Let me start off by saying that I know nothing about cars! I have a 2008 Mini S that needs tires. Do I really need run-flats or can I get away with standard tires? Any suggestions on what and where to purchase tires in the Las Vegas area would be greatly appreciated...

 

Your choice. You can stick with the run-flats for whatever driving security they may provide, or switch to standard tires for the other advantages they provide. Many switch to regular tires and carry some sort of puncture repair kit and tire inflator. Some tire shops refuse to mount other than run-flats on an OE run-flat car, so you might have to shop around for the switch.

 

Not a problem. Calculate the number of times you've had a flat tire in the last 5 years and decide. Regular tires are fine for your MINI. Just be sure you run tires that are designed and in spec for your MINI. All the major tire stores can provide a number of tires for your MINI.
Suggest WWW.DiscountTire.com or WWW.Tirerack.com
http://dt.know-where.com/DiscountTir...=337&map.y=276

 

ellimckinnon:

If i buy tires in town, it'll usually be at the Discount Tire on Lake Mead in Henderson.
It's on the west side of the Target shopping center. They've got nice, punctual, and knowledgeable staff/technicians.

If i don't buy locally, i'll then buy on Tirerack and then have Discount Tire mount and balance them (depending on the savings.)

Personally, I'd buy non-runflats and carry MINI's tire mobility kit.
It's really personal preference and all.

 

You didn't say what kind of driver you are. Here is one that we have on our '04 MINI Cooper:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Speed+Rated%29

Nice, quiet, works well in the rain, have not tired it in the snow (have snow tires). It seems to handle well. Not sure how hard I would push it, but if you are not an aggressive driver, it would do you well.