Buying new tires today

[Tb0ne]

I'm going to buy a set of tires today from tirerack. 2003 pilot EX stock rims replacing stock tires(46k miles). I just bought the car used and don't like the tires even though they've got some life left in them.

I have narrowed it down to 2 tires:
Goodyear Triple Treds
General Grabber HTS

My concerns for tires are as follows:
1)Dry handling
2)Wet Handling
3)Road Noise
4)Snow Handling
5)Tread Life

On paper it looks like an easy decision with the price and positive review on tirerack of the grabbers. The user reviews are excellent but they're a relatively new tire and there are only 30 user reviews. Too small a sample size for my taste. On the other hand the tripletreds are more expensive but have a well established record.

I need to get these installed in the next week and a half so time is of the essence. If I were to pull the trigger now I'd go with the more expensive goodyears because there's not enough information about the grabbers.. anyone here have any input or links to better resources than tirerack?

Obviously it's good to save money but with tires I really don't mind spending more if there is a benefit to be had.

(I know that there are plenty of other posts pertaining to these tires but reading those has only served to confuse my choices so bare with me)

[Fendyman]

I'm in the same boat w/ you. My Michelin Cross Terrain still have about 5/32"... still good for regular city/highway but not good enough for snow trip this winter. I'm happy w/ them, but they are kind of pricey. I was thinking about General Grabber HTS, but not available in NV warehouse. So continue on searching. Considering Michelin LTX M+S, but this is pretty old technology tire (at least 4-5 years old). So is Cross Terrain. Then I found out a rumor that Cross Terrain is being replaced by Michelin Latitude Tour & Tirerack has special for $129 ($118 if Plus Zero size to 245/70-16 )!

I sent an email to Michelin about the rumor & if Latitude Tour handles snow as well as Cross Terrain. I'll update.

[geopilot]

I'm in the same situation. My original Bridgestone Duelers are pretty much done at 62K. I could get a few more thousands out of them, but they are scary in the snow. I just special ordered 4 Michelin Latitude Tours at Sam's Club for $134 each shipped to the store. Plus Sam's has a deal for an additional $80 off any set of 4 Michelin's thru 12/24. Check with your store but you should get the savings if you order by 12/24, and they arrive later. This beats the tirerack price, especially with shipping. Sam's does not stock this tire in 235/70-16.

Not many reviews on the Latitude Tours- they are OEM on several cars which worries me, but we'll see.

[rocky]

This is a great list to work from.

My concerns for tires are as follows:
1)Dry handling
2)Wet Handling
3)Road Noise
4)Snow Handling
5)Tread Life

I'd add

6) Price

Then with the two tires (or however many you decide to compare) rank them in each catagory 1,2,3

Then whoever has the lowest score, is the one that makes the most sense for you and should be your choice. Using the objective tirerack data improves the outcome.

[Tb0ne]

Edit: Just ordered the grabbers from tirerack.. including installation etc I should stay under $500 for the purchase. I'd be looking upwards of $700 for the goodyears; I'm willing to take that gamble.

I'll post with the results of this tire switch after I've driven on them a bit.

Getting 45k mile maintenance and state inspection done now then off to dmv for titling and registration.. almost done.