Hi everyone!

So I need some tire suggestions. I have a '09 cooper hardtop and wore through my last set of ContiPro Contacts in about 14K miles. Since the first set lasted 40K, I've lost some faith in these tires and would like to try a different kind. Besides the shitty streets of Los Angeles, I have nothing else to blame but the tires. I don't drive aggressively and the car has no alignment issues.

I don't need super performance tires, but at the same time want to maintain the proper driving feel for the Mini.

I currently have 175/65/r15. Do I need to stick to this size? I've searched tire retailer websites, and they only come up with one or two tires suitable for my car, but I know you guys can provide me with better options.

Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks!

 

Since the MINI is really the only car hat uses the 175 width, tire choices are kinda limited...
With a 15 and stock rims you can go to a wider tire on the stock rim, but keep in mind while you will get more grip, you might see a lower MPG, and slightly slower accleration. Just things to consider.
185/65r15 is one choice....slightly taller, will fit on the stock rims fine,
195/60-15 tires ..slightly smaller, and wider still, and I think MOST tires will still fit the stock 5.5 rim
I actually have a set of 2013 rims with 185/65r15's for higher mile commuting with
General Altimax HP Performance grand-Touring All Season, a T rated tire that matches the cooper specs...pretty decent tire for the $$... bit softer due to sidewall height (basically matches the stock 16 diameter).
I DO run 195/60-15 as a winter size, with a slightly wider rim with snows...a good compermise if you do not mind going that wide...
and a set of 205 width on my 16's with UHP tires as my "FUN" ones....but I have an S so I have the HP to use the width.

 

One thing i am sure many folks will ask, what do you consider your driving style, and what is you budget, and tire life expectations?
You say you want to keep the "mini feel", elobrate a bit...some folks think a mini on 15's is too soft...so if you are happy with the stock feel, we can go from go from there....
As you can see from my tire choices, I am kinda laidback, and like a light lively feel of a lighter rim/tire combo in daily driving, and have found some GENERAL tires to be a good $$, and quality seems good...they were purchaced by contintal tire a couple of years ago..