What’s the latest recommendation for Mk3 NC tyres for all season sporty road use? Ideally less than £100 per corner fitted? Black Circles recommend Kumho, a friend recommends Toyo, but what do the club think is the best option now?
Also, is it worth going from 205/45/17 to 215/45/17?
Cheers
I am running the Kuhmo Ecsta ps71 in 205/45R17
My mate is running the Kuhmo Ecsta ps71 in 215/45R17
We both like the tyre.
I think his on the 215 looks a little better aesthetically and it feels a touch smoother.
Kumho👍
Toyo👎
Let the debate commence😅
i would still go with the PS5 whatever anyone says. I have personally used and abused them on and off track, the tyre is progressive with extremely good feedback.
I think black circles also do a promotion on Michelin atm so may end up same price as the cheaper options.
As a “one tyre does all” option, they are impossible to beat.
My car came with brand new NS2R all round but PS5 would be my personal choice…they cover all the bases.
A set of tyres is the only thing keeping your ■■■ on the tarmac and not in the hedge bottom……
1, the likes of black circles discount tyres because if you ask them…any tyre up to 5yr old is sold as a new tyre. Obviously cracking will commence early in its life
2, you haven’t said what you want the tyre to do???
High Mileage commute? Weekend toy? Etc etc
Please please do your homework and choose wisely
I was going to say Goodyear Asym 6 - but then checked the price. I paid £95 per corner last April from KwikFit, but today they are at £150 per corner…
I changed tyres on my CX5 a few weeks ago for Goodyears at £125 per corner, when in the spring the same tyres were £160 per corner (same re-seller).
My point is, it can be worth shopping around, and waiting for deals to appear - if you still have some miles left on your tyres. Personally, I think it is false economy to buy ‘lower quality’ to save a few pounds, decide what you want from reviews and input here (as you are doing) and then watch the market for a few weeks for a special offer to come along. GoodYear and Michelin appear to have special offers happening several times a year.
If I turned up at yours with a stock Mark 3 Sport Black/Tech asking for a mild “fast road” set-up to cater for the occasional track day, what new tyres would you like to see on the car, what would horrify you and what would you personally fit if money was no option or if you wanted best bang for buck.
I’m sure you’ve given the thumbs up to 215 profile tyres. At no more than 3/4000 miles a year, longevity would not be a major consideration. Decent sidewalls and alloy protection would be a consideration though.
If you turned up asking the above I would ask you to put them in a priority
Cake and eat it spring’s to mind
Oooohhhh, cake! What kind? Coffee and Walnut, Red Velvet, Vicky Sponge, Chocolate Fudge, Madeira, Battenburg…
Currently, salivating like a dog at dinner time.
A few crumbs of humble pie. Don’t get excited.
I’ve got the 215’s on currently. Will be having a new set fitted soon and I’ll stick with the same size.
Must say although down to around 3mm now on 2 of them (hence a new set soon) they still provide good grip. Out yesterday in some pretty heavy rain around the peaks, standing water on a few roads I had every confidence in them.
In reality there is very little to separate any premium brand tyre, i.e. Goodyear, Michelin, Continental etc. If price important just shop around and take your pick but definitely avoid economy tyres which are genuinely dangerous in wet or cold and greasy conditions.
I have got Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 on my ND and they are brilliant.
I’ve always had fresh tyres (< 6 months old) from Black Circles. Mytyres, on the other hand, do sometimes ship older ones.
I am running nexens - 205/45/17 on a 8j. Run the car hard and its on meisters. Ive never once doubted the car or holding performance. No obvious wear or degradation of tire
FWIW a big thumbs up from me for the Goodyear Asym 6 215’s on my MK3.5 Sport. (Had them fitted a couple of months ago). All round brilliant!
I’m getting Uniroyal RainSport 5 in 205/45 R17 88Y XL on my 2014 mk3.75
My local MX5 servicing and restorer guy is price matching the ASDA price too 
I too run Rainsport 5 in a 215/45/17 size, they are excellent & actually made the ride a bit more smoother for me, certainly seemed quieter with less road roar over particular surfaces.
215s will be grippier and more comfortable because they have a taller sidewall. They’ll also make your speedo more nearly correct and protect your wheel rims.
You ask about best value. This depends on how you use the car. If you drive slowly round town a budget tyre might be good value. But it would be bad value if it limits your fun if you like to go quickly on B roads or on track.
A friend of mine runs Toyo R888s on his Caterham as there is a race series based on that tyre.
Obviously not a tyre any good for all round use but a good tyre.
Why do you rate the Kumho over the Toyo as I’d considered them relatively comparable?
Many thanks.