To ALL:

thansk you to the many folsk who commented to my reuqest for information on the tires..... here's what has occured.

I bought a 1994 850 turbo instead of the 97 T5. The guy trying to seel the T5 had covered up the fact that his car was a SALVAGE titled car and had been restored from an accident. BTW, I foud thisout by running the VIN number on CARFAX.COM - a pretty useful resource.

I bought Gislevad Nordfrost II's for the 850 and I went studless on the recommendation fthe tire dealer. Overall I am pleased, although the gradual slope out of my neighborhood is not maintained and presents somewhat of a problem. THANK GOD for WINTER MODE....it makes it work somewhat.

While I am VERY pleased woth the performance of the Gislevads on 95% of my driving (slush, snow packed, iced or dry roads), I think the most challenging part of my 30 mile commute to work everyday is the first 2/10th's of a mile that is not plowed or maintained in any way.

I will most likely go with studded snows inthe future. Although I must say the Gislevads are the most decadent tire I have had the pleasure of driving in the snow overall....albeit that they cost a furtune compared to other tires.

thansk to all who commented!!!

Jack