I need a set of four basic tires for a 2009 Mini Hardtop (R56). I checked online and the ContiproContact and Ecopia came up. Both have a 60k warranty, and both seem to be reviewed as quiet tires. I don't mind sacrificing some handling/performance since the car already has these tires on the car (2 each, which were on it when I bought the car). They seem good enough in terms of handling, and looking for a quiet ride with a good treadlife.

Installed, with flat tire/rotation warranty, the Ecopia is around $500 with the ContiproContact about $100 more.

Any suggestion on which one to choose? Or maybe another brand? The price is about what I want to spend.. Thanks.

 

Got a set of Michelin AS/3 stock size 205/45-17 from Costco at $570 out-the-door. Lifetime everything… very happy with the set.

I came from Continental DWS but wasn't too happy. Hydroplaned a lot...

 

Any idea on if the Michelin AS/3 is a quieter tire than the Conti or Ecopia? I read that the performance and handling of the AS/3 is better.

 

The Ecopia is supposed to have lower rolling resistance than Bridgestone's other tires. Chances are it probably has a bit less than the Contis. They might give you a tiny amount better fuel economy, if that matters to you.

 

The "better-half" has gone through two sets of the Contis on her MINI very quickly (<36K mi./set) with mostly highway driving. She has switched to the Ecopias. They seem to be quieter.

She got the takeoffs from my MINI as her second set (I put less than 3K on them), when I put BFGs (wrapped around Rota Slipstreams) on. I have a truck that came with Continentals. They do not have a good reputation for longevity.

 

OK I thought I’d revive this old thread since it is specific to the tires I have. The new price is around $175 each BTW, for the Bridgestone Ecopia my 2008 basic hatchback is 175/65R 15. Gonna go to Les Schwab I need all new tires but I have these two Bridgestone’s. Not even sure why ? I think I bought a full set and these two were pretty new and in good shape so I kept them from the old set. I moved to southern Oregon and don’t drive the mini like I used to so the tires haven’t been wearing out like they used to in the Bay Area.
any thoughts? Should I try and find two more that match these Bridgestone’s or get two other tires.? Seems like the front ones wear out a lot faster.

 

I'd check the date codes on the 2 you have & make sure they aren't on the older side. Paying for 2 tires, if the 2 you have are in good shape is probably better than a set of 4.

I do wish the Michelin AS3 or AS4 were available in my size. Fantastic tire & had them on my former Ford Flex & Mercedes C300. Excellent performance in all conditions I experienced and wore well too.

 

Thanks
I needed to get the tires ASAP since I’m planning a long trip in a few days. All they had new in stock Mazama Reputation at Les Schwab. Really dumb name but sounded like a pretty good tire they were around 180 each! I bought two of them and they put on the Bridgestone’s for $40 each… I assume they were not too old 🤞
the ride is really quiet… So far they seem pretty good.