I get that some dislike them for the harsh ride, decreased performance, and lesser treadwear durability...but I don't quite get the $$$$ figures for replacing them that others seem to be throwing around.
Just a quick look around on Mavis and such the cost seems only slightly more than std ones. So why do I keep seeing threads saying that a new set of runflats will be in the range of 1300-1500 bucks?

 

It all depends on the brand and model of runflat. A set of Dunlop SP Sport 01 DSST would cost close to $1500 before installation. But a set of OEM all-seasons like Continental ContiProContact SSR would cost close to $1000 before installation.

I just did a search for 205/45R17 at Tire Rack to get some of those stats.

 

Also, like computer equipment, as the technology matures, or move into the next generation, the overall cost of them come down. Runflat tires, in general, cost a bit less now than they did, say, 3 or 4 years ago.

 

Many place still charge more to mount/unmount runflats...
I was quoted $50 per tire at one place....
also cheaper no super premium options exist for non runflats...just big names like continetal, perelli, Goodyear (dunlop owned by goodyear), michlin...

 

I'm going to stop by the tire place I've been using for years and get some quotes and their advice.
I've always put Cooper's best all season touring tires on mine and my wife's cars. I'll see what they''d reccommend.

 

Conti Pro Contact Runflats from Tirerack....676.00 plus shipping 49.80 and 60 for mounting and balancing....total cost 785.80...I have the invoice right in front of me.

 

That would seem correct

 

Note the difference in cost for different tire sizes, too. My search above was for 205/45R17. The same ContiProContact tires in 195/55R16 are $668 for the set (before shipping).

 

I was quoted 1200 to install 4 new contiprocontact runflats.

 

so would it be easier to sell them (if in decent condition) and just go to smaller rims and more normal tires?

 

Go on Tire Rack's web site and you can get an idea of tire pricing. Tire rack is a sponser of this forum so you can just click on it in the venders directery and see just about every tire made on their sitw.