I have a 2005 Mini that came with run flats and now I want to put on regular tires as they are less expensive - can I do that and which tires are best?

 

You can definitely put non run flat tires on your wheels. As for which tire is best, that is really up to personal preference. I just ditched my runflats for winter tires so I can't really offer much on that one.

 

Non runflats transform the car...especially the ride.
Tire brand/type depends on driving style, preference, and $$.
To be safe, carry some slime, a 12v compressor, and a plugkit...that will fix a flat 90% of the time...then get towing coverage through AAA or maybe you INS company, just in case you can't fix it if you do get a flat.
Be careful where you get the runflats unmounted...the sidewalls are very stiff...and it takes time, and good, plastic coated tools, so the rims are not dammaged.

 

Here's a helpful thread on this:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-run-flat.html

 

Ksailor: There are several "best" tires for each Tire Rack tire category, depending on your preferences for compromises (all tires are compromises in some respects). To simplify a very complex decision-making process, I think of 5 "proper" tire categories for the MC: (1) high performance summer tires (includes Extreme, Maximum, and Ultra High Performance summer categories); (2) high performance all-season (includes Ultra and High Performance A/S categories), (3) Grand Touring (one category) emphasizing highway driving, (4) winter/snow tires, and (5) R-compound tires for autocross and track.

First decide which of those five categories would best suit your needs and preferences, then compare tires within that category for the best specific compromise for your driving needs.

 

Tires are a real puzzler, we all have our own idea as to which ones are the best, start with Tirerack suggestions and take it from there, keep your eyes open for sales, you can save $15-$25 a tire.

 

For non runflat tires which work fine on stock wheels.

For any weather including cold temperatures and some snow:

If you have 16" wheels
Use 205/50-16
Continental ExtremeContact DWS $101 each 540 treadwear
Or Use 205/55-16
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus $129 each 500 treadwear
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS $105 each 400 treadwear

If you have 17" wheels
Use 205/45-17
Continental ExtremeContact DWS $105 each 540 treadwear
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus $191 each 500 treadwear
Or use 215/45-17
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS $147 each 400 treadwear

If you don't need longer wearing and comfortable tires for street use you can also consider same tire sizes in Ultra High Performance Summer tires.
Example
Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport
205/50-16 for $102 each 340 treadwear
205/45-17 for $94 each
Not for use in cold weather under 35 degrees or you use snow tires and wheels for winter. This is for spring summer and fall use or in temperate areas.

If you have questions then talk to Alex@tirerack.com extention 294