I think I'm going to break down and order new tires today. I think im going to stay with the stock size and get the Kuhmo ECSTA SPT's. I have heard great things about them and the price is unbeatable! I was also looking at Yokohama AVS ES100's they are about $50 more. Can any one convince me why I should get the Yokohama's?

 

You should just try all kinds of tires and see what you like, its not like you are going to sell the car after the next set wears out. Tire quality and performance is pretty subjective in my opinion.

 

Tires design is all about compromises. The best tire for you may not be the best for others, so you should also evaluate what you want out of the tires. For me, I went with the Ecsta SPTs. Can't beat the price/value. I had the OEM Potenzas, got about 20K out of them, they handled fine, noisy as hell when they started to wear. I just got the Kumhos from Tire Rack and mounted at one of their installers, great service all around. For me the decision was based on wanting a longer life tire (UTOQ 320 on the SPTs vs 140 on the Potenzas) and wanting ultra performance tires (I have winter rims and snows) but not needing something that performs a 99% because I don't race or autocross. The SPTs were rated highly and if they give me 90 to 95% of the performance that is fine for the street.

Just got them on this weekend, so far I love them. Good handling on the backroads, in the wet and quiet to boot. Time will tell how I feel about them in the long haul.

 

I have the Yokohama's. I didn't feel like going with the Kumho's. My Yokohama AVS ES100s, to me, are much better than stock. They give you plenty of feedback and handle well on dry or wet pavement. As long as you keep them balanced they shouldn't be loud. Mine are actually quieter than the Potenza's were. I like to drive spiritedly a few times a week and have had them almost a year. Over 8000 miles of useage and I"m just now seeing the first signs of wear, very slight though. You'll just have to weigh out what you want vs. what you need and the price. Good luck!

 

I'd get the SPT's-great tire for the money and the Yoko's can tend to be noisey.

 

thanks guys just ordered the SPT's and they should be here Wed or Thurs. I'm getting em put on Saturday from Mazda as well as an inspection. I'll let ya'll know what I think of come summer time!

 

dont know what you are running for tire press, but you need to try up in the 34 to 35 psi cold range.

beers

 

Good boy-i think you made a wise choice. I like to run the rears at 44 psi and the fronts at 39. Let me know what you think.

 

^^^ That seems really high.

 

yea,

not even for autox

beers

 

I just got a set from Discount Tire with free shipping that I had installed last week. The price was right $102 each. The should more than meet the need. You can't beat the price with a drum.

 

Are those ratings typically accurate and honest? I think the Pirelli P Zero Nero M&S is rated at 400, but I have read posts that were very negative avout the tire's durability and tread life.
Jeffrey

 

The UTOQ system is more a comparison point. Tire wear varies from car to car, driving conditions, ane how well maintained the tire pressures, alignment, and suspensions are by the owner. I figure that the SPTs should get better mileage overall than the Potenzas given my own car and driving style. At less than half the price even 5K more miles is still a bargain.