iirc). Fabulous price, fabulous service from Tire Trends.

Regards,
Gordon

 

according to the menu, 16' wheels fit on the 8, is that true that I can use steel wheel 16 on it?

 

What menu? What web site?

No 16" wheels fit on a Canadian RX-8, since every RX-8 here is equipped with the Sport suspension and larger brakes. The only US RX-8 that has (and can fit) 16" wheels is the Base auto trans car.

Forum members searched pretty extensively last fall for a 16" option (for the OEM 18" RX-8s). There aren't any! 17"s are it, and even then some 17s don't clear the brakes.

Regards,
Gordon

 

I'm now faced with this decision too now... Is it consensus that the Toyo's are best for the 8 in winter driving?

 

Not necessarily! That's what a lot of us ended up with last fall, and it's very good, but I wouldn't be ready to call it the best. The 215/55-17 size is a big advantage for it, as many of the other winter tires are either 225/50-17 or 225/45-18. In those sizes, though, are several very good winter tires, including the Blizzak LM-22, Dunlop M3, and some Pirellis, Michelins, Nokians.

We'll have to see what's available this fall in 215/55-17. You can't go wrong with the Garit HT, though!

Regards,
Gordon

 

Thanks for the tpms heads up. Never even considered the info i was looking at was u.s. specific. The Toyo's definitely have the size advantage with the 55's - pls advise if any other brands are carrying the same size this season. Are far as "deals" go, was there an advantage to online vs. a local dealer?

 

the owner's menu, on the page for wheel size...

 

Hey maybe we can consider a group buy.. there are quite a few new owners this year in the same boat.

 

I'd be interested. Just picked mine up this week!

 

I've been looking into winter tires alot lately. For now I'm going to stick with the stock rims and just get a set of winter tires for them. (225/45/18) In Calgary the going rate for tires regardless of brand seems to be around $350 a tire, balanced and installed. I checked on line and Talon Tire has some good pricing. Depending on the brand you are after they run about $260-$280 a tire...they also have free shipping within Canada until mid October.

I'm getting a deal though our families company for tires locally....$280 balanced and installed. I just haven't decided on he brand Bridgestone or Pirelli


the one thing I've been told by a number of tire dealers is to get them quickly...there isn't a lot of stock on these in Canada.