Alright, time to replace the stock tires on my 09 MCS. No more of this run-flat nonsense. Here is the criteria:

- I live in N. California, where I'll drive in a bit of rain during the winter months but NO snow. Most of time it's sunny

- Performance, tread life, and versatility are all important and I'm after the best combination of all 3. Performance definitely out-weighs everything.

- I plan to stock with the stock rims. So just a tire replacement is all I'm looking at.

What seems to be the consensus for the best replacement tire here?

Thanks!

 

I replaced a set of hankooks with a set of Michelins Pilot sports A/S Plus and can't tell you how much better the car handles and feels. Just one opinion.
Running 215 45 17 size on MCS 2006 stock Flames

 

I like Michelin PE2s.

 

Yup, good N. California tire. Don't need any of those compromised (poor in) all season tires here. I tried getting a set of A/S because they were supposed to be quieter, but they have become as loud as the PE2. The PE2 grip much better in wet or dry.

 

PE2s.. ok, I will keep those in mind. Any others I should consider? Also forgot to mention I have the standard 16" wheels, not the 17" upgrade.

 

What do you do with the car? Would you be taking it into snow country?

 

there is no universal or consensus best. Tire choice is modified by lots of stuff.

That said the suggestions here are good ones. Another thing I do is to to read the reviews at www.tirerack.com as well as the rankings. I can see what others who drive like I do on similar cars think about lots of tires. Then I look to see if there is one of my top 3-5 choices on special. I've saved tons of cash that way.

Matt

 

Look at the Kumho ASX. Although it is All-Season, it still has lots of grip and does really well in the rain and light snow. Heavy snow it does as well as anything else in its class, but the heavy snow user should have full out snow tires. The Kumho ASX is readily available a lot of places and its cost is decent too.

 

+ 1 exactly as he said, also speak with Alex at Tirerack he can give you some good suggestions also for a tire based on how and where you drive

 

RS2 were pretty good and hearing pretty good things about RS3s?
Which Hankook did you have?

 

I just replaced my RFs with Conti Extreme Contact DWS 205/55-16 (all season). Couldn't be more pleased. Handling=A+ (especially in rain). They are quiet and have a much smoother ride. Priced right as well.

 

+1 I just replaced my RF with the ContiExtreme Contact DWS today. And all I can say is WOW!! What a huge difference in ride and handling.
I have a fair amount of curvy roads around where I live and couldn't wait to try them out, it was like driving a different car. Less noise, smoother ride. I got the 205/50 16 and really like the looks better than the stock size. Now I am looking forward to the rain and snow to try these puppies out.

I have my mobile, AAA card, compressor, and slime so I am all set to go spare-less.