First off, this is a great site, I've been lurking around here for a couple weeks and have learned a great deal. Thanks. The question I have is about the performance tires vs. the all-season. What kind of mileage can be expected out of each? (not gas mileage, but actual tire life) I would expect that the performance would be alittle softer, and therfore wear faster. I don't have the car yet (like most here it seems), and this is one of the last decisions I think I have to make.....

Thanks again,

Nik

 

I have the runflat tires. My wife hates them due to the ride. The runflats combined with the sports suspension makes for a bit of a rougher ride. I don't mind since this is a weekend and vacation car. I don't commute in it to the office often. I can't speak to the all season tires since I only expirenced them on the test drive and after some 7,000 miles on this car I really don't remember the test cars.

 

I don't think very many people have had a new MINI long enough to actually wear out the tires in normal driving to answer your question. The most cost effective and best ride comfort would be with the standard 15 in. wheels and non-runflat tires. These would also be the cheapest to replace. The runflats are very expensive(over $200) but the performance ones, like the Dunlop SP Sport 3000A, do handle well and can be used for autocross and high performance driving events. To win though you would have to have a competition tire like Kumho or Hoosier. Although many people like the larger wheels for their appearance, most of the MINI's that are racing in the UK and USA are using 15 in. wheels for their lighter weight and slightly improved gearing effect. Finally, the larger the tire, the higher the price is the general rule. We have the 16 in. Dunlops, but are going to 15 in. for autocross/track use.