I just replaced, actually swapped tires on my '96 Ford Contour. I can't say how long the tires were on there, but probably 20-25K. The were worn bad on the inside front tires. One was showing cords. It tracked fine and rode good. Squeeld a bit in turns though. I actually bought some used tires and BMW rims for $100. I plan to recylcle the rims for $$. They were for the Contour, but weren't the right size. Furtunatly the were the right size for the 240D. Then luckly the tires on the 240D were the correct size for the Contour.
Tires can wear fast, say in 5K. My mom had that problem on a fairly new Subaru. Had to replace the front two.
Tom