Lets be honest, you are driving a TDI. You do not need high performance tires. A good touring tire will give you more than enough grip in 3 season driving. If your worried about $$$, as your previous post suggests, the biggest bang for your buck is a long lasting tire.
The Falkens have a UTQG of 500AA and sell for around $140 at 1010tires. The Continental True Contact have a UTQG of 800AA and are $117 on sale, a savings of over $100 after tax. Longer life + cheaper price = better bang for $$$.
I'm with wingnut on this. $/km of use is what I aim for.
I purchased Michelin defenders. Plowed 215000km in '13/'14.. So for me.. It's was a no brainer.
As for holding all my engine power to the street.. I really can't complain. It's not a race car..
Right now.. I'm almost done polishing off some Chinese tires that I have never heard of before. They were new on my winter car I bought last year.. And honestly, I can't complain. They're lasting well, and take the abuse with grace. Somewhat impressed lol.
I just bought, and will soon start the burning them off process, Yokohama TRZs, which seem pretty close in caliber to the Michelin's. Scored them for 220bucks, 90% tread left, from an old couple who ran them on a Camry.
That's a good bang for the buck
Another tip... I always shop for my tires ahead of time, to have them 'on deck' for when I need them. Used or not. When you have time on your hands, you score well on value for what you want and/or need. However, finding performance tires... Used.. Isn't easy. But premium touring tires from the big boys, there are plenty of choices avail... Some for a song.
Lastly.. Id personally purchase premium touring rubber over the 'second rate' companies... Even though they've all come a long way over the past decade or two - technology trickles down... Like the Chinese soon to be cooked ones that I'm running. Still somewhat impressed hehehe.
But it's up to you. Your cash. Your car. We're offering advise, as asked.
