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Hi, we've recently bought a 2009 Toyota corolla 5 door 2L diesel, and it needs new tyres ASAP. We drive around town but also do lots of long trips all year round Christchurch to nelson and queens town 6 - 8 times a year and the north island annually.
I have lots of quotes and am confused - there is not only brand and model but price to consider but service offerings such as extended warranties and free rotation. Tyre size is 205 55R16
Quotes so far are|
1 Kumho Solus $150 40,000k extended warranty free rotation every 1000k

2 Firestone TZ700 $200 and the Kumho above for $140 manufacturers warranty plus 6 months complimentary rotation

3 Hankook K 115 $232 no extras

4 Michelin Pilot Sport 3 $199, or "a Goodyear or bridgestone for $169"

Can you help with selection???

The Firestone TZ700 is a good all-round tyre worth considering. If the tyre manufacturer is offering an all-road hazard warranty then it could be useful but I would imagine the warranty is only a manufacturer product failure warranty which you would normally expect. Free rotation is a good thing to have but it might be confined to the store you purchase the tyres from and it is likely they will try selling you a wheel alignment every time you go in for the rotation. Other tyres to consider are the Bridgestone Potenza or Ecopia.

Thanks Donavan. You haven't made any comment about the Kumho or Michelin both of which seem to have good reviews - any comments?

The Kumho and Michelin tyres are ok tyres but wouldn't be my first choice as from my experience they tend to be a softer compound tyre thereofore they wear slightly quicker - but otherwise they are also a good option. I found the Firestone TZ700 has a good wear rate and road grip in this price range.