Hi All, I'm looking for the "perfect tire" at the "perfect price", lol.

My driving habits and preference is conservative at best, but with insane moments of fun periodically. This is not a daily driver, but will take some longer road trips in the 1,000 and up range.

The Car, 2006 Stock Base with 5 speed and 15" wheels. I believe the suspension is stock too. I'm not opposed to upgrading the suspension, but no more than $1k for parts.

I don't know if the price difference for the "V" rated tire will be worth the performance gain, without too much compromise to ride quality and sound. I really don't want to spend more than $100 a piece (plus mounting etc). The Tire size is 175 65 15, and not sure if I can go with a 195 55 15 and what that would do for me. I also pride myself in MPG on my vehicles. I need to find that perfect balance, price, handling, performance, longevity, noise, durability for my style of driving. Not a task I take lightly.

On my motorcycles I have them dialed in after years.

So which brand would you recommend.
Currently I have Falkner H rated tires on it.
I have Uniroyal Tiger Paws on my passenger car and van, they are great for that job and good price.
I have had good luck with Big O tires on my van.
I hate Wrangler (made by goodyear)
I'm not opposed to Yokohama
I love the NanKang tires on my 4x4, and nankang makes an affordable tire very cheap. I wonder if that would be a good choice for the mini.

Cooper makes the size in all season, would be cool to have Cooper tires on a Mini Cooper.

I saw some Pirelli tires I like the look of but not in the size I have.
Tires shop can get BFG "v" rated at $650 installed, no warranty.

There are many choices and I do have time to research and inquire about what people like. I have not been able to hook up with any local club members yet, and still working on that (tucson).

I will not buy tires at Walmart. I do have access to Jack Furriers account for wholesale tires. I mount and balance tires on steel rims, but do not have the tools for my fancy alloy wheels. (yet)

I'm not really interested in bigger rims at this time, but if I did find a set of 16's that I liked the look of for dirt cheap, I would consider them. The Mini will be driven mostly fair weather in the desert SW. But if on a trip, it does need to be good in the rain. If I put on 50,000k miles in the next 5 years it would be a miracle, so longevity is not as important as grip and sidewall flex. (lack of)

So, does this not fit the bill of "perfect tire"?

I look forward to the input.

 

There is NO such thing.
Newly designed tires come out all the time..!

Plus, perfect to one person, may not be even close to someone else's desires.
Soft sidewalls vs. stiff sidewalls (you didn't realize this did you..?), dry tread design, vs, all year, vs wet & dry vs mud & snow..! Where do you live...AZ. or CO ?

There's a lot more to tires than just brands and names on the sidewalls.

Mike

 

Search is already done.

I was washing the car and noticed a large bulge on the rear tire. It was also splitting. I thought I had time to research and shop, but that boat sailed when I saw a bad tire. (falken)



I checked on CL and found a set of new (old stock) Pirelli 195 55 15, Cinturato P7 that fit perfect and give me almost an inch wider in the tread contact. Plenty of clearance up front.

Nice firm sidewals, and it turns out they ride better and are quieter than the Falkens. Very Happy so far. I hope I never have to find out how they do in the snow and ice.