Cooper AT3 Opinions

I'm in the market for some new Coopers and wanted some opinions on tire selection and size. First, does anyone have the AT3? It seems like a decent enough tire, I had the ATR but it's been discontinued. The AT3 is new and I was hoping one of you had this tire? I'm torn between the AT3 and the H/T at the moment, any suggestions either way? Mostly on pavement, but it has to perform regardless of weather (snow).

Second, I'm debating switching tire size because of the warranty issues I just went through.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/wheels-tires/166253-tire-dry-rot.html
I'm thinking maybe a 255/70R17 or possibly a 245/75R17. I'm leaning toward the 255 because the 245 seems to force me into a high load rating as far as I can tell. Is anyone running a narrower tire on the TRD Sport rims than stock? If so, what are you running?

Thanks for the help! Based on past poll results, here's to get some interest

 

Im sorry...did you say something?

 

Damn, the one flaw in my plan

 

Don't know about the AT3's but the discoverer SST's look good.

 

They do, but too aggressive for my needs. I spend most of my time on the highway now so even the AT3 is most likely overkill for my needs. I'm seriously considering going with the H/T or even the CTS

They're a 70,000 mile tire and seem to have great reviews! Everyone compares them to Michelins. They look kind of wimpy but if they perform... I might have to go for it.

 

I have a short commute and like the aggressive look and performance. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

Dammit you suck

 

But there's bewbs...

 

Thats why...

I was Duped!!!!

a classic bait and switch!!

 

for boobs!

 

We've been bamboozled, hoodwinked, swindled

 

Damn... this whole baiting people with bewbs isn't working out so well for constructive responses... shocking, I know

 

Seems the H/T has horrible reviews on a lot of websites so I'm between the AT3 and the CTS. I think I've narrowed the size between the 265/70R17 and the 265/65R17. The others are odd ball sizes or limit me to a load range E.

 

Keep me posted! I'm really debating between the two as well. The local yota stealership recommended both. The CTS for $672. The AT3 for $755. Im going to be traveling on the highway a lot too. Let me know what you decide!!

 

Hurray for boobs!

PM Weazles he is running the AT3's.

 

Thanks, I shot him a PM. They look nice on the Taco!

 

http://rivermud.blogspot.com/2011/06/gear-review-cooper-discoverer-at3-tires.html

Disclaimer- I'm not affiliated with this site I just happened along it when I was researching the AT3's. At least it shows them on a Tacoma!

 

That was the first review I read on them! I found a couple others, including one on an F-150 forum. Most of the people who have them don't have many miles on them yet but so far they seem to be getting great reviews.

I'm really torn between the AT3 and CTS and they're opposite ends of the spectrum. The CTS will get me where I need to go 90% of the time. The other 10% is questionable. I leave for work a lot of times before roads are plowed and I wonder if the CTS's will get me through a foot of snow in 4wd. They have great reviews but I'm noticing a lot of them are AWD SUV/CUV's. There's only 3/32 difference in tread depth between the CTS and AT3's but obviously the AT3 is much more open. The 70,000 mile tread warranty of the CTS is very attractive and I keep hearing they're very smooth and quiet... On the flip side, the AT3's are supposed to actually be quieter and smoother than the ATR's I have now. I've got about another hour to make my decision then I have to call and get them ordered if I want them installed on Monday...

 

If you believe the Cooper marketing material I think the AT3 was designed to replace the ATR and is aimed straight at the BFG KO. How well they compare to the "benchmark" (if you want to call the BfG's that) is beyond my experience.

If it were me I would probably get the AT3 if you are only comparing the two coopers, but then again if I was having to transverse a foot of snow on unplowed roads I'd have some very good winter tires but that's my mid Atlantic mentality.

 

The fact that the AT3 is aimed at the BFG A/T is what worries me. I bought the ATR because it was a little more mild and had a solid center line. They actually turned out to be a fairly noisy tire on the road (not bad, but you know you're not on a street tire) and the non-solid centerline worries me for that reason. All the reviews I've read though say they're quieter and smoother than it's predesessor though. At the moment I'm thinking I'd rather have the aggressive tire and not need it than need it and not have it. The ATR's handled the deep snow great and I've got my doubts that the CTS's would do the same.

I think my final decision is going to be AT3's in 265/70R17