New tires for my Yaris S

[MPC Motorsports]

After 36,000 miles on the 205-40-17 Yokohama Avid H4S tires that I installed when my car was new 25 months ago, it is time for some new shoes. Yokohama discontinued the Avid H/V/W4S lines and replaced them with the new ENVigor line. The new line only has 205-45-17's and it was difficult to justify $110 per tire plus shipping. Also looked at the Continental ExtremeContact DWS at the same price. 205-45's are more expensive by about $15-20 more per tire, so I'm keeping with the 40 series. My oldest is still in college and we are helping with expenses, so I still try to find the best deal.

My Dad has some Falken Ziex ZE-912's on his Infiniti and really likes them, so I am going to try a set of them on the Yaris. I found a great deal on them at http://www.onlinetires.com/. Got them for $70 per tire INCLUDING shipping. Discount Tire Direct sells them for $80 each shipped. I gave them the opportunity to match the price and they declined. Ordered late Friday online and they arrived today via Fed Ex Ground. Going to my favorite tire store Friday morning for installation and alignment.
http://images17.fotki.com/v524/photos/2/224343/6200481/FalkenTires-vi.jpg
I'll post a review after I get them installed, then I'll update after I get a few miles on them. I drive about 350 miles per week so I should get a good impression soon.

Marc @ MPC Motorsports

[fnkngrv]

I have had my 912's for about a month now and really like them.

[33OH]

I've had 912's before, great tire.

[MPC Motorsports]

Well, I've driven about 150 miles in two days on the new Falkens and so far, so good. Early impressions are always good no matter what tire you run. Cars always seem to drive better on new rubber.

That said, these seem to be a step up in all around performance over the Yokohama Avid H4S's that I've run on the Yaris and my xB since 2005. They are a quieter and provide a more comforatable ride, even at 40 psi. The handling characteristics have changed as the car is more responsive and seems to be more "neutral". I've noticed the rear end "feels" like it wants to come around more than before. Remember, I'm lowered on TRD springs with a TRD rear sway bar. I did the "cloverleaf grand prix" this afternoon and could take a 25mph cloverleaf exit at 40mph with no problem.

All in all, my initial impressions mimic most reviews of this tire. While I came close to purchasing some General Exclaim UHP's, I prefer an all season tire since it does get cold in Oklahoma in the winters and I don't want to mess with winter tires. I'll provide a follow up report after a thousand miles or so and after some wet weather driving.

Marc @ MPC Motorsports