Q-chan

iTrader: (1)

I'm currently building my winter set from (used) Mazda3 rims and Michelin Pilot Alpine PA2 tires.
Preferred size 215/55R-17, if I can get them, otherwise 225/50VR17 XL.

You should consider getting inexpensive 17" rims instead of changing the
tires on your current rims, because:

• there is a wider selection of 17"winter tires on the market
• 17" winter tires are substantially cheaper, the difference may cover 30-50% of the rim price
• you are not risking to have your TPMS sensors damaged (each tire removal is particularly risky for the sensors)
• if you have your winter tires on seperate rims, you may sell them next year more easily

Just some thoughts...

Q-chan

Astral

I bought 215/55-17 Dunlop WinterSport M3s (one of the best snows) with road hazard insurance and on ASA JH3 rims for $1200 shipped to Mass, with some wrenches thrown in as well (otherwise would've been just under $1200).

I understand you about keeping your stock wheels. NE winters will do a number on your wheels though.. if you do keep your stockers, be sure to keep them clean throughout the winter.

I would recommend buying a set of 17s (if you just want to get through the winter, Tirerack can have you out the door for $950 shipped with Dunlop Graspic DS-2's on ASA JH3 17s), and then selling the set on the forums (locally) after the winter. I think you'd be able to get rid of a $1000 set of wheels/rims for at least $600, especially if you had only one winter on them (and took decent care of the rims).

Anyways, as far as snows go, tirerack.com is has pretty good surveys and ratings of tires.

From my personal experience and my friends' experience in Mass, I would consider the following snows excellent:

* Dunlop Wintersport M3 (a friend of mine ran these in a 245 width on a heavy E-Class MB)
* Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 (my roommate has them on his STI)
* Pirelli SnowSport 210 (I had these on my last FWD car)

If you can get any of those, then you'll be a happy camper (great snow traction, decent dry traction).

If you are trying to save money, then go for some of the top-rated (on tirerack) non-performance snows, like Dunlop Graspic DS-2s. Those are a lot more squirmy in the dry, so the handling won't be as nice, but they are still good snows.