[sawdust123]

I finally got new tires after a long wait. I ended up with the Kumho ASX in the OE size 205/50/17. I must say that this is the most dramatic difference I have ever experienced between tire brands in my life. I immediately noticed a much quieter ride than with the Goodyear RSAs. I also notice that they soak up small bumps and cracks in the road much better. I can't comment on cornering because I really don't push the tires that hard. Given my sunny southern CA location, I won't be able to report on rain or snow performance for many months.

I initially ordered Avon M/S-550s from Tire Rack in March. They were supposed to be delivered in April, then May, then early June, then middle June, then late June... By early June I began to see the secondary rubber on the RSAs and I found I could get the Kumho's at a local America's Discount Tire for a decent price (+ free roadhazard coverage).

I can't begin to describe how pissed I am at Tire Rack. They never once notified me of a delay. I had to call each time to find out. One agent told me the tires were on a boat coming from England and on a later call a different agent told me the tires were actually manufactured in the US. In my last call, I learned that the tires had been in stock at a different warehouse for quite some time and if I wanted to pay the difference in shipping, I could get them. Had they informed me of that several weeks earlier, I may have done so. There was no way they deserved my business at this point. I will never buy a back-ordered product from them again.

In retrospect, the Kumho's may be the better choice. They weigh 20% less than the Avon's and that has got to make for a better ride and better mileage. I thought the Avon's tread looked better for wet traction but hey, I live in SoCal.