While running errands this morning I stopped in at the local Bend Tire
Factory franchise to inquire about Nokian WR-XL tires. The manager said "It
must be Nokian Vanagon week - we installed 2 sets of Nokians on Vanagons
this week"

He also had a set in stock - reached over about 8 feet to grab one. That
surprised me for such a small shop.

An "America's Tire" shop up the street in the corner of the Lowe's giant
parking lot quoted me more than $100. more for a set, "We don't carry them,
but we can get them".
Also tried to talk me out of them, claiming I would get only 25k miles
because "they are a winter tire." The Tire Factory guy laughed at that
because they are warranted for 50k miles.

'Just trying to do my part for the economy with my stimulous money. (that's
a joke)

Vern McIntosh
Bend, Oregon