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I just went to a tire shop and had them remove the tires from the rims, flip 'em over, remount and balance. So now the worn edges are on the outside. Cost $109. The tire tech was skeptical, but hey, I'm paying...

I haven't had her up to highway speed yet but the handling feels OK and the tires are much quieter at 30mph. I got 16K miles out of one set of edges and if I can get another 16K I'll be satisfied. ]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619797 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619797 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619750 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619750 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619451 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619451 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619447 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619447 GMT
Bear in mind that one blown or punctured tire on the Forester is likely to result in the purchase of 4 new tires, due to the AWD system. A FWD Vibe will not have this restriction.

The good news is that neither of these vehicles is what I would call a powerhouse, so your invincible 17 year old will likely get into less trouble with either of these vehicles than he would with something like a Trans Am. (And, neither of these vehicles is likely to spend a significant amount of time "up on cinder blocks", unlike a Trans Am!)

Also, I would suggest that you check whether the Vibe has a timing belt, or a timing chain. The Forester will require a new timing belt at 105k or 8 years, whichever comes first. If the Vibe (which is actually a Toyota Corolla station wagon with more fashionable styling) has a timing chain, that will save you money on one expensive maintenance procedure.


]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619376 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619376 GMT Plus for Forester - maybe a bit more room, better traction in bad conditions, and the crash ratings are better (see http://www...tscore.php )

I got a Forester for our teen, so you know my vote.]]> http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619375 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619375 GMT http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619370 http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2126447.page#2619370 GMT