My 2007 Cooper just got back from an oil change and inspection at Eurosport and my front tires are badly worn on the inside. I guess baby needs new shoes!. Don’t need run-flats since there is a spare underneath. I’d like something reasonably priced that handles well but offers a bit softer ride than stock, if possible, because I’m an old fart. Don’t care about brand names. Any recommendations?

 

Which wheel size does your car have? 16", 17", other?

 

They look MINI stock and measure just over 16” rim to rim. So these must be 15”, right? This is the Toyo on there now. 175/65 R15

 

Stock 15”, yes?

 

I have Continental touring tires in 16" - "PureContact LS"

Very impressed - ride is good, grip is fine, cornering is great, wearing well. I chose them as they were one of the least expensive options from a good brand, and Americas Tire had $130 in rebates on a set of 4.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=244

 

I am looking at those in 15”. Are they quiet? Pleasant ride? The last MINI I drove was my 2003 S with expensive run-flats that were noisier than a schoolyard playground.

 

I haven't been able to compare them to other tires apart from the run-flats that were on before, but certainly a vast improvement on those.

From the Tire Rack testing, it seems that these are at the sportier end of the touring tire spectrum.

I would say that the ride is still terrible and the noise is still appalling on rough roads, but that's compared to my Subaru Outback.