Firestone near me has Primewell PS830/850 tires in 205/70/14 for 34.99 each. This is a M+S rated tire with a T speed rating and load index of 95. 40,000 mile warranty too.

Anybody have any experience with this brand?

These will go on my new (last two months) to me 89 245. It currently has 8-year-old Michelin Harmony's on that have great tread left, but the sidewalls are cracking.

I am a fan of quality tires, for obvious reasons, but on a car that will maybe be driven 10K a year, I can't justify nearly 3x the cost for another set of MIchelin's.

Thanks,

Jeff

205/70/14? That’s 2 sizes up from what is recommended. Most all my former and present mechanics when questioned state 195’s are as big as one should go on a 240. I used to run the 205's and finally switched to 195s 3 years ago and im glad I did. Having a touch more rubber on the ground wasn’t worth it when it came down to it. The 195 Harmonees are giving me outstanding wear and durability, worth every penny. i shoulda made the switch a long time ago. Since Volvo suspension sets high, all you are doing is giving more wear than the 195's. Sure it feels great to have that cushion of 205's on the ground, but my 195s are just fine and they are wearing better. . To each his/her own, just my 3.5 cents worth. (inflation)

For the 245 these are about the same as standard 185R14's, which aren't readily available. Standard 245 size is considered 195/75/14. The 205/70/14 has essentially the same circumference, just a touch wider.

The "proper" 195/75/14 Primewell's are $15 or $20 more.

I'm just looking for a bargain tire that will be safe, the 245 isn't yet a performance machine, it's just a daily driver.

Sidewall checking (minor cracks in the rubber) has no effect on the tire safety. It is only a cosmetic issue.

Bill

Did you check the build date on the sidewall of his tires? On average, the normal life of a tire expiration date is 5 to 7 years. Please don't forget safety!

jorrell
--
92 245 299.3K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

build date is 2002, so even with good tread, I want to do something before they do something.

Tires are an eternal conversation here.

Primewell tires have a lot of "affordability" and "low price" in the advertising, which usually means they are comparable to the crap at Pep Boys. Okay, maybe not that bad (tread patterns from 1948 anyone?)

Screw the Michelins, they grossly underperform for the price. I've been very happy with Yokohama Avid on the 945, and the BFG T/A-H on the 245. The Yokos are very stable and grippy, but give a noticeably more genteel ride than the BFG.

John