Thinking of Falken Ziex ZE-912 (instead of Bridgestone RE960 AS)

Wickd89 · 04-24-2008, 07:49 PM

Well time to buy a new set of tires for my Audi A6 2.7T.

I was thinking of getting the Bridgestone Pole Position RE960 AS for my daily driver but I was wondering if there was a good cheaper option.

I actually tried the RE960 AS on the 911 and they were terrible: too hard and the tail was kicking out really bad, so I replaced it was a summer tire: The Goodyear F1 GS-D3 -- Great tire for the Porsche!

While at the Firestone guy, he showed me the Falken noted above. Nice tread, nice mileage warranty, and pretty decent review/comments on tires.com.

Has anyone ever used these on their sedan or coupe?
Hope for it to last at least 30k miles, but hope for 45K.

Thanks!

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/findTireDetail.do?rc=CAOINT&cf=false&c=3&sw=false&cs=225&pc=18149&rd=17&ar=45&tc=FALHZ1&rf=false

http://www.falkentire.com/#/Tires/AllSeason/ZE-912

Sonic dB · Sonic dB's Garage

I was looking into those for budget replacement tires on my 993, but I went with Kuhmo Ecstas instead and they are really good tires. I think the reason I didnt go with those ZE912s was some negative reviews online and then i saw them in person and the sidewall seemed pretty soft.

Halm · 04-25-2008, 03:15 AM

I put the RE 960's on our 993 and love them. They did take about 300 miles to 'break-in" and now the car is very solid for everyday use / spirited use. FWIW, I have no intentions of putting all-weather tires on the track for a DE.

Tim Hancock · 04-25-2008, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wickd89

Well time to buy a new set of tires for my Audi A6 2.7T.

I was thinking of getting the Bridgestone Pole Position RE960 AS for my daily driver but I was wondering if there was a good cheaper option.

I actually tried the RE960 AS on the 911 and they were terrible: too hard and the tail was kicking out really bad, so I replaced it was a summer tire: The Goodyear F1 GS-D3 -- Great tire for the Porsche!

While at the Firestone guy, he showed me the Falken noted above. Nice tread, nice mileage warranty, and pretty decent review/comments on tires.com.

Has anyone ever used these on their sedan or coupe?
Hope for it to last at least 30k miles, but hope for 45K.

Thanks!

I have the exact tires on the exact car (A6 2.7T). I put them on about a year ago and they have done OK. I have them mounted to 18" x 8.5" replica wheels. 235/40/18 IIRC. I don't know if they will go much over 30k, but they stick pretty good and feel nice on my now lowered Eibach suspension.

pic prior to lowering

onewhippedpuppy · 04-25-2008, 04:38 AM

I put them on my 911 and they were crap. Good grip, but they were harder than the dry-rotted Yokos I replaced. Very harsh on impacts, and fairly loud. I was not impressed.

If you want a budget all season, check out the Avon "tyres" that TireRack sells. I put them on my 540 and was VERY impressed. Quiet, great ride, excellent grip. They're cheap, and get great reviews on the TireRack site.

Wickd89 · 04-25-2008, 06:54 AM

Great comments fellas!

I will look into the Avons, but I guess in the end, I was only saving $200 by not going with the Bridgestones. I have not heard anyone complain about the RE960, especially on regular cars, and Bridgestone is offering $75 off for a set a 4...

Tim Hancock · 04-25-2008, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I put them on my 911 and they were crap. Good grip, but they were harder than the dry-rotted Yokos I replaced. Very harsh on impacts, and fairly loud. I was not impressed.

If you want a budget all season, check out the Avon "tyres" that TireRack sells. I put them on my 540 and was VERY impressed. Quiet, great ride, excellent grip. They're cheap, and get great reviews on the TireRack site.

I have Avons on my SC and like them, but I am on my second set of rears already. I don't think they would make very good "all season" tires for my wifes grocery getter Audi however.

onewhippedpuppy · 04-25-2008, 07:49 AM

I can only vouch for the Avons in the dry and the wet. I took a club drive in the 540 shortly after getting them, they were impressive in the rain, even pushing it on backroads. I sold the 540 before I tried them in the snow. Overall I was very impressed.

