For years now, I've had two cars and the "tuner" car was used on the street and for track events. As a result, I'm used to buying Azenis, Kumho MX, Advan A032's, etc.

The mini is now my only car. In reality, it's turned into my "bad weather" car, as I ride a motorcycle most every day. I don't do HPDE events anymore either. I've sold all my current wheels and SHOULD have placed an order for the new ones a week ago, but I've been stalling because I can't make a tire decision.

I need something in a 215/40/17 or maybe (probably not) a 215/45/17

considering:
Azenis RT-615
Kumho MX
Goodyear GS-D3
Pirelli Pzero Nero M+S

My logical side says buy the Pirelli because of the way I use the car now.
I've been happy with the MX's though so that's the way I'm leaning.
Then I think... well, if I'm going to buy a tire that's going to be horrible in the winter, I might as well just get the Azenis and be done with it.

I'm not looking to go over $120/tire.

I don't know how much difference there would be between something like the MX and the Pzero. I don't want to buy them and be really disappointed afterwards.

 

And in case anyone's wondering... I'm buying 17's because I need them to clear my AP brakes. I don't particularly need the brakes, but I'm sure I couldn't get enough for them used to justify the time involved in taking them off.

 

I've put 230,000 miles on Kumho 712s and Yoko ES100s. The cost is a great draw for the number of miles I drive every year and the performance isn't bad either. Problem with any directional tire is the noise and tread distortion at 75% life.

So, I opted for Michelin's Pilot Exalto PE2. Awsome rain tire...unbelievable actually and it matches the other two in performance and responsiveness. The standout non-performance advatage is comfort. These are in a different league, almost cushy. Their comfort belies their performance. I know I'm comparing a Kumho with 37,000 hard miles with a new tire. Given my experience with the Kumhos, the diference is quite sobering. And, these are asymetric - they can be rotated properly, not just front to back like the directional tires...I'm hopefull I will actually use all the rubber before any distortion or noise issues arise.

This is not a snow tire, by the way. So you'll need dedicated snow tires.

I bought these in 205/45/17 to fit 7" wide BBS wheels. The only annoying part of the purchase is I ordered a W rated tire and specifically not V. I got V. I wanted a stiffer sidewall. I'm happy with my purchase - $607.29 shipped to Ct.

At $144.00 each they're a little above your target budget, and, they're not a M&S rated. Another possibility, however.

 

I can tell you buy this, buy that, all day long. My only suggestion is "BUY THE MOST EXPENSIVE TIRES YOU CAN AFFORD, IT IS WORTH SPENNDING ON TIRES".

Good Luck

 

Since I live in Alabama, winter weather is not much of a consideration, but I really like the Yokohama ES100 tires. I've been through several sets and they are a great all around performance tire.

You should add them to your list. . .

 

Ditto! ES 100's just came off mine after 23,000 that included 20 something autocross events. Great tire, decent price. I was running 215/45/17's on a lowered 2004 MCS. No rubbing, ever!

In case you are wondering, will replace them a tire that is a little longer in tread wear only because I am going to a dedicated track tire allowing me to use a harder compound on the street.

 

i'd vouch for the Bridgestone Potenza RE750, great tire, went through 5 trackdays on them and they are shot though, overall, they held me very well on the track even when they are almost bald, wet grip is excellent, as is dry grip, ive rarely ever squealed these tires on the street

i went with a cheaper Kumho ECSTA SPT replacement only because i wanted something with a bit more thread life as im going to r-comps next season

 

How about BF Goodrich 205/45YR-17 BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2 XL ;anyone have any luck with these?

 

You might consider the Toyo T1-R. From what I have discovered, the Azenis RT-615 isn't that good in the wet either, better than the tire it's replacing but still a challenge. I'm thinking of getting a set of 615s just for the track.

 

Not sure where you are but here in the desert of Arizona good wet traction isn't a problem . Good call though if you're in the northern hemisphere.

 

Just put 215/40/17 Goodyear F1 GSD3s on . The ride, noise, and performance are all noticeably better than the Toyo T1Rs in 205/45/17 which they replaced. The Toyos were better than the Dunlop SP9000 runflats in the above aspects. Also have the F1 GSD3s on my other car, an MB C32, and they put the power down much better than the OEM Michelin Pilot Sports.