I also have used the 215/70-14 passenger car tires on Vanagons including my
own Syncro Westy. I did not do it for cost savings though. I considered them
an upgrade. On a trip down to Florida a I had one of original Michelins ( I
had my van from new) experience a tread separations. My wife was driving, I
was sleeping in the back. She had no idea what was happening. She got it off
the road OK but there where tire pieces everywhere and the Viscous coupling
showed it displeasure by the smoke pouring out the front diff.  Anyway I
purchased a set of Bridgestone HP-41's in that size (all 5). The handling
was greatly improved in any weather. That set went over 60,000 miles
including the trip from NY to Alaska and back. No flats or failures even
taking the haul road to Prudhoe bay.  When they finally went I upgraded to
Derek's/CV-900's and 215/65-16's.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David M
Sent: Monday, December 06, 2010 12:16 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Tire vendors

I also use passenger tires on my Vanagon. The first set I bought lasted 10
years, I just replaced the rears as they showed some slight cracking in the
tread area. The fronts were still fine. I switched the fronts (Sears
Superguard GT 44psi) to the rear and put 2 new Mastercraft tires on the
front. All tires are 215/70-14 on alloys.
I would not use passenger tires on a Westy but mine is an ordinary Vanagon
and 95% of the time I'm the only occupant. The tires are easily rated ok for
this weight. I also never travel at high speeds, my normal max speed is
usually 55-60.
By the way my local Firestone charged me $60 to mount/balance the two tires!
I was amazed that balancing is now $13.99 per wheel. They charge for
mounting, balancing, valves, rotation, tire disposal, shop supplies and
tax.

-David