Saab Automobile 9 3 Linear Convertible Tyres

I'm very hard on tyres - roundabouts abound in Queensland (Australia) and - yes - I do regard them as a challenge. The car (I bought it new in 2004) came delivered with Continentals, which I liked a lot. I've used Bridgestone, Rainsports, Hankook, Toyo and I just bought these Nexen N8000 tyres. They have gigantic channels in them, making the tyres look like only 50% of the width is actual rubber. The first time I drove the car, I thought I was going to be car sick. There was something floaty and unpleasant about the way the car rode on almost any surface. The steering was WAY lighter than with the Toyos. Dry grip is reasonable (nowhere nearly as good as the Continentals or Aquasports type 1) - Wet grip seems pretty good but - again - not quite up to the Aquasport's levels. Feel and progression too slide is pretty good and these tyres simply do not squeal. This is great for not drawing attention to oneself. Would I buy them again? No, definitely not. It's just the way they ride I don't like but their dynamics are good. What tyres would I get, if I could? - The Rainsports. These are the best I've used on the car by a substantial margin but they are no longer imported into Australia. Am I sorry I bought the Nexens? - No. They are a good tyre but I'll be doing everything I can to search out something better next time. The Hankooks and Toyos (not sure of the model but they were supposed to be those companies' sports version) were dreadful. The Hankooks were verging on dangerous in the wet and just so-so in the dry. I suspect these Nexens would suit a rear wheel drive car better than my front drive SAAB. Levels of understeer were rather pronounced and I feel this rapid but predictable progression from grip to slide would suit a rear drive car, as far as no vicious transition to oversteer is concerned. As far as a very well priced semi sports tyre is concerned, the N8000s are a reasonable buy and get you into the Continental tyre grip levels for 1/3rd of the cost. You've just got to get your head around the strange floaty riding characteristics. I found I could improve this by dropping the tyre pressures by about 3lbs per corner but it still hasn't cured the strange feeling. The tyres are only 250 miles old and maybe there are still small amounts of tyre mould releasing substances in the rubber (but I doubt it..). Hope this quick little review helps. If anyone wants more details, feel free to ask.