2004 Legacy GT-B: Which tyres

[eddiewould]

Hey guys, got a JDM 2004 Legacy GT-B sedan, time is almost here to replace tyres.

Currently running Potenza RE001's in 225/40/18. I find the ride a bit harsh and noisy. Factory for this car is 215/45/18.

What size, make and model of tyre do you recommend I go for?
- Price isn't too much of a factor, happy to pay up to NZD $400/corner fitted (that's around $315 AUD).
- Don't care too much about tread life - when the time comes I'll replace them again.
- Ride comfort & noise is important to me (I want something smooth and comfortable)
- Handling in all conditions (dry/wet/occasional snow) is important - I like going snowboarding.
- Never sees a track day or very 'sprited' driving

My current plan is to go for the RE0050A in 215/45/18 (which I'm pretty sure is the factory tyre for this car?). But I'm sure you guys have some suggestions!

[eddiewould]

Oh yeah forgot to mention I'm based in New Zealand.

[eddiewould]

I've heard good things about the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo (K110?) - does anyone have any feedback about these in terms of ride comfort and road noise?

[rooby]

Tangcla?

[eddiewould]

I'm not Tangcla.

[iisshhyy]

I've heard good things about the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo (K110?) - does anyone have any feedback about these in terms of ride comfort and road noise?

For the price you pay, these tyres are worth the money. Can't really comment on road noise or comfort, but they seem to have plenty of grip available. If you're looking at ride comfort, look at smaller wheels.

[rooby]

I'm not Tangcla.

Sorry, I was calling out to Tangcla, he is our resident Hankook fanatic.

[smythie]

Hey guys, got a JDM 2004 Legacy GT-B sedan, time is almost here to replace tyres.

Currently running Potenza RE001's in 225/40/18. I find the ride a bit harsh and noisy. Factory for this car is 215/45/18.

What size, make and model of tyre do you recommend I go for?
- Price isn't too much of a factor, happy to pay up to NZD $400/corner fitted (that's around $315 AUD).
- Don't care too much about tread life - when the time comes I'll replace them again.
- Ride comfort & noise is important to me (I want something smooth and comfortable)
- Handling in all conditions (dry/wet/occasional snow) is important - I like going snowboarding.
- Never sees a track day or very 'sprited' driving

My current plan is to go for the RE0050A in 215/45/18 (which I'm pretty sure is the factory tyre for this car?). But I'm sure you guys have some suggestions!

Yep, that's the OEM tyre for that car, at least in Australia anyway. Bloody expensive in that size here too. I'd stick with the 225/40 or 225/45 sizes as they will give you more good quality options as far as tyres goes. Any top of the line tyres will be good IMO.

I liked the Michelin Pilot Sports 3 that I had on mine previous to the RE001 that are on it now. Better dry grip than you'll need except for emergency braking and outstanding wet grip. In fact, in my experience of driving them hard on the road they handle, respond and feel the same in the wet as they do in the dry up to the speed that in the dry they would start to howl a bit. In the wet at that point they slide smoothly. But by then you are going much quicker than I expect a road tyre to go in the wet. Don't know what they'd be like in snow though.... I'd also rate them as slightly more comfy than the RE001 and less noisy. Mine lasted nearly 40,000km with a poor wheel alignment in their last 10,000km ruining any chance of them lasting to 50k (inside shoulder worn badly). IMO they were better than the RE050a too but only marginally.

I've also tried Yokohama Advan Sports (aka V103) in the past as well and while cheaper but still Yokohama's top of the line they were a rung below the PS3 in both dry and wet (so they are a pretty damn good tyre for the wet).

DO NOT choose the Yokohama Advan A10A. They're a rung below the Advan Sport in the dry but woeful in the wet. Where I am happy to get the PS3 to 7-8/10's in the wet the A10A were understeering at no more than 3/10's. For a tyre that (a couple of years ago when first released) cost as much, if not more than the Advan Sport in the 215/45R18 size they are a complete joke.

Hope that helps a little

[eddiewould]

Gonna get the RE050A's in 215/45/18. Getting a reasonable price from the shop ($280 AUD fitted). Seeing as they're factory I guess I can't go wrong. Cheers guys!

[coyote]

If you're looking at ride comfort, look at smaller wheels.

+1

If you think RE001s are uncomfortable, trade your 18s for 17s and go for 215/50R17s.

RE050As have much stiffer sidewalls than RE001s.