Thanks to all who responded.

Thought I had 205/50/16, but I have 205/55/16 instead currently (haven't picked up the car yet), so I have more choices. Haven't checked whether there's been rubbing. Mechanic didn't mention it, either, but I'll need to check myself.

If no rubbing, I'm planning to keep it at 55 profile. The two rear tires will need to be changed before this year is over, but I have some time to maul over this. Was hoping to get a set & free wallkie-talkie from tirerack, but gotta make sure my wife doesn't think I'm spending too much all at once.

I'm leaning toward Pilot Sport A/S (not much data yet) or Pilot XGT V4/Z4 (whichever is available in my size) if I choose Michelin.

You guys are the best!

Go to:

http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/2055516.htm

for information on 55s on an 850. Bear in mind though that identical sizes vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer.

I'll also suggest buying from tirerack.com. They'll ship to your door very reasonably or drop ship to an installer in your area.

You said you had a little difficulty with tirerack's site so here's the link to a selection of tires for your car:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?startIndex=0&vehicleSearch=true&width=205%2F&ratio=50&diameter=16&sortCode=44900&minSpeedRating=V&ratio=50&width=205%2F&diameter=16&minLoad=null&search=true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemark=1&manufacturer=Bridgestone&manufacturer=Kumho&manufacturer=Michelin&manufacturer=Pirelli&manufacturer=Sumitomo&manufacturer=Yokohama&speed_rating=VR&speed_rating=WR&speed_rating=YR&speed_rating=ZR

It's pretty long but just cut and paste it into your browser's window and hit enter.

I just bought new tires for my wife's minivan and had them shipped to our house. I had them in three days, $20 shipping, no sales tax and $30 less (each) than local list. My local mechanic installed and balanced for $8 each.

As a comparison, locally, Bridgestone RE730s go for around $140. $106 at tirerack. Regarding Bridgestone RE730s. I have them on my 855t and they are everything everyone says they are. With one exception. I find they are MISERABLE (read DANGEROUS) in the rain. The slightest bit of standing water and I might as well be on ice.

My Nissan Sentra with (ok, a much narrower tire) Michelin passenger M+S tires is MUCH better in the rain.

I don't know if the RE730s are to blame or the width/footprint of this size tire. I won't buy them again. I must be able to accelerate past a semi throwing up sheets of water without fearing that I'll just fly into the guardrail or median. I cannot confidently drive over 50-55mph on these tires in the rain. Unacceptable in my opinion.

--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t

I have a 1997 850R and recently purchased Bridgestone Potenza RE730. The tire looks and drives great. So far I am very pleased with it. They are available at Costco for around 500 out the door.

Tony

I went through a similar dilemma, except I don't have snow tires (not enough snow in VA to justify the expense). I settled on Mich Pilot XGTz4, they are expensive, but they are quieter then the stock xgtv's, much better in the snow, and have unreal traction. My second choice would have been mich mxv4+, on other cars I have had the mxv4 and the mxv4+ and found the mxv4+ to be a great all around tire snow, wet, quiet, long wearing, and smooth ride (but not sporty, hence the pilots). Good luck

P.S. I stick with Michelin because I think they are better made and since I tried not to skimp on safety by buying a Volvo, I did not want to skimp on safety by buying cheaper tires.

Rob '98, s70 T5M

I have tried many perfomrance tires and mid range tires through my years (most of them in the 16" rim size). The best tire i have ever tried (no comparision to others) is the Toyo proxes FZ4 (v rated). I would have liked to have bought the Toyo S-1 proxes but they were too rich for me. I absolutely love them.....can really feel a difference.
Jeff
1994 854 T5 (Toyo tires - v rated)
1994 855 T5 (Hankook ventus tires - Z rated)

The present Tires on my 850 turbo are Toyo Proxes T1-S. They provide high levels of grip in wet and dry conditions (I live in Aucklnd, New Zealand so performance in Snow is not an issue). The Tires are lasting well but the single factor that ensures that I will buy them again is the ride quality. They are quiet and also give a relatively soft ride. I prefer them over my previous Bridgestone So2 pole position tires , The Toyo Tires also represent good value costing a full third less than the So2 Tires .

Good Luck

Eric Stansfield

Yikes - just realized RE950 is 'H' rated. Tirerack recommends 'V' or higher for 855T. any thoughts?