I have 3 tire dealers in the area and have narrowed down to 1 from each. Say bye bye to the runflats! I will not be driving the mini in the snow so highest performance with lowest noise is the best. If these are all bad - let me know so I can figure out other options. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Les Schwab - Toyo Proxies all season BW $889
Costco - Bridgestone Potenza S04PP $723
Eagle Tire - Goodyear Eagle GT $707

THanks in advance

 

The Bridgestone is a Maximum Performance summer tire, and the other two are all-season tires, so the Bridgestone should easily have the highest grip and handling performance; at least in dry and mild conditions.

To make your decision somewhat more complex, but more likely to lead to a satisfactory outcome, you might go to www.tirerack.com to do your tire research, even if you buy elsewhere. You'll be able to compare any tires within (or across) any categories you choose, but at some point you'll still have to make compromises among performances such as dry grip/handling, all-season versatility, noise and ride comfort, tread wear, and price.

After deciding on a "best" tire for your applications, see if you can find that tire locally for a good price. If not, you can order a set from Tire Rack and have them installed locally.

 

Yeah Tire Rack has way better performing tires foe le$$.

 

none of those I will consider. got to tire rack and check out Michelin Super Sport, good review and top notch in its class...


just my $0.02 of the matter...

 

Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs. Performance/dollar can't be beat. Tirerack.com has them for $133ea right now. Iv'e heard the Bridgestone Potenza RE11 is supposedly a little more grippy but those go for >$170ea. Way Motor Works recommended the Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 but again those were more expensive than the Star Specs.

 

Another vote for TireRack. They will always have best prices (even after shipping) and it's the only place I've found that actually does head to head tests with tires.

 

I'm running Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus and love them. Smooth, quiet, good grip wet and dry and even has 45k tread life warranty. This is an all season tire but they also make it in a summer tire. I up sized to a 215 in lieu of stock 205's. Agree that Tirerack is a great source. Check out owner survey results.

 

They're a bit of overkill for the street, and a bit noisy. The RE11 is faster on the track.

 

While the Star Specs and RE-11 will offer amazing grip, they aren't quiet at all. They are a race tire for the street.
The Contential DW offers great grip with OK noise levels.

 

The Direzza's were top rated by Car and Driver. Second place were the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo's that I run. (Direzza's weren't available in my size.) Of course, these are summer tires and I live in Northern California.

 

+1 on the Contis, nice compromise. I have run the RE-01R's before and they were fantastic (I'm sure the RE-11's are even better), but tires wore quickly.

 

Thanks for all the good info I checked with Les Schwab about installing tires from another dealer and they said close to $200 due to the "performance tires and sensors". Sounded pretty rediculous to me. Any ideas what I shoul dexpect to pay for mount / balance and install?

 

About $18:50 to $25 per tire. Road forced balancing is a bit more than regular balancing but it's highly recommended. Also check tire rack website for balance/installation by zip code to get a better feel for your locality.

 

With TireRack's recommended installers you can find very reasonable installation rates.

 

Good lead -their local installer is $20 per tire + roughly $60 shipping to WA. I would save a few $$$ overall and probably get a higher performance tire but the convenience and local warranty service is attractive. I will not be driving on a track - just some mid life crisis cruising and curving so I don't need the best of the best. Ahh choices

 

You mentioned Costco, you can get the Michlen Pilot Sport A/S+ at Costco. I think it's the best all season tire available for your car. They run a $70 off 4 coupon so total cost would be like $700/set of 4.

If you are concerned about total cost, they charge like $15 to M&B. I think they charge an additional $10 per tire for the sensor kits if needed.

Good Luck

 

Just bought the Michelin Pilot Sport AS Plus last week. Got a great deal on them, $500.17 installed, tax included. Was a local shop here. Anyway, I am very pleased with this tire. Great grip, very little noise, and they look bada$$. I would highly recommend them.