Hopefully this hasn’t been done to death already, apologies in advance in so, but having had a quick search within this section I found that general (not all) consensus is Toyo T1R being a good choice in price vs performance. I’ve run many cars over the years, mainly Golf GTIs etc. and currently have a 2009 Audi TDI Sport as family wagon but just wanted some advice on tyres specifically for an MX-5.
My 2000 mk2 1.8iS will be due its first ever tyre change probably at the beginning of Spring 2011, its still running its original 10yr old Michelin Pilot SX’s, which are still in remarkable condition - it literally flew through its MOT in July with no advisories and I specifically asked about tyres as they’ve now covered some 26k miles but were told they are in great shape, which I can see but just wanted to be sure. The car has been pampered and garaged so guess its no surprise - I only acquired it in April this year, its one and only owner from new prior was a 70+yr old ex pilot who was very fastidious in his ownership and maintenance (as should be the case) and only averaged a few thousand miles a year.
My thoughts on tyres are either stick with Michelin’s (which would now be the Pilot Exalto 2) given that their performance over the last decade has been rather impressive, or maybe Toyo Proxes T1R or PX4’s, price wise isn’t necessarily an issue, there’s only approx £20 odd per tyre difference or does anyone have any better suggestions?
The car will be used primarily in good weather but may get the occasionally run in inclement weather and as its a second car will do no more than maybe 5-6k a year.
Nick, I cannot vouch for the mk2 …but for me on the mk3 the Toyo T1R Proxes, particularly in the wet, are much better than the OE Mich that were on before. OK the Mich were 4 years old with some wear when I first had the car but all considered the car seems alot less tail happy now. …well it still is …but I can go around corners faster & with more treadle before it does break away . Steve
P.S. My car in the pic <<< was broke before I had it …maybe previous owner should have put some Toyo T1R’s on!!!
There is a nice “tyre experiences” thread somewhere, which covers a lot of tyres.
Bare in mind that most people will be comparing old and worn tyres against brand new ones, which tends to make the new tyres seem better. Also bare in mind that some people have weird opinions. The rest of the world really likes T1Rs, for example, but I find them dreadful and would much rather have Marangoni Zetas, if they make the right size, or Toyo R1Rs if budget is not an issue. Everyone else still loves T1Rs though.
Also it does hugely depend on how you use your tyres, and what you expect your car to do. I prefer all-weather grip and predicatability over noise, low wear, brand, tread pattern or price.
I’ve got Pilot Exaltos on my 14" TSW Stealth alloys (there’s not a lot of choice for V rated tyres in 14" these days)
They seem like a good all round tyre in the 1000 miles I’ve done in the car on both motorway and A roads. Michelin, as well as always being the priciest option, tend to have the reputation for being the best compromise between grip and longevity. I would imagine the T1Rs would be softer, more grippy but wear out quicker.
Falken 452’s after trying Toyos, GSD3’s, SP Sport MaXX & Continental Contact 3’s. As Mr. Muppet says, predictability & I have also found these exceptionally well priced after all the other premium tyres.
gives me something to ponder on until nearer the time, having run Yoko’s, Pirelli, Michelin, Bridgstone, Hankook, Dunlop & Fulda on some of our previous cars think I might give Toyo’s a whirl and see how I find them.
Hi there, have the same vehicle, it came with Michelin Pilots and has had a complete set since, I would stick with Michelins, grippy in the dry and despite terrential rain travelling upto
Sheffield, in the dark, a couple of weeks ago made it apparent just how important it is to have good grip in the wet. So I will be renewing with the same unless anyone can convince otherwise, best wishes,
. Steve