2005 coupe na - average driving (for a xf...)

Recently retired the rears:
* Continential ExtremeContact DSW
* 255/35/19
* 26600 miles
* Remaining tread (32s): approx. 3 outside, 1 center, 2 inside

Kept the fronts for now:
* Continential ExtremeContact DSW
* 255/35/19
* 26600 miles
* Remaining tread (32s): approx. 4.5 outside, 3 center, 4 inside

Overall the Contis satisfied my expectations. For comparison, previously I had Michelin PS2s. They held like glue on turns but on any bumps it was like driving a Flintstone-mobile. The rears were also pretty slick at 15000 miles. I would have kept the fronts, which had decent tread, but a catastrophic blowout took care of that and I got the Contis all around.

As expected the Contis had a significantly softer side wall which made the ride more comfortable (at least for my wife) but I could immediately feel them give on hard cornering, like on acceleration ramps. The rear end always seemed on the verge of losing traction and the front end plowed with understeer. I never had the trust in these tires like I had with the PS2s - truly those were like driving "on rails". In wet weather the loss of rear end traction was pronounced, especially after the first 10000 miles. Nevertheless the Contis lasted twice as long as the PS2s which was also one of my reasons for getting them. Only tried them once in light snow and decided to head back home.

Anyway, based on other reviews on the forum (thanks, great help) and diminished trust in the Contis, I replaced the rears with General G-Max AS-03 275/35/19 hoping that the extra width will help with traction while providing a decent ride and good wear. Will report back when I get significant mileage. Hope this helps.