I don't take it to the track, but do drive pretty "spirited" on the road. Both highway and city driving. I need to replace the stock Bridgestones. I want something that isn't too expensive (under $200/ea) but still corners well, yet lasts. I want something that does ok in wet conditions. I don't drive it in the snow. I'm not extremely concerned about noise, but don't want anything louder than the Bridgestones (is that possible?). Any advice?

 

BFG KDW2s, $165 each at tirerack. Not louder than stock. Last at least as long if not longer. Great dry traction. Excellent wet traction.

 

what size are you running? i got the kdw 2's in the stock size and they're noticably louder than the oem potenza's. handling in the wet is superb, overall i'm fairly pleased.

there are numerous threads on aftermarket tire options. have fun searching

 

if cost is no object I'd recommend Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD07, this is the hot tire for the SCCA street tire racing class

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....VAN+Neova+AD07

KDW2 is a very good tire performance wise, but extremely noisey for everyday driving

edit: sorry, I missed the $200 limit, you should then consider the Goodyear G3-D3

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Eagle+F1+GS-D3

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ay.jsp?type=MP

 

www.edgeracing.com. Go for the Toyo T1R's. I have the previous generation T1S's and they are phenomenal tires.

 

Does anyone have any comparison tests of the T1R? I really value the comparisons on the Tire Rack site, but they don't have Toyo tires there.

 

There was a magazine that did a test a while back ago (don't remember which one it was) but the Toyo T1S was about mid pack, as it was going up against the Michelin Pilot Sport 2's, BF Goodrich Comp TA KD's (not KDW's). The new T1R's are better, and far cheaper then those others. A lot of autocrossers that I know swear by them. The Goodyears mentioned above are quite good as well.

Also to let you know check 245/40/18's sizes as it is a much more common size, fits on our stock rims, and you will get a better selection of tires.

 

edited, bad info

 

Not sure if this is current information. The tire was introduced 6 months ago in other countries, but is now available here. Edge Racing is located in Florida. Previously you had to go to Canada if you wanted a set.

 

Well, that's partly what I wanted to hear. It seems that the T1-S was not as good as the Pilot PS2 (my other choice), but the T1-R hasn't been tested head-to-head against the PS2 yet. I realize the PS2 is about double the price, but I don't plan to buy summer tires much, so the extra cost isn't a very big deal. Thanks.

 

I just checked the Toyo website (www.toyo.com), and didn't find the statement you quoted. Do you know if that's still current? I don't have a local Toyo dealer around here to ask.

 

The Toyo.com website was down at the time, I got it off the global Toyo site:

http://www.toyojapan.com/new_tires/p_uhp.html

but you are correct, they are listed on the North America site and I did find them listed at a US distributor, so I was wrong, sorry about that

more info:

http://www.toyojapan.com/new_tires/p...proxes_t1r.pdf


http://www.edgeracing.com/

280 TW rating seems high to me, I'd be surprised if it runs with the hot street tires

 

PS2's are pretty much the best on the market right now. If you have the money then go for it. Value for the money is what Toyo is more about. Great tires, but great price as well. T1S (and probably the T1R) are not as good as the PS2's, but for the price they should be worth considering. If price is not a concern then you absolutely can't go wrong with the PS2's. But I thought your initial post said you wanted something under $200/tire. In that case the T1R is a great choice.

 

stock size, mine got loud at around 18-20k miles, but up until then they seemed equal to the Potenzas, running 36psi.

For the price, nothing stacks up to them, particularly if you drive in the rain alot. I'll be buying them again.

 

He he - I didn't say that, lastcaress91 did. He wanted some good options for under $200, and I hijacked his thread. Thanks for the suggestions. I should just quit waffling, and get the PS2s. They're about $60 more each, and I shouldn't worry so much about $250 over the 3-4 year life of the tires.