this may be stupid, but I need to buy 4 of the same, right, do I need 2 rear tires? Do they make those? I am confused on tire rack. Thanks

I live in alabama have a 2002 mini cooper. Currently they have the standard continental touring tires on -the the same ones that came with the car. Do you have anyt recs on what type of tire is good? Should I stay with the same tire. All I do is drive to work and occasionally drive out of town of trips. Any recs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

It is best to have the same tire at all 4 positions. Since you don't have runflats, we won't worry about mixing. If you only need 2 tires, it would be best to buy the same as what you have, and put them on the rear, rotating the rears to the front. If you go all 4 new, the sky is the limit! Since it doesn't sound like you do much performance driving, any highly rated touring tire should work well for you. If you want something sporty looking, yet inexpensive, check out the Kumho ECSTA AST.

 

I def. dig the continental tires that come on the car. U can get them for a reasonable price and they are great.

 

The OEM continentals are a decent tire at a decent price.
I'd say put the new ones on the front - unless you want to buy another pair fairly soon. The tires last much longer on the rear. Ideally you would rotate a new set of four every 5K miles so the wear is about even.

That said, Michelin agrees with 3cocinas, with the premise that it's better to have a car that understeers than oversteers (due to less tread).

 

From past experience, on our MINIs you want the most tread in the rear of the car for handling purposes. If you MINI is strictly a straight-line commuter, go with what Eric said.