Alright, I did a plentiful search, a plethora of research, and I have narrowed my choices to the correct size (for me) and TWO finalists for my 16 inch V-spokes in 205-50.

All I need is your final answer and a reason or 5.

Finalists:

1. Avon Tech M500
+ seemingly comperable performance to the goodyear in every aspect
++++++ 84 dollars

2. Goodyear eagle f-1 ds g3
+ lots of mini owners have and like these
+ extremely impressive wet traction
+ people say good treadlife as well
- 115 bucks compared to the 84.

Ok, have at it,

MB

Edit: 35 mile commute, will be using tires for spring, summer, fall use only.

 

Not to add more confusion, but you might want to look at the Firestone firehawk wide ovals.

Scott

 

you already answered your own question. Price is your primary concern.
now go call Alex and get those wrapped!

 

Good point, Kenchan. I am willing, however, to spend the extra money if you all help me discover that the goodyear is a superior tire and buy.

Thanks for the reply,

mb

 

Is there a reason for not considering the Toyo T1R?

 

The goodyear's are awesome. Forget about using them on ice and snow (but sounds like you won't be).

Besides the great performance of them, I think the tread on them looks great as well.

 

who's AVON?

for the minimal difference in price ... go for the Good Year!

OR ... to throw another good one out there ...
The TOYO PROXES 4 ... great tire for all season use ... $78 at Edge Racing

I have the 17's for over a year and even survived a brutal winter with them.
Great grip and great tire for the price.

 

I'll echo the kudos on the Proxes 4; I've put about a thousand miles on some 205/50-16s and love them. Great ride, quiet, predictable .... and they should get me through the winter weather.

 

I had a response from Alex in a previous thread and he wrote something on the lines that the avon won't have same handling of another tire.. I can't remember which tire now.

The weather here is mild so I am about to place an order for a set of Hankook RS-212. The tread life is not as good as either tire you listed but should outstick both in most conditions. They are $80 in your size at edgeracing but they are currently sold out. Maybe, discount tire will price match and offer free shipping. I'll found out tomorrow if they will do that for me.

 

I hadn't seen or heard of it until you mentioned to do so. I did a little searching and haven't been able to find ample reviews of the tire yet; I'll keep looking, and thanks for the suggestion.

Are the proxes 4 a high performance all season?

mb

 

The Toyo Proxes 4 is classified as an All Season Ultra High Performance Tire
http://www.toyo.com/tires/tire_lines.../proxes_4.html

The Toyo Proxes T1R is a Summer Ultra High Performance Tire
http://www.toyo.com/tires/tire_lines...s_car/tr1.html
It replaces the T1S.

Generally Max and UHP summer tires will out perform (but wear faster) All season UHP tires.

If street use, comfort and longer wear at a reasonable price is important then look at All season UHP tires.

If performance is more important and comfort, wear, and cost is secondary then tires like the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 are worth considering.

Performance on the track will be better with the GS-D3 over the Avon M500 but it will depend on your driving skill level and driving style how much that will carry over for street driving.

The average MINI driver on the street will do well with the Avon M500. If you are planning to participate in driving schools, autocross or track sessions then the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 would be a plus.

Toyo Proxes T1R cost about $102 each in 205/50-16 vs the Proxes 4 for $78 each. The T1R offers slightly less weight by one pound, wears a bit faster 280 vs 300, with better traction, and a little stiffer ride.

If you want to learn more about the Avon or Goodyear tires talk to Alex@tirerack.com, they have experience with MINIs at tirerack's track with various performance tires.

 

Thanks, minihune, I'm calling alex tomorrow to place my winter tire order (blizzak ws-50 on 15in steels) and will inquire about all of the aforementioned tires.

mb

 

Put Goodyear Eagle F1s on MINIMETO 2 weeks ago, But I went with 215/45/16. Wider tread and 1-2 inches smaller than the stock run flats (Dunlop) that came with my 03 MCS. Just have to be a little careful on steeper driveways. The grip is really fantastic and with all the rain we've had in NE Florida over the past 2 weeks I've learned the the grip in the rain is if anything equal to the dry grip. They really let you feel in command/ They are also much smoother riding and a side benefit - better gas mileage. Just my .02 cents worth. LEE in Jacksonville Fl

 

I had the Goodyears on my last car (2001 mitsu eclispe) and they were fantastic! Dry grip is great and wet grip is great. Just don't expect to drive them in any snow, as there is no cross-tread at all.
Just as soon as I've scraped together the money for a new set of wheels+tires, I'll be ordering a set of the gs-d3's for my Mini :D

 

Amen. I love my GS D3s

 

Maybe I should give Goodyears a try when my new wheels get here.

 

Azenis!

 

After speaking with Alex and reading all of the reviews and posts I could, I am heavily leaning towards the Goodyears. The last time I went for a comfy ride with a performance all-season (falken ziex on my 86 325), I loved it but always secretly yearned for a more serious tire. The Avon is apparently a very serious tire, just not quite as satisfying in the performance area as the gs-d3.

mb

 

Well put!

Alex