I've got an 05 MCSc with the 17" bullet wheels. It's time to put new tires on them and I'm going for my first non-runflats. I know I'll love the better handling and longer life of the non-runflats, but I haven't the faintest idea what would give me a good spring, summer, fall tire (I've got winter tires but don't drive the drop top too much in the bad weather in virginia). I'm looking for some suggestions on tire options and what is the best way to go for the emergency tire repair kit to stick in the trunk (I simply won't call my mini trunk a boot, since that's what I wear on my feet in the winter or hiking).

Thanks in advance.

Yes, by all means look at the other thread or search for-
205/45-17
or 215/45-17 as these are good tire sizes for a stock MINI on stock supension and wheels.

Non runflats will work fine but you have no spare.

From the other thread-
If you like 205/45-17 for best speedometer accuracy,
Then best tire selection is in
Ultra High Performance Summer tires (not for any snow)-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...=1 7&type=UHP
General Exclaim UHP $83 each 380 treadwear
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 $124 each 240 treadwear

Note that some drivers feel that the Exclaim UHP doesn't have really good handling and feels soft riding while others feel it is OK for street use.
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 is a balanced tire- good handling and comfort but costs more.

If you want better handling look at the Max Performance Summer tires and maybe in 215/45-17 size.

In any case it has a good price and wears well. For street use it does well but don't expect handling like other more expensive tires with softer rubber. Tire choices are full of compromises.

Edgeracing.com also carries in 205/45-17
Falken Ze912 UHP All Season tire for $79 each 360 treadwear.
Good value and works as a street tire with comfort and all season wear.

For a Max Performance Summer tire in 205/45-17
Toyo Proxes T1R $116 each 280 treadwear
Better handling and reasonable comfort for street use.

Bridgestone G Force Sports...Wears well, and does everything well.

You'll call it the boot before long.

I carry a small air compressor (<$15) and a can of fix-a-flat (or equivalent) and have never been stranded. Only time I had to use it, actually, was on my runflats when I picked up a nail in one. Used the can, kept the nail in, never had any problems.

As Minihune linked to, TireRack is a good place to go and search through their tire selection to see what other people are saying. Although they don't carry all of the major brands, let alone some of the more obscure ones..

I would take a look at the Falken FK452 and the Sumitomo HTRZIII. They are very resonably priced summer tires.

Leo Barrios
leo@edgeracing.com
800-489-5353 x211
http://www.edgeracing.com

BFG G-Force Sport, love mine. quiet, grippy, last forever. can't ask for much more.

yokohama es100. Great tire. Strictly summer only, a little noisy but the handlling is superb.