Time For Tires Again And I'd Like Your Help ...
#1
Time For Tires Again And I'd Like Your Help ...
When I first got my MINI I ditched the runcraps and got a set of Falken Ziex ZE-912. I liked them, but when they wore out I got a set of Nitto NeoGens, which I also liked, but they wore out fast, were never particularly good in the rain and got downright dangerous in the rain after 20K miles. They did, however, handle fantastic.
I run General ArcticMax's in the winter, so I don't really need an all season tire, but have used them in case I got caught in an early or late snowfall. I'm willing to try a summer tire.
I'm looking for a 215/45/17 that is quiet, handles great and is good in the rain. Price is a bit of an issue, so I was considering the General G-MAX AS-03 at $100 each.
Also saw these: Cooper Zeon RS3-S and these Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105
Any thoughts on these?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks !
Dean.
I run General ArcticMax's in the winter, so I don't really need an all season tire, but have used them in case I got caught in an early or late snowfall. I'm willing to try a summer tire.
I'm looking for a 215/45/17 that is quiet, handles great and is good in the rain. Price is a bit of an issue, so I was considering the General G-MAX AS-03 at $100 each.
Also saw these: Cooper Zeon RS3-S and these Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105
Any thoughts on these?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks !
Dean.
Last edited by reelsmith.; 05-23-2013 at 09:59 AM.
#3
Like you, I also do crazy research before buying tires. My first set was the Dunlop Direzza Star Specs. Some of the best tires I've ever had, a bit noisy, bad wear rating, but handled like a dream. Then I had a set of Hankook Evo V12 for my GP since the Star Specs don't come in the 18" size I want. They didn't grip as great as the Star Specs, but they were adequate once warmed up. I miss the handling feeling of the Star Specs which is why I just ordered a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
At the price range you're looking at the Continentals DWS are a good choice I've heard. They are great on the street but not so good on the track. The Hankook Evo V12 may also be a good choice, but if you have the money, get the Pilot Super Sports.
Good luck!
At the price range you're looking at the Continentals DWS are a good choice I've heard. They are great on the street but not so good on the track. The Hankook Evo V12 may also be a good choice, but if you have the money, get the Pilot Super Sports.
Good luck!
#4
I think I do too much research ...which can be a bad thing.
There are a lot of stellar reviews of the DWS out there ...and mixed in are some really awful reviews. But, which are real and which are plants?
That's why I come here. I'm not sure I can trust TireRack or DiscountTire reviews.
Actually, it was this Hankook I was looking at: Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110 Cheaper than the H105 and more highly rated (supposedly).
Dean.
There are a lot of stellar reviews of the DWS out there ...and mixed in are some really awful reviews. But, which are real and which are plants?
That's why I come here. I'm not sure I can trust TireRack or DiscountTire reviews.
Actually, it was this Hankook I was looking at: Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110 Cheaper than the H105 and more highly rated (supposedly).
Dean.
Last edited by reelsmith.; 05-23-2013 at 09:48 AM.
#5
I think I do too much research ...which can be a bad thing.
There are a lot of stellar reviews of the DWS out there ...and mixed in are some really awful reviews. But, which are real and which are plants?
That's why I come here. I'm not sure I can trust TireRack or DiscountTire reviews.
Dean.
There are a lot of stellar reviews of the DWS out there ...and mixed in are some really awful reviews. But, which are real and which are plants?
That's why I come here. I'm not sure I can trust TireRack or DiscountTire reviews.
Dean.
#7
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#8
Do they handle really well?
That's what I loved at my Nitto's. I push them pretty hard.
Dean.
#10
Yes they handle well and I just moved from the NE PA/Ny area and they did very well in snow. I never once felt like I needed a dedicated snow tire. they are good in the rain as well.
#11
#12
Of the tires you have listed....I think you MIGHT be disappointed....if you drive as hard as it sounds......
The NITTO NEO-GEN is stiff enough, it is a pretty good auto-x tire, especially when worn...
