I posted this in the DTD section, but would really appreciate some advice from 'you guys in the trenches' regarding what I should consider on a budget and still wanting the best set of tires I can afford...(???)

My 2WD 02' XTERRA - mainly an all purpose vehicle at this time...(ei.commutes, in-town trips & some 'smoothy'-trails (dirty/gravely roads in parks, But nothing you could call 'OFF-ROADING, etc)...
Is the '285/75/R16' gonna' still be my best recommended size?..Also, concerning gas mileage (maximizing w/o giving up all aggressive looking options)...I'd really appreciate a list of tires to consider...
I'd especially would appreciate what's considered 'the best tire for the price' (long term) too...

Thanks!...and kindest regards all...

T~
mailto:'sirvertual@gmail.com'

Id stay with the Factory size..265 Im running 32 11.50 and have taken a hit in the MPG
Now tires the old stand by's are BFG Ko's They are still AT's but very aggressive looking and work well in all areas mentioned above. Plus your going to get 60k - 80k of wear on them. Goodyear Duratrac's are nice too...still a new tire so not a lot is known about wear..
Now they are more aggressive than the Ko's.
Just a few thoughts
Dav-id

265/75 R16s seemed to have worked out real well for me. Engine seems to work less and my speedometer went from reading faster than what I was going to slower than what I was going.

Have no idea how its changed my fuel eco though.

not sure if the facroy sizes are the same on 1st gen as 2nd, but the difference in 265 70 and 265 75 is just around 1 inch in height. 265/70 is the stock size on the S and X models for 2nd gens and 265/75 is stock on the Off Road model. I went from the 265/70 BFG Long Trails to 265/75 Duratracs and didn't notice much MPG change, maybe less than 1mpg, but it CORRECTED my speedometer. it said i was going faster than I was so with slightly larger tires it tells me my actual speed now.

you have to remember, bigger tires with higher load ratings weigh more so your city MPGs will drop due to the inertia of the added weight, your odometer will also turn slower making it look like MPGs are even worse.

I'd say look into the firestone destination ATs (people seem to really like them and they look aggressive), they are buy 3 get one free at firestone near me in MN, and i'd say go 265/75 if you aren't into heavy off-roading, they will be cheaper, lighter, fit without modification (melt mod needed for 285s), will fill out your wheel wells better (making it look more aggressive), and won't mess with your speedo/odometer too much, from my experience ATs are also MUCH easier to find as 265/75 than they are in 265/70 (more selection to get what you want)

Without Question...This is The BEST-FORUM on the Web...(of course it's the members that make the forum!)...(Sincerest) 'Thanks' guys!...