Tyre sizes and car types have a massive influence in noise.

215/60 x 16 size on the Outback i'm having excellent results with Nokian Z, quiet with good ride, and frankly superb wet grip, i would gladly buy again having had good experiences with Nokians generally, how they would fare on a 2WD car in 45 aspect sizes i wouldn't like to say....Nokians handily have tread depths numbers built into the tread, nice little quirk that being able to read the depth so simply.

195/45 x 16 size on the C2 VTS i slung the OE Michelin Pilotes and replaced with Vredestein Sportrac 3 (now superceeded), quieter, better ride and grip and stopped the horrid torque steer that spoiled the car before....always had good experiences with Vreds, as have family.

225/45 x 17 latest Uniroyal Rainsport 3 on the Benz are gripping well, giving a much lower frequency sound and nice feel on the road, too soon to judge serious wet grip but the signs are good....other Uniroyals offer excellent wet grip but not necessarily the most quiet, you seldom go wrong with UNiroyal either IMO.

Federal Formoza FD2 i experimented with on the MB (first ever budget purchase, won't do that again, prejudices confirmed), 'silent' embossed on the sidewall and true enough silent they were, second summer season down to 7mm instant wet wheelspin and and two serious unprovoked broadsides saw them removed and sold on, very quiet but i couldn't recommend them for a RWD car with no TC or ASR and a lead footed old hector at the wheel....maybe on a car with electronic stability control they would be a better bet.

Toyo T1R's on the Benz were the best gripping summer set i've ever had, wet and dry grip fantastic, however noise and crashing ride made them finally unbearable at 4mm.

Son has just put Pirelli P7's on his S60, well impressed, excellent grip, reasonably quiet.

Can't comment on cold weather/winter use for any of the above because i run second sets of wheels with winter tyres fitted for the season.

Obviously my own opinions only abovem and my use and driving may be completely different to others.

Edited by gordonbennet on 13/10/2014 at 12:44

Without wanting to go too much off the thread, which mid cost range of tyres do people think the quietest. I do not do extreme driving so don't need to spend a fortune. Looking obviously at grip as well. I do read reviews but find posts from direct personal experience very helpful when deciding something.

My experience - I value ride comfort and low noise above outright grip and longevity.

Goodyears have the best low noise/supple qualities combined with good wet and dry grip. I also like Avons which can be slightly cheaper.

I also tried Barums on the rear of my Volvo S40, and found them quieter than the fairly worn Pirellis which were on there before.

Dunlops also do well for low noise, but I've had too many problems with them years ago to recommend them - either wearing out very quickly or almost impossible to balance.

www.tyre-shopper.co.uk is a good site for reference and comparison, even if you buy them elsewhere.

Sorry to hijack the original post.