Looking for some recommendations on all-season 16" tires for a 2007 Cooper. Don't really want run-flats (not installed originally) as they seem to wear too fast. I live in Ohio and need all season tires that can handle some snow, but still want decent performance in the warmer months. The car came with Continental 195/55R16 87V tires on it, which wore pretty fast (30K) and I'd be happy to get them again at this point, but Continental doesn't seem to make that size in a non run-flat anymore, and I don't want to replace these every 15K miles.

Saw a recommendation for the Bridgestone Potenza R019's, but they don't seem to make that in a V rating anymore either. Perhaps the H is ok? Or is there another size that will open up my options? Don't know much about how that works or what it will effect.

Any help is appreciated!

 

I'd suggest spending some time reading Tire Rack's tire tests. That way you can get subjective opinions and real testing data that can highlight aspects of each tire that may be more appealing to you. They even have videos.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testSearch.jsp

I was on there yesterday poking around trying to decide on tires.

 

I just got a set of Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid's delivered yesterday, they will be installed on Monday. TireRack rates these very well and they are less than $400 shipped!!

 

Just as a FYI, I had very good wear and performance on a set of Avons I used on the Mini, but I would call Alex at Tirerack he can give you more information, also as other have said spend an hour on the site and read the reviews for different tires, you can set it up to look at just the Mini and whatever type of tire you are looking for. They use to have a place on the site that ask's you information about your car, driving style and some other things and then it would show you some of the tires that fall into what you are looking for.

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the suggestions. @RJKimbell, On the Potenza G019's, does the H speed rating bother you any?

 

I also found some nice looking Michelin's on TireRack - Pilot Exalto A/S, but they're 205/50R16 - would that size cause any problems?

 

It did at first, a little, but I'm looking at cost...you can't beat the price. With a 50,000 mile tread life warranty I'll be able to keep these for a bit, and save the $$ for the upgrade Wheel/Tire Package I want!! I'm at 22,000mi. now. Read the reviews and what other NAMers have said they really like this tire, I wish I could have put them on yesterday, but it will have to wait 'til Monday. I'm not even to the wear bars on my OEM Goodyear RunCraps, but I needed an All-Season now because our Rainy Season is upon us, I stupidly put Summer Performance Tires on when I ordered.

 

I have the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S on my '03 S: size 205/50R16 (V speed rating, of course). OD is slightly smaller than stock, resulting in slightly optimistic speedo readings (might keep your speeding fines lower) and faster acceleration off the line. These tires are excellent all-year-round for the mid-Atlantic region. On the expensive side, but they seem to be wearing slowly. Got them at Costco: price includes pro-rated road hazard warranty.