Buy a set of the tires that you prefer. Tire rack will provide several options, I repeatedly buy Michelin Latitudes. Get a compressor kit with a tire puncture repair kit and learn how to plug a tire. Carry it in the car and always pay attention to any low tire either plugging it yourself or getting it professionally repaired.

You will drive thousands of miles with a better ride, better handling and with little or no drama. I am now at 102,000 miles with one incident where I plugged a tire.

Tire Rack and a local installer is the best option. They make it easy. Note that not all installers will do run flats. When I removed mine one installer wouldn't touch them, said they were too hard on his equipment.

As others have noted, if you want to save money and get a better ride, ditch the run flats. I have Conti LX 20s on my 2013 and they dramatically improved the ride and winter performance. Great tire and way cheaper than run flats.

I did pony up for a spare tire kit. I like the peace of mind that I can have any shop work on my tires now.

Another alternative if you're interested is Costco. I just had tires put on my wife's Mercedes GL450 and had a positive experience at my local Costco store (I know not everyone has). IF they have the tire you want, Costco usually beats/equals Tirerack prices AND includes the install price, Roadhazard warranty, lifetime rotation (not useful if you run staggered set). I don't necessarily trust the installers so I asked to watch the install...they agreed to let me watch from outside the overhead door (wouldn't let me in the shop). All went smoothly, the installers were competent - positive experience.

Thanks for tips and advice everyone

I couldn't have said it better myself. :thumbup:

Best place to order run flat tires
 

I have rarely met a local shop that will NOT match , or within $10.

Furthermore, tirerack is usually not the cheapest online source...

Just print off the tirerack quote, stop by the local store with the best rep for installing/alignments/etc...

Discount Tire will match Tire Rack. Only thing I like about Tire Rack is they usually have what I want in stock and they ship to my favorite installer who is a smaller shop.

I would recommend tirebuyer.com. They will ship for free, which is a huge savings. They're also in line with any other prices I've seen.

I just went through a local dealer, but had them match tire buyer's price.

Good luck!