Just returned from the local Skoda garage having priced up my first new front tyres. Currently have 17" Bridgestone Turanza E300's. Each replacement tyre would cost £109.35 inc. fitting and VAT. Other tyres they mentioned were Continental (£118.47), and Avon (£109.35). Now retired considering cheaper options but would this be a wise move? Your thoughts appreciated.

You can buy these tyres much cheaper on line and the websites will arrange for local fitting which is included in the price. I priced 205 45 R16 for my Fabia yesterday with Tyre Traders, Bridgestone ER300s were £98.40 each, at Black Circles £108.34. The other standard fit tyre on current Fabia is the Continental Premium Contact 2, around £102 at both. Often car suspensions are designed around particular tyres so I prefer to stick in general with what the manufacturer fits as original equipment. Both websites will offer you plenty of alternatives. Check the website tyrereviews for info on all these tyres. I prefer to buy premium tyres (like the 2 mentioned) as though they might cost a bit more generally I've found that performance and wear are worth the extra. A touring tather than a sport tyre will give you a more comfortable ride as the walls are more flexible.

Challenge dealers prices. Play them off againest local suppliers.

They should have some moment in that price.

If you have not got a full sized spare get a quote for the full sized spare ie rim, tyre, jack, wheel nut wrench. Not much more than the cost of a tyre and you can then put the almost warn out one as the spare.

I put the new tyre on the passenger front as that one seems to take the most punishment.

If you have not got a full sized spare get a quote for the full sized spare ie rim, tyre, jack, wheel nut wrench. Not much more than the cost of a tyre and you can then put the almost warn out one as the spare.

I put the new tyre on the passenger front as that one seems to take the most punishment.

This wont help the above who has 17in alloys

Just fitted some 205/40 17" Hankooks to my vRS. Can't recommend them highly enough. Ride much better than continentals which were on before, quiet too.

"This wont help the above who has 17in alloys"

Sorry did not fully explain. I ordered a full sized white 17inch Alloy to match the rest and the fully spare wheel kits for the Fabia VRS and did the same for the HTP also and am biulding up a collection of 15 inch rims to rum the winter tyres too. Hate the idea of a spare you can only do 50 mph on.

Edited 3 September, 201213 yr by lol

The prices mentioned seem too high.I always refer to the Camskill website when looking for best price.

On there now they have Avon ZZ3 205/40/17 at £61(inc Vat)...you have to allow for carriage and fitting so I rarely buy from them,but it's a benchmark,so I would expect my local tyre place to do the same tyre or a similar "mid-range" make for,say,£75 fully inclusive.

I figured the garage may be charging a higher price. "Often car suspensions are designed around particular tyres so I prefer to stick in general with what the manufacturer fits as original equipment" (tlx) - didn't realise that. May be I should stick with the Turanza E300's and just barter the best price I can. Having checked reviews they are genereally very well received by owners.

I would say that mostly car manufacturers trawl round tyre companies to find out who can supply them with the required size at the best price.