Hello all, bit of a lurker here.

I'm driving a 2006 mini cooper S (in Montreal)- 25000km on it, with the original 17" Dunlop Sp Sport 9000 rfs. I only drive it in the summer and maybe put about 8-10k on it per summer.

My car recently started pulling to the left, so I brought it to the dealer and had a wheel alignment done. After my alignment they told me I needed new tires, as my front one were oddly worn on both the left and right side. They also recommended I change the rear ones at the same time. They suggested I used Dunlop Sp Sport 0001(?) at a price of $351 each.

Needless to say I thought the price was a little high. On top of that when I left the dealership the car pulled even MORE to the left than when I brought it in. I went back, went for a test drive with the head tech and he unequivocally told me the pulling to the left was caused by the worn tires.

Which brings me to my point. I don't know what tires to get. I'm reading the forums but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the selection. I'm just looking for a tire with decent performance, 17" look nice, and I'm not a demon driver. I occasionally zip up but overall I drive around the speed limit. I don't really care for rf either - I can always just get a spare.

Can anyone recommend a decent tire that has a reasonable cost?

Thanks!

 

Yes!! I just bought the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110 for my Clubman S and I LOVE these tires. Here's a link to my write-up of them:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...alk-tires.html

Scroll down to the bottom of the 1st page to see my write-up. Basically, they handle VERY well, ride is very smooth and quiet, and the cost from TireRack.com is a *steal*. Plus, Hankook has a $60 rebate when you buy 4 tires. I paid $71 ea. (after rebate) for 205/55-ZR16 tires.

Your tires are $89 ea. before rebate, $74 ea. after. This is a SMOKIN' deal on a very good set of rubber. The tires ride much better and quieter than the stock ones and handle as good if not better. Read my write-up for more details.

I am quite satisfied with my purchase and would do it again in a heartbeat...

 

Thanks for the tip! I ordered the tires and am having them delivered to a dealership in the US which is relatively close to me. Overall, with the installation, tires, taxes AND gas for travel, I'm going to be less than 50% of what Mini quoted me.

Thanks again!