In years past I used Toyo Observes on the '97 855; they were a reasonably good tire. Toyo no longer makes them in 185/65-15, so this year they were replaced with the Michelin Arctic Alpin in the same size. Just as RussB I am in CT, and so far I'm pleased with them. The tread pattern does not look aggressive at all, so I was happy with their performance in snow. Since my wife is a teacher (she has the 855), she usually doesn't travel when the roads are snow-covered, but ice is a constant consideration in winter, which is why I chose these tires. Earlier in the week we were in NH and had to drive at night on a light snow which quickly iced over, and the traction was remarkably good. However on certain (wet) pavements, the tires make a siren-like noise which was disconcerting at first!

Also got mine from Tire Rack, $71 each plus shipping, + $25 a corner for local mount & balance.

I am also in upstate NY (Albany, 68" of snow so far and it's early yet!) and got a set of Gislaved Nordfrost II that came with the used car. They work very well. I have also read good things about the Hakka's. Folks also like the Bridgestones and Michelins. You may want to look for a used set. I was surprised to see a set in my local paper. A lot of lease turn ins now on '98-'00 models folks have to sell their old snows. It was almost worth buying them for the tires only. I know Yannis over at swedespeed has a set of mounted Blizzaks that he is asking $199 for. Check out his ad in the wheels/tires classifieds.

I have an AWD 2000 V70 and this is my fourth winter in central NY with Hakka Q's on the car. I wouldn't have any other tire - they're great in all conditions. I recommend a set of four steel rims for easy changeovers. Good luck.

I live in Connecticut. We've had quite a bit of snow this season already. I have Michelin Artic Alpins (195/60-15) on my '96 855T. I am VERY happy with them. Excellent snow traction, good dry-road characteristics. I got them from www.tirerack.com for $487 delivered, mounted on new steel wheels.

The Nokians are available. They're $99 each at a local tire shop.
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RussB in Ct '96 855T - '91 944T

sounds like you are considering tires that are not available in the USA.

Dont know where you will be driving and dont know your local tire laws but i strongly recommend studded snow tires.

i was a Goodyear tire engineer in my earlier days and nothing can compare with studded snow tires for ice except chains which limit the road speeds.

if you can tolerate the noise and if your local laws allow them, then i would highly recommend studded snow tires at least on the driving wheels.there is also something to be said for studded snow tires on the steering wheels but since you are putting them on a FWD wagon then you can "kill two birds with one stone" so to speak and save a few dollars.

what country will you be driving in?

rlk2525@juno.com