Has anyone got any comment or Feedback regarding Avon ZVS tyres for MX5, i have had good reports regarding theese tyres, and they are reasonably priced, but are they good on MX5?
Regards
Bob Kay
I’ve not used the Avon ZV5’s but my car came with a set of Avon ZZ3’s. These gave a comfortable ride with reasonable handling and I would say are a good all-round choice if you don’t want to spend more. A good “cruising” tyre.
I have since replaced the Avons with a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE050A which I believe are/were fitted as original equipment by Mazda on the Mk 3. These are expensive but they give significantly better handling and grip and the car just feels right on them. For me they were worth the extra - after all, what’s the point of having an MX-5 if you don’t get the full handling experience?
One important point which is often overlooked when buying tyres - the Load Index. Many vendors will happily sell you a set for the MX-5 with a load index of 88. My ZZ3’s were 88. The RE050A’s have the correct Mazda spec of 84 and you can feel the difference - there is a little more give in the sidewall and they just feel softer and grippier both in normal driving and especially cornering!
17": Were Bridgestone as said.
16": OEM Yokohama Advan A11A (the a is important as you need asymetric version), although I was having words with my dealership that 16" wheels are now on a Toyo of the same rating.
Hi, I have just bought a 2007 Mk3 2.0 Sport RC that has a new set of Avon ZZ3 tyres. I usually go for big name brands and pay the extra but I’m quite happy with the ZZ3’s so far. Having said that I have not driven an MX-5 with anything else on. I would appreciate some feedback as to whether other more expensive brands would make any noticeable difference to dry weather handling, like the comment above re Bridgestones. These ZZ3’s are brand new so I won’t be changing any time soon but would like to be well informed when I do.
The ZV5 is a very good tyre, good grip and performance. Far better than T1R’s that many go for.
Not the longest lasting tyre in the world, but something has to give somewhere.
The main reason is the ZZ3 is actually a pretty naff tyre.
With regards to tyres, I’ve just fitted my 16"s with Toyo Proxes T1-R’s and am over the moon with them, they inspire me with confidence on any road surface and the fact I got them for less than £300 fitted and balanced I’m well chuffed and would recommend them to all.
Avons used to be not so good but they were taken over by American company Cooper tyres and their range get some good reviews now, I just fitted a set of 215/45 x 17" Avon ZV5s on my MK3 but still taking it easy running them in and with the weather going from red hot to persisting down by the bucket full its not easy to sum them up but not unhappy so far if that helps.
Del.