But the ones you listed all have pretty soft sidewalls...they generally are slanted more towards comfort than max performance....(not sure on the cooper, but coopers generally have softer sidewalls)
I have the predecessor to the General tire you have listed...nice tire for the $$, but still soft sidewalls for a UHP....but was still very popular with the BMW crowed looking for a decent tire for low $$.
The NITTO NEO-GEN is stiff enough, it is a pretty good auto-x tire, especially when worn...
But the ones you listed all have pretty soft sidewalls...they generally are slanted more towards comfort than max performance....(not sure on the cooper, but coopers generally have softer sidewalls)
I have the predecessor to the General tire you have listed...nice tire for the $$, but still soft sidewalls for a UHP....but was still very popular with the BMW crowed looking for a decent tire for low $$.
#13
#14
Of the tires you have listed....I think you MIGHT be disappointed....if you drive as hard as it sounds......
The NITTO NEO-GEN is stiff enough, it is a pretty good auto-x tire, especially when worn...
But the ones you listed all have pretty soft sidewalls...they generally are slanted more towards comfort than max performance....(not sure on the cooper, but coopers generally have softer sidewalls)
I have the predecessor to the General tire you have listed...nice tire for the $$, but still soft sidewalls for a UHP....but was still very popular with the BMW crowed looking for a decent tire for low $$.
The NITTO NEO-GEN is stiff enough, it is a pretty good auto-x tire, especially when worn...
But the ones you listed all have pretty soft sidewalls...they generally are slanted more towards comfort than max performance....(not sure on the cooper, but coopers generally have softer sidewalls)
I have the predecessor to the General tire you have listed...nice tire for the $$, but still soft sidewalls for a UHP....but was still very popular with the BMW crowed looking for a decent tire for low $$.
I definitely do not want a soft sidewall tire.
My Nittos (on clean, dry roads) are wonderful, especially now that they are worn. I guess this is why race cars use tires with little to no tread.
Money is tight, so another set of Nittos would be an okay choice. Too bad I can't try them all on, like buying a pair of shoes.
Just about everything I can find on the Coopers is positive, including everything searched here on NAM. Quiet, grip well (wet or dry), stiff sidewalls, 500AA, 40K mileage warranty, Road & Track, Motor Trend and Consumer Reports all like them (not sure CR are tire pros though) and at $115 each, free shipping + an $80 rebate, they may be the way I go. Plus, my mechanic can get them, will match the price and gives me a discount on mounting when he sells the tires. So, I can shop local. Still undecided, but the Copper is my first choice at the moment.
Anybody have the Cooper RS3-A and not like them?
Dean.
Last edited by reelsmith.; 05-24-2013 at 07:43 AM.
#15
#16
I want it all !
#17
I haven't noticed any more noise than usual with the MINI. So far I only have about 10K miles on ten so I can't speak to longevity but as for rain I used them during a rainy track day and they held up great.
#18
Instead of the more All-Season oriented DWS, I'd suggest the Continental DW. Less snow and cold performance, but amazing rain and warm weather performance. Also really high ratings from C&D:
Car & Driver
Car & Driver
#19
Another vote for the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo. Had them on my MCS and thought they were great. I did get stuck in a freak snowstorm in october with them and thought I was going to die....seriously. Was the longest 5 miles home that I have ever driven. But obviously they aren't made for snow or those temperatures.
#21
#22
Thanks for all the help. Lots to think about.
Edit: Just spoke with DiscountTire, they think the Cooper RS3-A verses the Conti DWS is a toss up. No preference. Between now and Monday not only is there the $75 rebate from Cooper, but there is a $70 rebate from DiscountTire. That's $315 for a set of 4 with free shipping. Pretty compelling. I've PM'd a few NAM members that have the Coopers. Hoping to hear back.
Dean.
Last edited by reelsmith.; 05-24-2013 at 07:46 AM.
#23
#24
Late to the discussion here but I agree with putting summer tires on. I have the factory Dunlop summer tires on oem wheels and then extreme performance summer Dunlop ZII's on enkei wheels for autocross. In between autocross events I have a hard time switching back because the grip and fun factor is amazing. I can't imagine having an all season...