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Wanted to update everyone with my status... I bought the Sumitomos from TireRack (as usual very good experience). Got them installed early last week and have driven them for few hundreds of miles. Here is my take on them: - Definitely much much better handling - Ride is actually smoother - Feels like I can take turns at much higher speeds than the BS potenzas - Best tires for the money hands down Thanks to all for providing valuable information!!!

Thanks bartkat. Ignore my repeat question. I did not see my earlier post and wasnt sure if i submitted it earlier.

When i added the Sumitomo in the tire rack website I was presented with a note that this tire has higher load capacity than the OEM ones and will be have a harsher ride (for some). Has anyone noticed a major difference ? I definitely dont want a harsher than the potenzas.

I went to order the Sumitomos on Tire Rack and upon adding it to the cart I got a notice saying that since these tires have a higher load capacity, it will lead to a harsher ride and some users will not like it. Since my wife also drives the car I do not want to get a stiff setup. Is the ride that harsher than the OEM potenzas on the sumitomos?

Discount Tire or TireRack if you want to buy online. However Discount Tire will price match TireRack. Do you get any snow where you live? No Snow where I live, but Lake Tahoe is only 4 hrs away and I might make one trip during winter timeframe. Well I live in northern Illinois, not far from the border of Wisconsin. I'm not taking these off during the winter either. I used to drive a 2005 Lancer Evolution with the stock Yokohama Advans A046 during the winter. Nothing can be worse than that! People thought that because I had awd that i'd still be better off...wrong! If anything it was worse than just having straight fwd or rwd. All wheels were getting power and would never grip. If your only planning to make one or two trips to Lake Tahoe then it's not worth it to get all winter or even all season tires. Yes, even I am leaning towards the summer tires. As of now I am leaning towards the Sumitomo as they seem to be the best deal. I think I am fine if I have to change the tires in another 25K. For that price I might as well change tires (around 25K) than by an expensive tire and use it for longer periods. Thanks for all the comments!!

Discount Tire or TireRack if you want to buy online. However Discount Tire will price match TireRack. Do you get any snow where you live? No Snow where I live, but Lake Tahoe is only 4 hrs away and I might make one trip during winter timeframe.

Thanks for the info on the Sumitumo HZR III. Any particular store recommendations?

Hi, I need to replace my tires (definitely the fronts for sure) and was wondering if the experts in the forum can help me. I have the following Bridgestone Potenza Re050 tires currently: Front: 225/40R18 88Y Rear: 255/40R18 95Y My car has 25K miles on it and I bought it at 15K. I always felt like the ride was never smooth (especially the steering feedback). So I am looking at replacing all tires to see if that will help. I primarily drive for work (mostly highway) with few weekend long trips. Once in awhile I will switch to the paddles and have fun but now way am I a sports track kind of driver :D . I live in North California and am wondering if I should stick with Summer tires or just switch to All Season tires. Apart from the tire recommendation I would also like to get some idea about where to purchase. I have done some Tire Rack shopping before and like their service, but I was also wondering if Costco had any good ones since they have good warranty & deals (buy 3 get one free etc). Any recommendations?? TIA