Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23823
Wondering what BigDave's rates are for bringing tyres in from France? Wouldn't surprise me if they're cheaper over there anyway, bet they are in the US.
LT, you are right very good news for the wholesaler and great news for us as we have solid backing from Continental/General.
Please do not forget that we sell all leading makes of tyre and are very happy to do so, we make the same percentage from all brands, our sales are not just of 4x4/SUV tyres as we cater for all car and van so we see it from the broad perspective.
I have stated before that I have no problem with Pirelli and am very happy to buy/sell these tyres, pricing is a little strong at times when you compare it to other brands, you should also be aware that the 4x4 market is not as strong as passenger car and van in the UK.
Continental are now the leading manufacturer for tyres in Europe and the UK. They spotted what could be done with General many years ago and have moved it on to being a truly great brand.
Having visited many tyre manufacturing factories over the last few years I can say the quality control from Continental/General is second to none.
I have also stated that different tyres/brands suit different users, the choice is there for you all to choose. We are only too happy to help anyone with their choice as to the best tyre for their needs no matter what brand but will call it as I see it if I genuinely think the wrong decision is about to be made.
I earn my living from selling tyres and want my customers to come back year after year so do not want to steer them in the wrong direction.
8th Mar 2012 7:46 am
Blobby
Member Since: 28 Feb 2009
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 277
Just replaced my Pirelli ATRs today after 30k miles and still with 3-4mm on tread left. Never got more than 20k with Wrangler HPs on. So now have another set of 255/55/19's on for an eye watering £765 from T&H in Chelt (a Protyre branch) but the extra durability more than compensates for the price. Cracking tyres in my view.
27th Apr 2012 4:12 pm
TallPaul
Member Since: 03 Jan 2008
Location: Near Reading
Posts: 1214
bit of a thread from the dead!
GG AT's for the win!
2nd May 2012 3:16 pm
AJS4X4
Member Since: 30 Mar 2008
Location: Surrey
Posts: 3224
2nd May 2012 5:19 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23823
Has the GG AT won any tyre tests? I must be slipping if it has and I haven't noticed
BTW, the new Cooper Discoverer A/T 3 has recently stolen the USA Consumersearch crown from the Pirelli ATR for the best light truck/SUV AT tyre. See the link below:
http://www.consumersearch.com/suv-tires
The ATR had been the winner for the last few years. I haven't looked yet to see if the Cooper is available in D3/4 sizes.
Back on topic: I reckon bar any issues with suspension or punctures etc. I'll easily get 50k miles from the 18" Pirelli ATR's I'm running, which is what they are warranted for in the US, but of course not in the UK
2nd May 2012 5:44 pm
AJS4X4
Member Since: 30 Mar 2008
Location: Surrey
Posts: 3224
LT,
You just don't like the General AT do you, never mind lot's do.
2nd May 2012 9:21 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23823
I drive c.20k miles pa in my D3, most of which is clocked up on the motorway, but I also venture off-road at least once a week (sometimes only for extremely short distances). The Pirelli ATR is ideally suited for this use and as motorway driving is easy on tyres, I get a very good wear rate out of them. Plus the ATR is quieter than the AT, which is on the motorway is a plus point for me.
The GG AT costs less (usually), but from what I read here, the wear rate whilst very good, is inferior to the ATR. Thus the additional initial cost of the ATR is overcome by its longer life.
Off-road, I think it would be very hard to split the two, especially when fitted to a D3/4 which is hugely capable off-road on any tyre. However, I do think that some people assume that the relatively "tame" tread pattern on the ATR means that it's not a true all-terrain tyre. But the ATR has won many AT tyre tests and has more than proved itself off-road.
There's still a question mark hanging over the strength of the GG AT sidewalls, as there was the AT2. I personally know of two people on this forum who have such issues. But I also appreciate than many users will never or rarely use their D3/4 in an environment where sidewall strength is an issue.
The GG AT really scores visually, it's a much "harder" looking tyre than the Pirelli ATR and understandably that will appeal to many here. I still think my D3 looks stunning when it's shod with MTR's.
I actually think that both the GG AT & Pirelli ATR are excellent tyres and at the end of the day it's up to the buyer. We're fortunate that we now have a wide choice of tyres in all sizes for the D3/4
Andy, I'd say that it's you who doesn't like the ATR, rather than me not liking the AT. When I post about the Pirelli ATR winning a tyre test, or a getting positive write up in a magazine etc. almost without fail you'll reply plugging the AT and rubbishing the test. Here's what you wrote on your first post after your return from the GG AT launch in Germany "Only just returned from the launch in Germany, what a tyre they have produced, we tested them on D4, FFRR and 110 Defenders. I think this tyre will keep most of you very happy, better than ATR". I've never read why exactly you think the AT is better than the ATR though.
3rd May 2012 1:15 pm
AJS4X4
Member Since: 30 Mar 2008
Location: Surrey
Posts: 3224
Off to see my special Doctor now.
I am sure he will listen.
4th May 2012 6:55 am
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23823
It's a shame that we can't have a proper discussion about the different characteristics of these two popular All Terrain tyres. I'm sure that some D3/4 owners who are looking to replace their oe tyres would find it helpful.
4th May 2012 1:13 pm
devonchilliman
Member Since: 03 Nov 2008
Location: Devon
Posts: 5224
LT wrote:
I still think my D3 looks stunning when it's shod with MTRs
And my D4
Click image to enlarge
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