I drive 2008 hardtop Cooper basic that comes with the steptronic. I am in need to change of my two front tires soon. Right now they're the standard Continental stock. Would it make a major differences my front and back wheel are different brand? Additionally since it's a front wheel drive. I want to get the best price for longevity (tread).

Based on my research Kumho seem to be it?

 

I just dump the OEM runflats (horrible) and purchased the Conti Extreme Contact DWS (Dry, Wet, Snow) from Tire Rack. They are a best seller. They look good and the ride is MUCH better.

 

I will definitely look that up ThreeD. Would I eventually need to change back tires or it doesn't matter? Yes I came across Tire Rack they seem to hold the best price so far!

 

I paid $109 dollars/ea tire. I would definitely change all four tires. Make sure you get them balanced, as well.

 

Before you order from tire rack or any other website you better talk to the shop that is going to install the tires. Most tire shops will charge you more to install tires you bring them, rather than getting them from their shop. It may not save you any to get tires off the internet.

Don't buy the real cheap Kumhos, they are loud, but Kumho does have some good tires in other price ranges.

 

Thanks for the great information. I just realized my tires are 175/65/15 and seems like there are not many options for me. Or Am I allow to channge the size of tires? Sorry for these basic questions. I want to make sure I buy the right tires.

I agree WayMotorWorks that it would be cheaper for me to buy it at tire shop and have them install it. I will start searching.

 

Sears won't gouge you.

 

tirerack.com has a list of installers that will work with tires from them. You can get the list under the installation tab. The prices are all listed there, so are the installer ratings.

 

BTW, I forgot to mention, these tirerack.com recommended installers will take a direct shipment to their shop from tirerack, so all you have to do is to show up.

 

I just did that. Was incredibly smooth. While my car was being repaired, I called TR and they shipped to the shop. The tires arrived the next day before COB. Great service! I know I know, I sound like I work for them. I don't. LOL

 

195/60-15 Yokahama Avid Envigor at $73. 175/65-15 at $81. Change all four if you go with the 195's. As advised, check the TireRack's recommended installers with guaranteed prices near you. I can't come close to Tire Rack's total cost locally. YMMV depending on how far you are from their warehouses.

 

I just had the Continental Extreme Contact DW (not DWS) installed Saturday for $150 each installed out the door. It was a better deal than buying from Tire Rack and then having them installed. Huge Huge Huge difference in ride comfort, noise and overall feel of the car. I should have dumped the run flats months ago.

 

I too drive a 2008 base Cooper. I replaced my Conti 175/65/15 with 205/55/15. They are an almost exact replacement size wise - diameter and circumference. They are wider, ride real nice and handle extremely well. They are the Kumho Ecsta from Tire Rack. You can also get 195/60/15 as a viable alternative. I have my Kumho's mounted on the stock Mini Spooler Wheels - 5.5 inch wide. Good luck!.

 

I got these as cold weather tires and love them.

 

i'm in west LA and may be looking for a tire shop soon. do you mind telling me where you purchased your tire? $150 per tire out the door is a pretty good price on those conti's.