TGTIW · 04-25-2008, 07:50 AM

Ask if Firestone will give you a better deal on the price. They have a good amount of leeway and they'll be looking to hit their numbers with the end of the month approaching.

onewhippedpuppy · 04-25-2008, 08:14 AM

I always get a better rate at my Firestone store. Try to get the dealer rate, tell them otherwise you'll buy them online.

Oh Haha · 04-25-2008, 03:14 PM

We have the Falkes on the BMW and they are fantastic!!!

Awesome in the snow and slush. I would highly recommend them.

I have Yokahama Avid V4s's on my HHR and they are excellent in the rain. Haven't had them long to try the snow, though.

Wickd89 · 04-26-2008, 09:43 AM

Called Firestone shop and kind of firm/rude.

Said price is fixed thats the price, take it or leave it (in so few words).

Mentioned cheaper prices at Discount Tire, on Line, etc.. but nothing.
Mentioned some mates get a "dealer rate" and said he could not do anything.

I guess I am going with Discount!

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

The tire shop I've gone to for the last 20 years (an independent, Western Tire in Burbank) have always been more than fair and helpful. When I needed tires for my Audi A3, I was looking at Michelins and they recommended General "Exclaim". Great tires and almost 1/3 the price.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Found a link posted before:
New Tires

Normy · 04-26-2008, 03:28 PM

Wickd89! STOP!

-Listen: I put a set of Falkens on my 928 two years ago....

And they are the BEST tires I've ever owned! They grip like glue, haven't had the problems with "flat spotting" that the Bridgestones that I've mounted before have, and they were dirt cheap too. Great tires-

The reason I tell you to STOP is that you are considering the wrong Falken! Try the RT-615's. You won't be sorry! I've worn mine out quick [5000 miles... though I think that it has to do with how I drive the car] since they have a treadware number of 200, but trust me: you'll love these tires.

Good luck-

N!

Wickd89 · 04-26-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Normy

Wickd89! STOP!

-Listen: I put a set of Falkens on my 928 two years ago....

And they are the BEST tires I've ever owned! They grip like glue, haven't had the problems with "flat spotting" that the Bridgestones that I've mounted before have, and they were dirt cheap too. Great tires-

The reason I tell you to STOP is that you are considering the wrong Falken! Try the RT-615's. You won't be sorry! I've worn mine out quick [5000 miles... though I think that it has to do with how I drive the car] since they have a treadware number of 200, but trust me: you'll love these tires.

Good luck-

N!

Great comments Norm. I will look into it. Now recognize, this is my daily driver so I need it to last at least 30k miles.
If I got those tires, and even with spirited, but less than your 928 level, I could not get more than 10-15k.

Sounds like a great tire for the Pcar!
After I wear our my new Goodyear F1 GS-D3 that I recently put on, I will consider the 615s.!

I have been looking at the Bridgestone Super Sport AS. High rating in everything and not to expensive; and sold at Sams!

onewhippedpuppy · 04-27-2008, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wickd89

Called Firestone shop and kind of firm/rude.

Said price is fixed thats the price, take it or leave it (in so few words).

Mentioned cheaper prices at Discount Tire, on Line, etc.. but nothing.
Mentioned some mates get a "dealer rate" and said he could not do anything.

I guess I am going with Discount!

That's a shame, my Firestone Store has always worked with me. It's actually one of the better shops I've dealt with. They never beat TireRack or Discount Tire, but they usually come very close. Oh well, take your money elsewhere.

TGTIW · 04-27-2008, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Called Firestone shop and kind of firm/rude.

Said price is fixed thats the price, take it or leave it (in so few words).

Mentioned cheaper prices at Discount Tire, on Line, etc.. but nothing.
Mentioned some mates get a "dealer rate" and said he could not do anything.

I think that's crap. Was it an independent that carries Firestone, or an actual Mastercare/Firestone store? They have plenty of room to work with the prices, and the store's Manager of Tire sales gets a bonus for sellling a specific # of tires each month, then an additional bonus for every tire over that, so they're usually willing to deal.