I have been looking for a set of snow tires for my 99 coupe, last winter I drove on my all season tires, it was spinning up hills in my town and made it without ever getting stuck but this year I want something better. I am on a budget so new is not an option. I found these on ebay P195-75R14 firestone winterforce with studs all four for 100 bucks. Do you think the slightly wider tire will hurt me much? I know they say you want a skinny tire to slice through the snow.

 

Look for some Blizzaks used, also it is not an EK.

 

EJ? I am sorry not up to date with body codes these days. I know how most Honda guys are seeing this.... coupe ek? is he retarded you can't have eggs over easy and scrambled

 

Here's what I do: Research the BEST winter tires on the market (last year they were: 1. Nokian Hakkas, 2. Michelin X-Ice .... Blizzaks were on the list too). I basically ignore any tire past ranking #3. I am serious about winter tires and I want the best.

Next, do a search on your local online classifieds (Craigslist I guess if you're a Yank). Used tires tend to be 30-50% of their original value. Set up your search so that Craigslist emails you when it gets a hit .. or set up an RSS feed you can check regularly. Now is the time that people advertise their winter tires for sale, so there should be plenty. Go and INSPECT the tires before buying. If they're off rims, look for a smooth bead, and check inside for any punctures or repair evidence. Before you go, research tread depth and buy only if it's within a range that you'll get a few more seasons out of. Pay the person their money and be on your way.

I'd be wary of purchasing used tires off the web because it can be easy to be burned, even unwittingly by a seller who doesn't know better. So, buy local and in person and if you know what you're looking for the savings can be substantial and you can be confident you have a high quality winter tires that will get you and any family members / passengers safely through the winter. I've purchased at least 3 sets of tires like this over the last 10 years and am happy I did.

 

What's a yank? I made a offer on these tires for 60.00 and he countered with 85.00 so went ahead and bought them. Its been very difficult to find a complete set of snow tires on craigslist for a good price , let alone a set that is studded. I read some reviews on tirerack and they said they were good, I drove all winter on my firestone primewells (35.00 special tires) and I did ok, my first time driving in the snow and the most we got was about 5 inches.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151149344579...84.m1439.l2649

 

An American.

Those are worn a fair bit, I mean they're still certainly worth $85 but they were on something that wasn't lined up and they're going to be noisy (not that studs are quiet to start with)

Personal opinion on studs: I've had lots of studded tires and the first year when they're new they're awesome. Once the studs start to wear though I find they're worse than no studs, they lift the tire up off the ice and aren't sharp enough to dig in anymore. (you can pull them out with side cutters but it takes a long time)