Tires: H Speed Rating vs T Speed Rating, nissan x trail, toyota camery

Question
I am looking for replacement all season tires for my 2005 Nissan X-Trail, but I am having difficulty finding tires in that category as not too many manufactures make that size. The original tire  size is P215/65R16  96H, but I would like to drop down to a T speed rating and put on the same tire size (more to choose from, and less expensive tire overall. I understand that the H rated tires are built for increased handling and speed but the T speed rating is still 112 mph, which is much higher than I will ever see. Besides having a slightly stiffer ride, are there any real safety concerns in doing this? The X trail is a 4 cylinder cross over, that weighs about the same as a Toyota camery, and the original tires are passenger rated so I don't understand why they put the H rating on the tires?(I also realize that I will have to sign a waiver to have the lower speed tire installed).

Answer
Rick,

There's a lot involved in speed ratings - and the speeds indicated by the rating are somewhat misleading.  I go into that in more depth here:

http://www.barrystiretech.com/speedratings.html

So I do see some safety issues.  And hopefully you'll see why I can understand why they put on H rated tires.

But it is understandable if you feel you would be willing to accept the additional risk in exchange for some other properties that you feel are more important.