I know that next winter is still a long way off, but I'd like to try to figure out what I'm doing early so that maybe I could catch a sale on winter tires this summer. I'd love to hear everyone's input.

I currently have a set of 17" winter tires and a set of 18" wheels (picture here) with all season tires, both of which I used on my 6. Essentially, that gives me 2 options:

Option 1: Use the winter tires I currently have and buy wheels that fit them

Pros: Tires are basically brand new. I'd be able to pick a set of wheels that would look nice on the tC.

Price breakdown: $1300 Net Loss

• -$600 - Tires (already paid)
• -$200 - Loss resulting from selling 18" wheel/tire set
• -$500 - Estimate for wheels

Option 2: Use the wheels I currently have and buy tires to fit.

Pros: I love these wheels and they have sentimental value for me because they were my 6's summer wheels. I'd also have the option to keep the tires that are on them (they fit the tC wheels, but are slightly too small.. might rash the wheels).

Price breakdown: $1700 Net Loss

• -$1700 - Cost of setup + winter tires
• +$800 - Sale of both sets of tires
• -$800 - Cost of new tires

I didn't list cons because they were basically the same: Either option is expensive. However, option 2 has 1 addition con: They don't sell my brand of winter tires in that size.

If anyone has a recommendation on 225/45/18 winters tires or additional input to help me decide which way I want to go, that would be great!

 

I'm not sure if any other winter tires are available in that size, but I believe the Pirelli Sottozero is really the only decent winter tire they make in 225/45r18. I believe they run like $200+ per tire the last time I checked so your $800 budget for tires may be a bit low....

 

There were 2 Pirellis (one for about $800 for the set, and those for about $950) as well as some Michelins on Tire Rack for $800. I just did a search though, and the Michelins are gone, and there's some Bridgestones for $1,100 now. :S

I was really hoping to get more UltraGrip Ices, but it looks like that won't happen.

Thanks for the recommendation though!

 

I'm looking at a set of wheels that are about 50mm positive offset. What is the offset on the RS wheels? I know it's high positive, but I don't want to go too much.

 

Stockies are +39

 

Thanks! Would 50 be too much? Tires will be smaller (215/50/17 compared to 225/45/18 )

 

+50 will look crazy sunk in.

 

But wouldn't rub? They're winter wheels, so if I can get a good deal on them, looks aren't a big deal.