the stock tire that comes on the wheel is 175/65/15. the problem with that is the selection of tires in that size sucks!i am a fairly aggressive driver and i guess a wider tire would be in my best interest, right?something like 195/65/15 or 205/65/15? would these sizes work or is that the wrong choice of tire for my wheels?thanks

 

195/60-15 or 205/55-15.

 

205/50-15 can work, too, although it's a little short.

 

The overall diameter of replacement tire should be within ±3% of OEM tire:

205/50-15 = 23.1" = -3.7%
195/55-15 = 23.4" = -2.1%
205/55-15 = 23.9" = -0.3%
175/65-15 = 24.0" = OEM
195/60-15 = 24.2" = +1.1%

 

No, the stock size is 175/65 r15, not 175/55 r15.

I went to 195/60 r15 and went down a few percent in diameter.

A tire 205 wide would give too much sidewall flex for such a skinny rim. 195 is as wide as is suggested, for max performance.

 

Oops ... corrected my typo

 

so can i do 195/65 or what? i don't want to bump down in diameter

 

Not really as the overall diameter difference will be +4.3%.

195/60-15 is NOT a bump down in diameter.

 

Check out this tire size calculator, it'll let you see the difference in dimensions between stock and any tire size you're considering.

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

 

It's possible to use 195/65-15. It fits rims 5.5-7" wide. The outer tire diameter is a larger than stock 25" which isn't good if you lower your MINI but will work if you have stock suspension and like a taller tire. Your speedo will read lower speed than actual and odometer be a little less than actual. But it's close. Tires in this size tend to be High performance and performance All Season tires. Only a few ultra High Perf All Season tires- like Falken Ziex Ze-512.

Tirerack.com has in UHP All season
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS $73 each 400 tread AA traction H speed rated
195/60-15 seems even better a size
or
Dunlop SP Sport 5000 $64 each 340 tread A traction H speed rated
Kumho Ecsta ASX $48 each 420 tread A traction V speed rated

Better would be 205/55-15 and it allows for better selection of tires that fit.

205mm wide tires are not too wide for stock holey rims.

On the street I have several sets of holeys and 205/50-15 tires that work just fine- side wall flex is OK.