I'm going to need tires when the Jag comes out of the barn for the summer - the previous owner put crap tires on; I've gotten 2 summers from them but this car deserves better. The obvious choice would be the Pirelli P4000 OEM tires, but I see a LOT of specialty tires out there for heavy touring sedans. Can anyone make any informed recommendations - I just drive spring/summer/fall, 99% dry pavement driving, but I am driving in Maine, so the crappy roads here are a consideration. Thanks for any help you can send!

Submitted by jeffrey_f_hubb… on Thu, 05/10/2007 - 14:30

Glen,

I am guessing that, by now, you have purchased new tires for your car. What did you end up buying? I usually purchase my tires from tirerack.com and when I look there for your OEM size (205/70-15) there isn't much to choose from other than the Pirelli 4000s. If you move to size 215/65-15 there are many more options while only decreasing the total diameter by 0.3 inches. I have had very good luck with Korean brands (specifically Kuhmo) which I am using on my Miata, WRX and XJ40. I try not to base my decision on nationality (BF Goodrich is owned by Michelin, Firestone and Dunlop are both Japanese-owned) but, rather, how they perform and if I think they are worth the money. tirerack.com has a very good rating system to assist in your decision. Good luck.

Jeff
1994 BRG XJ6

Submitted by wckerr@hotmail.com on Fri, 03/23/2007 - 23:49

Just for comparison, my 86XJ6 has Michelin 215/70 R15 MXV4 all around and they do very well in all weather and handling is very good.
I have Michelin aqua treads on another vehicle- really excellent in the rain and also very good in the dry. Had them through this winter, which wasn't anything, so I really don't have a true winter test.

When I searched for new tires for this XJ6, one of the recommendations is the aqua tread. Sorry I don't have more actual data.
Erunner

Submitted by zurdo_1@univis… on Wed, 03/21/2007 - 18:09

mine is a 1984 XJ-6 and I gave up on Pirellis back in 1969; (remember the Pirelli Cinturato of the 1960's?), then I had a Saab 900 Turbo in 1979 with Pirelli P6, same thing, they wear out way too fast, and they are dangerous tires in the rain, i.e., Over-rated, Over-priced...Next!

For long service, Michelin. But they start out very "hard", that's the way they last "forever".

For very nice all-weather performance tires which are not too hard or too soft: Dunlop. Jaguar cars came with Dunlop from the factory since their early years. I haven't been dissapointed. I use Dunlop P235/60/R15 SP Sport D40 M2 (no longer made) on XJ-40 wheels, but that's because I wanted very wide tires for fast, stick-like-glue cornering when I need it. (ok, I'm old but I can still beat the kids in their Hondas!) These size-tires also had the side-effect of lowering the car about 1.5 inches, which for me was a bonus since the car looks awesome. Next time I'll use 225 in the front and 235 in the rear.

Japanese/Korean tires? Thank you but no thanks, I used those in my work vehicle to save a few dollars, but never again.