My 205-45-17 Dunl0p RF stock tires are about gone (27k). I don't drive that aggressively, favor comfort/quiet over performance and want them to last 30k. I see Discount Tire (dealer nearby) has Dunlop SP Sport Maxx's for $120/per. I'm open to suggestions because my tire expertise is lacking. I don't have to have RFs either and know nonRFs are cheaper. Thanks folks!

 

I put on Bridgestone Potenza G 019 Grid tires a few months ago and really like them. Not too expensive, much nicer ride than the RFs, and grip really well during agressive cornering. Had to get used to not having such a firm sidewall as with the RFs, but once I got used to the new feel I'll never go back. Here is a link to Tire Rack's page about them.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....nza+G+019+Grid

 

Yeah these get pretty good reviews. Tire Rack's price is $117 each (including shipping). Add mounting/bal and it's probably $135ea. Here I can get 'em for $147ea Friday. I think I'll go that route because I can gripe at someone if it isn't right.

 

Check local tire chain to see if they will match TireRack price, the one I used did. Good luck and happy motoring!

 

I have had Dunlop SP Sport Maxx's for a month or so. Good so far but I have not put them to any real tests yet.

 

I can reccomend Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sports from the tire rack. Great all around summer tire. Or, they also have the RE01's on special right now if you want a great extreme performance tire.

 

there are plenty of tires in that size you can also check the tires treadwear rating to see if any will last close to 30K
link: http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTreadwear.dos
hope that helps

 

I saw the special on the Potenza RE01's, but where I live it does freeze unlike the deserts of Phoenix, and I'm to lazy to mess with changing tires for the seasons, so I crossed them off. It's funny, the G019 Grid reviews on Tire Rack every Mini owner raved about them (5 or 6). Many Honda owners didn't like them.

 

I was in the same boat a month ago... I ended up going with Toyo Proxes 4 tires 205-45-17. They are bout the same price you mentioned but I'm sure can be had cheaper if you shop around which I didn't. Anyhow, they are an all season tire but are really quiet and very comfortable as well as sporty. They grip like crazy and I drove a couple weeks in the rain and have nothing but praise for the wet traction... however, these are the first set of non runflats I've had so I'm not too experienced with tires for Minis.

 

I got the Potenza G019 Grids put on Saturday. All I can say is what a difference . The ride is so much less harsh I checked the tire pressure twice (35psi both times). Handling is a little different which I expected since the tire sidewall stiffness is much different with these. But the car still handles great and rides way better. Had it up to 105mph and seems just fine. I wish I'd done that switch sooner, and these are SO MUCH QUIETER too. .

 

exactly! I saved $21 per tire through the price match.