I blew out a tire on the freeway and mire tires were worse for wear so I upgraded today.

I got an amazing deal at Discount Tire. $539 out the door for (4) Bridgestone Potenza RE97 AS 225 /60 R16 98V tires, which I researched, are one of the few quality options left in this size. The best part was at the end, they told me there was a $70 visa card rebate. SCORE! $460 NET

I really like the tires, so much softer and smoother than the worn out set of Toyos I had on there. I also think I had a T rated tire on there before and the load capacity may have been looking for a little more support.

The car feels so much better now, not just new tires but THESE tires. My first set of anything Bridgestone that I bought new. Ride comfort is much improved as is handling.

Discount Tire & Tire Rack were the only companies with these tires available. I couldn't get them through my traditional wholesale sources. It's kind of sad, the little guy shops literally can't buy these to get me in the door, then the big guy gives me a $70 rebate on the back end. The dichotomy is that while I got a great deal, stuff like this is KILLING our small businesses and they succumb to the overreaching power of big corporate money. It makes me think about the John Cougar Mellencamp song..."Ain't that America, something to see..."

In the end, if you want a good deal on a set of great tires....