So what is the consensus choice these days? I am in San Diego, so a summer tire works fine. After 30,000 miles my tires are just about done. I drive moderately aggressively, and my car is bone stock.

Looking a tire rack, the only stock sized summer HP tires are Dunlop SPs, Pirelli p3000e or Conti premium contact 2's, all around $100/ea. any of these winners or do I need to think about fudging around with tire sizes?

Thanks!

Pete

 

Go up a size - 185s or even 195s. The 185 opens up a lot of choices. The Continentals have gotten good comments. Personally, I am running AS on our Cooper.

 

I like the premium 2 Contis that came on mine just fine for the street, but to be an actual winner you need to go 205/50-15.

Kumho Ecsta XS 86W $105 (good in dry but so-so in wet)
Dunlop Z1 Star Spec 86V $131
Yokohama Advan Noeva AD08 86V $135
Bridgestone RE11 86V $137

Having said that, what I would likely buy as a replacement would be:
195/60-15 Sumitomo HTR A/S PO1 88H $66

 

This question has been answered many times in the past, search for more discussion.
You are not limited to stock 175/65-15 tires, there are many to choose from that will fit fine on stock wheels.


If you use 205/50-15 tires they will fit stock 15" wheels but tire diameter will be 23.1" which is much smaller than stock tires and wheel gap will be increased using stock suspension, none of which is best for street use.

For a blend of good handling and ride comfort for street use using stock 15" wheels-

Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS (Ultra High Performance All Season tire)
195/60-15 $84 each, 400 treadwear, 24.2" tire diameter
Better grip and handling, comfortable ride but firm

In Grand Touring All Season tires:
Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus
195/60-15 $95 each, 600 treadwear, 21 lbs
Continental PureContact with EcoPlus
195/65-15 $93 each, 700 treadwear, 18 lbs, taller than stock, check with your installer if they are willing to mount tire, should fit with stock suspension
Michelin Primacy MXV4
195/60-15 $115 each, $70 mastercard rebate, 620 treadwear, 22 lbs
Tirerack test results of these 3:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=166
Blend of handling but more comfort for street use, longer treadlife

And General Altimax HP (another Grand Touring AS tire)
195/60-15 $71 each for H speed rated, 440 treadwear, 17 lbs
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=152
More comfort, better value but less treadlife, lower weight.

Continental ProContact with EcoPlus (Standard Touring All Season tire)
195/60-15 $81 each, 600 treadwear
Has more comfortable ride with longer treadlife, but not as much grip