need new tires - don't know a thing about them
 

I have a 2005 MINI Cooper S. I have been getting the stock runflats switched out with Blizzaks in the winter, simply because I like the look of my Web Spokes and at the time I didn't have money for extra wheels.

I went into Discount Tire to get them switched last weekend and one of my runflats (~18,000 miles or a bit less) was getting down to the secondary rubber on a thin spot on the inside and they wouldn't put it back on.

I didn't want to buy new tires without a bit of research so my Blizzaks are still on.

1. There is probably something up with my suspension to cause the rub on the runflats, but I absolutely cannot get the car in until I'm done with classes this semester - two weeks from now. I would like to get that looked at before I get new tires on.

2. I'm not into racing/tracking/ and I don't need anything fancy - my MINI is my daily driver and comfort is good. I don't want runflats again.

3. Any suggestions? I'm a college student and am relatively poor. I don't want to spend $800 on 4 tires. $400-$500 would be OK.

Thanks

What size wheels do you have 16 or 17 inch because it makes a difference in size and price of the tires?

Check the TireRack website, they have a bunch of tire choices in the 205-45-17 size that you need for the web spokes (the size is fairly common). If you go the non-runflat route, you can easily pick up a set for less than $400.

I just ordered my Kumho's from Alex an hour ago. $70/each and they look like they will run better than the factory Dunlops.

It sounds like you want a set of all season tires that will perform decently but will also last a good long time. Give Alex at Tire Rack a call and he should be able to match a tire with your needs and budget.

17 inch (Web Spokes).

Yes, I checked their site, but I really wanted some opinions of people who might have a certain brand on their MINI.

I am considering these - not only because of the great price, but people seem to like them.

I really want to put off talking to a salesperson until I had a better idea about what is good or not - they sell (for my MINI) anything from a $70/per tire set to a $270/per tire set...I guess I've run into too many salespeople that will try to get me to buy the most expensive thing especailly when they realize I know *nothing* about what I'm trying to buy. I'm trying to do a little research before I buy is all.

Thanks!