2cutecats

Thanks everyone for the quick replies! Ross, which Michelins did you get for your 4Runner, if applicable to the HIghlander too? Are all NTB's owned-and-operated, or franchises, do you know? Which one (location) treats you so well? I'd be willing to drive a bit further for great customer service (and no hassles).

Hello! I discovered HAIF back when I still lived in metro NYC and was thinking of relocating for family reasons...I took the plunge and moved here three months ago. (I'm in Sugar Land but we'll go with Houstonian for the subject title <g>.) I wasn't sure of the right forum for my query but went with the "traffic" idea -- that's close to tires, right? Anyway...in the first week here I bought a 2002 Toyota Highlander. Somewhere along the line I recently got at least two nails in a rear tire -- and took it to a Discount Tire to get it patched. Guy told me my front two tires really should be replaced (now that I know the "quarter test", he's right) and since the nail is in a rear tire, I figure it's time to get a full set of four. I was so shocked though I said I needed time to research and make a decision, so I've done nothing yet (other than eyeballing that tire every five minutes.) It appears these are the original Goodyear Integritys, made in 2001. There were only 39K miles on it when I bought it, so it appears to have been gently owned, but age is age, especially in the Houston heat, no? So...which ones to get, and where to get them?? Tire size is P225/70R16/ 101S...I am so over-researched and over-analyzing at this point I am frozen. I swear to you I bought the damn CAR in less than half an hour, and have spent DAYS trying to decide on tires! I want to get a very good tire and not cheap myself out but I don't want to overspend either. I'm thinking the Michelin LTX M/S... but the whole idea of "mud and snow" tires seems odd in Houston...the latter won't ever be and issue and I have no plans to take the car off-road. I am not working yet but I also don't plan to spend any significant time on highways -- I'm a "regular streets" kind of gal. I've spoken to Michelin directly (rep told me to "wait until mid-August for the new Latitude Tour tires"); Discount Tire, NTB, Sam's Club, WalMart.... DT has an 'unsatisfactory' BBB rating, which is a bit of a concern. I'd like to get them somewhere that I am happy to go back for the free balancing/rotating, etc. (I've been told to order off Tire Rack but I want to do "one stop shopping.) I've also been warned that NTB would likely try to talk me into extra stuff... is it worth getting the "Road Hazard" program? I'm also confused about the treadwear warranties; some Michelins have and others don't. WalMart does not appear to carry Michelins, at least on their website they don't offer them for my car. Sam's Club does, but doesn't do alignment. How important is that? DT doesn't, NTB does...latter is also open both weekend days. The WalMart or Sam's just off Highway 6 near 90A are closest to me; the NTB guy who wanted to be "my last phone call" so he could beat any competitor's price is the one in Stafford. Apologies for the overlong post and rambling on...but I don't want to spend nearly $800 in haste or on the "wrong" tires! All input appreciated, and THANK YOU so much!

Hi, JM. Thanks for reading this thread. Is renting a _house_ realistic though for the money I'm hoping to spend?? For instance, I've seen those little bungalows in the Hill area of SugarLand and I'm told they would rent for at least $1000. (Haven't been able to find any listings though...any leads on a management company that might know of availability appreciated.) Beyond that area though, where would a house rental be cheap? (And staying IN Houston metro, of course.) I would say my top priority is a SAFE, good neighborhood. The more threads I read on problem nabes and the more bad reviews I read at that "apartment ratings" website (even on apt. properties that are run by supposedly "good" mgmt co's) the more I am inclined to stay put!

Thanks, Niche. A belated thanks for taking the time to reply. As I said I don't want to buy right away, and perhaps not at all, though I would miss those homeowner's tax deductions! I am tired of having neighbors above and below and to the sides...my concern would be getting into a good apartment complex and then being lucky with the neighbors.

Hello - I stumbled on this forum months ago and have read many interesting threads. I'm not sure if this was the right home for my post but I have seen others asking for neighborhood advice, etc. This may be a bit rambling but I'll try to keep my queries on point! (There are so many "life issues" for me right now that if I go into them y'all will charge me for the session . I don't really _want to move but I may need to. I have visited Houston for 20+ years as I have family in Sugar Land and far west Harris County (around Beechnut/Eldridge...not sure if that is "Alief" per se.) So I would want to be near that general area. Anyway...I own a 1BR co-op in suburban NYC now...maybe I'd be able to sell it for $200K but after all debts are paid and I (must!) buy a new or used late model car, I'll be very lucky to walk away with $50K. So for starters I am not looking to buy, at least not right now. I have read the "worst neighborhoods" thread and even printed out the specific streets/apartments mentioned...so I do have concerns about getting into an undesirable locale if I am looking at apartment complexes. As a 50+ I also don't want to wind up somewhere loaded with college kids or hard-partying 20somethings either... Two quite varying thoughts: I've passed some of the little bungalows in Sugar Land...any idea what something like that would rent for? My druthers would be my own "home"... or another area with little homes? The other would be a nice apartment complex on the small side (in terms of #s of units) but to have my elderly mom visit the preference would be for one with an elevator. In either case...I'd love an older, charming area with MATURE TREES...don't know if that's single-family-home dreams only. I'd probably not want to pay more than $800 a month...though I imagine apartment agents will think anyone moving from NY has money to burn! I don't have a job lined up (I freelance from home now (primarily writing/editing/proofing etc.) but just am not making enough...and I'd love to have benefits again!) I may be doing this bass-ackwards but I want to have a place to live first, and THEN look for work. I have two cats and though I could spend some time living in my mom's tiny apartment in senior housing I do believe I would lose my mind...and there's enough stress to this decision as it is. (Not to mention where will the moving truck take my stuff if I don't have an address...just unload it to a self-storage facility first ??? Seriously...) This may be a dumb question, but as long as I can provide a deposit, will not having a job at the time I sign a lease be a significant problem in renting a unit? Can anyone recommend apartment mgmt co's to look at...or more to the point, stay away from??? So as I say, this was somewhat rambling...but all input appreciated! Thanks so much for taking the time.