 We previously owned a 2004 VW Beetle Convertible and traded into this.  We do no off-roading, but loved the body style and needed more room.  After eleven months of ownership, I have one chief complaint and that is my Pirelli tires after 17,500 miles are gone.  I have been diligent about rotation and inflation, per manufacturer's instructions, but this problem really has me on fire.  I to replace them after eleven months of ownership with another brand (Michelin), will cost me $1,200.  I have been told by tire manufacturers that the most I could expect to get out of a set of tires would probably be 25,000 miles.