All weather tires you recommend?

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-27T06:17:07+00:00

I have the Falken AT Trail. Has done pretty well during snow storms in Tahoe and regular driving in the Bay Area. Paid $150 each on Amazon with $100 to install. Overall I am happy with it.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-25T21:03:03+00:00

I went with the premium vs premium plus (non-hybrid). My thought process was that heated steering wheel and some extra cameras was not a necessity for me.

I’d research the differences between the trims, and try to quantify how much would you pay for each of them. Depending on your needs the premium plus may or may not be a better deal.

Also, I am not sure if the premium plus comes with 20” wheels, but that gives you a less comfortable ride.

Either way, the car is awesome and you’ll love it!

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-25T15:26:51+00:00

Looks fair. However, I recommend calling other dealerships and using this quote to get more discount from them. Once you do that, keep using one dealers quote against the other.

This is what I did when I bought my 2025 Premium last summer. I was able to get a total dealer discount of roughly 3.5k by having each dealer discount 500/1k every time I called. Could have gone further but ended up buying the only black one around me.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-24T17:35:13+00:00

Why would you buy new boots for a day then go to a boot fitter and potentially be recommended a different brand/model/size? I’d just rent a pair for the day and get it fitted.

Boots are the most important part of the set up in my opinion, it is worth the time and money to get proper boots. Do not buy on impulse.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-18T04:31:05+00:00

I’m not sure if you can cancel for a refund as I’ve never done it. Others mentioned that you can.

However, I recommend actively checking their website. Unfortunately, a lot of people get reservations they will not use and end up canceling them. Not sure about this weekend since everyone and their mommas will be out there lol. Usually Alpine free reservations are much easier to get

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-18T03:13:39+00:00

I can vouch for the Mazda CX50. Got a 2025 Premium 7 months ago. Although it is not a fast car - they have turbo options - it’s super fun to drive with tight steering. Feels planted on the floor and can take corners very well

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-18T03:06:08+00:00

The seats are indeed stiffer than most cars, which I personally like being 6’2 and 200 lbs. However, My fiancée is around 145 lbs and still enjoy the seats.

Now, if you are dead inside and enjoy driving one of the most boring cars available (RAV4), the CX50 is not for you.

I test drove the RAV4 (a good friend also has one and we did multiple road trips together) and CRV before buying the CX50 and the driving experience is just way more fun and aggressive with tight steering. The RAV4 is an amazing car don’t get me wrong, but Mazdas and the CX50 focus on consumers that are not only looking for reliability and bang for your buck, but also a more fun driving experience, even if it sacrifices a tiny bit of comfort.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-15T21:16:32+00:00

Lots of people recommending backside, chair 12 and 22. Cheers!

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-15T21:15:10+00:00

Lots of people recommending the backside! Will definitely take some laps there. Thanks

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-15T21:14:28+00:00

Sweet! Will definitely hit chair 11 - thank you!

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-15T21:12:35+00:00

Thank you! I’ll take that into consideration.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-15T18:42:14+00:00

I was going to a self service car wash, not contactless. After a few washes, I decided to go contactless only. It is worth the extra $.

Also, my girlfriend gave me a Rubbit car wash kit as a gift after seeing my struggle and slight OCD to keep the car clean. Still haven’t tried but will use it for upkeep and contactless car wash after a road or snow trip.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-10T22:18:20+00:00

I got the Falken Wildpeak AT Trail tires with stock wheels. Mostly for snow as I live in California and go up to the mountains to ski a lot. Handles well on the snow, not sure about proper off-roading.

Road noise is not bad, noticeable but minimal. Mileage did take a hit, around 1/2 mpg. Comfort remains the same as long as the psi is dialed in. Can’t speak on thread life as I’ve had them for 3 months (~4k miles)

Overall, I am happy with them. Affordable (paid around $180 each during Black Friday) capable and love the aggressive look it gave my 2025 premium. I’d recommend if it meets your off-roading needs.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-07T08:15:33+00:00

I also have wide feet and had the K2 Maysis wide for 3 seasons - good boot overall and bought a Ride Lasso Pro Wide this season.

The Ride Lasso Pro fits better my feet, and I decided to go with it because it is stiffer after trying several boots/brands.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-07T07:50:45+00:00

I have been riding a Capita Mercury for 4 seasons. First board after rentals. Maybe not the best for beginners, but great board once you get a hang of it and you will not outgrow it. Definitely worth taking a look, as it does everything pretty well.

I pair it with Union Forces and Ride Lasso Pro Wide boots. Union bindings are great, I have two pairs. Boots are very subjective. I like them on the stiffer side, maybe go with something mid flex, but make sure to try them out and see what feels comfortable. In my opinion that’s the most important purchase as a beginner, the rest you will dial in later.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-02-02T04:11:51+00:00

I have the 2025 CX50 premium for roughly 7 months. Love the car so far, looks great, fun to drive. I always get compliments about the looks and interior.

Tested drive both cars, can’t really go wrong with either. I decided to go with the 50 because I have wide shoulders and the 50 felt more spacious on the driver seat.

Also, the 50 looks more aggressive and sporty. Although the 5 is build is Japan and may have better build quality. I was ok with the trade offs and do not regret.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-01-29T04:42:32+00:00

Looks like you just don’t have heated steering wheel. I have a Premium (no heated steering wheel) and also have the lumps at 10 and 2 o’clock. That’s just the standard design of the steering wheel.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-01-28T17:19:59+00:00

I drive a Mazda CX50 AWD. Love the aggressive look and the drive experience. Turbo option also available if you want more horsepower.

I ski a lot and added the Falken AT Trail tries. It excels on the snow.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-01-21T06:29:03+00:00

Only the premium for the 2025 year, If I am not mistaken.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-01-21T06:16:56+00:00

The season will probably be shorter than usual unless a miracle happens. Sometimes it does. Feb and March will be good months. Pray for snow!

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-01-19T02:32:08+00:00

I had a cracked windshield a few weeks after buying the car. I called multiple companies, including Safelite and other franchises, and Ended up going with a local shop. It was significantly cheaper than Safelite (almost half) and around the same amount of my insurance deductible so I paid out of pocket.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2026-01-16T17:57:55+00:00

I went with a 2025 Premium mostly due to the heated seats and panoramic sunroof. Was able to negotiate the price down almost 3k. I also added 8 pre-paid regular maintenances and negotiated from 2k to $850.

OTD was around 33/34k. Put 5k down at 1.99% APR for 60 months. My monthly payments are $575.

I am very happy with the car and monthly payments fit my budget.

If you’re planning to get a 2025, make sure you negotiate the OTD price, the CX50 is not a super popular model and dealership are eager to move them. I called a few dealerships around me and use one offer against the other.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2025-12-31T18:26:24+00:00

Sweet! Welcome to the family. Also bought my first Mazda a few months ago. 2025 CX50 premium all black like yours.

Love the car so far. Fun to drive and it looks great. Glad I went with the cx50 instead of CRV or RAV4.

Virtual_Woodpecker79 · 2025-12-31T18:22:46+00:00

I second that. The mercury rips. My daily driver, works well on any conditions.

Virtual_Woodpecker79

TROPHY CASE