Tyre Tyres Tyres - Add your tyre reviews to the ROC database

[delhusband]

Year of Roadster: 2006

Rear wheels: 7"x16" (OEM Toyota)
Rear Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport 3 - 215/45/16 V, 32 psi, @1.7mm
Front Wheels: 6" x 15" (OEM Toyota)  
Front Tyres: Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 185/55/15 V, 26psi, @1.7mm

Supplier: Supplied with car from previous owner
Cost: n/a, but ~£103 for pilot sport 3's and not sure for exaltos

Suspension mods: None - all original and tired, unmatched springs
Comments:
Owned car 3.5 months. Never had track use, never had any other tyres on it, so nothing else to benchmark against. Committed a half sin of unmatched front/rear, although Google says exalto PE2 is predecessor to pilot sport 3 and both have similar pattern. However, I've had plenty of enthusiastic use, approaching my technical limit on road. I can't fault them; I feel like they're totally predictable in the dry, very little noticeable roll, and manageable in the wet with bit of respect. Seeing as this is the left field entry on the thread, I'm keen to see if anyone's used them and can compare with Yoko AD08R's, which are well spoken of

[BahnStormer]

Year of Roadster: 2007 (MY05)

Rear wheels: Stock: 7"x16" (OEM Toyota MY03 Offset +45mm?)
Rear Tyres: Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R 215/45/R16 @ 28PSI (stock+2PSI)
Front Wheels: Stock 6"x15" (OEM Toyota Offset +45mm?)
Front Tyres: Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R  185/55/R15 @34PSI (stock+2PSI)

Supplier: MeritTyre (after I asked them to price-match Blackcircles)
Cost: £400 incl valves, fitting, balancing and Nitrogen filled. July 2017.

Suspension mods: Stock FL setup

Comments: Overall very impressed - I can't fault them for grip and they're a good balance of feel and compliance. I was particularly impressed with them in the wet - not that I'd drive the car hard in the wet, but just for stability when hitting a couple of inches of standing water at 60mph+, I had visions of "M23 pinball", given light the MR2 is, but they managed to disperse water and hold their line every time. In the dry, you get great grip and really predictable when driving the car on the limit... although I'd also predict they'd be near useless below freezing, but yet to be proven on that since I avoid taking the MR2 out when it is much below 5C.

Slight negative: I had two valves with slow leaks on the driver's side front tyre, so the sidewalls felt very soft - I had them at 26PSI originally, but had to keep topping them up. The valve issues were eventually fixed and I'm now running them at 28PSI (which is holding steady!).... they now have a little extra "edge", but it's still not exactly firm - but I'm still learning to trust the sidewall again, so I will admit that some of that may be in my head.

Worth noting that the leaks were NOT the fault of the tyre - just a faulty batch of valves.

I'd definitely buy the Yoko AD08R's every time, but not sure where the optimum trade-off between feel and comfort is.... gut feel, is that if this car starts to get more of a track-bias, then I'd need larger wheels with lower profiles though.... right now it's a commuting tool and a weekend runabout, so comfort is still a factor and the sidewall height is perfect for road use.

EDIT: I changed the "slight negative" paragraph to caveat my impression of the soft sidewall due to a leaky valve. And yes - I'll re-write this review once I've got some coilovers on there   s:D s:D

[1979scotte]

I cant agree with AD08R being sidewall soft in any way shape or form.
Have run them on both pre and post facelift cars.
Both with coil overs fitted.
Try Toyo T1R if now they're soft in the sidewall.

[shnazzle]

Sidewalls have metal reinforcement. Sure it was 26psi? Or perhaps there's some flex in your suspension that shouldn't be there?

[BahnStormer]

Sidewalls have metal reinforcement. Sure it was 26psi? Or perhaps there's some flex in your suspension that shouldn't be there?

Now that you mention it - I'm not certain if it was actually @ 26PSI - I had them at that originally, but I know the driver's side had two bad valves, so by that stage I think I had the "soft sidewall" idea in my head.... I'll adjust the review as probably not fair to mark them down on that given it was a problem with the valves, not the tyre. I'm running 28PSI now and it feels pretty firm and that's hardly a world of difference from 26PSI.

[Nvy]

I dont know if this is the best place to post this but im puzzled, what tyres are you guys using?

Stock PFL and FL wheels, I wanted to purchase new advanti storm s1 but for now the budget does not permit it. So im trying to find cheap stock wheels they are not bad at al but i cannot find tyres to go on them. Any suggestions will be welcome!

[darrenjuggins]

Tyre Review :

Owned the Car from New - That will be 18 years now....

Tyres used on the Car :

Bridgestone RE040 - Front & Rear

These where the OEM fit and proved very capable for normal road use, hard sidewalls which worked well with the Mid Engined, Rear Wheel Drive set up.

Unfortunately after around 2010 - Whilst it was possible to get the front wheel sizes, the Rears where discontinued.

This meant a complete move to another tyre brand.....

I now run on Toyo T1-Rs - initially I was a little concerned moving from a block construction tread on the RE040's to a V shape pattern of the Toyo's, but once fitted whilst there was a little more lateral movement under hard acceleration, they prove capable in the dry and wet and also are progressive, so it shouldn't cause snappiness which can be problematic for the layout of the MR2 Roadster.

I hope this helps people who are looking, take it from me, i'm a normal average driver who enjoys a spirited drive and am very happy with the Toyo's performance now I can't get hold of the Bridgestones.

[Nvy]

Hey guys,
Anybody daily driving Advan Neova AD08R? If so please share your experience with the harshness of the ride and the noise compared to some lame tires say eagle ASY 3 or MS PS4. I do have PS4 XL on my other car, if find them stiff enough for my liking and im thinking about buying AD08R for the roadster, ill also daily drive it once its up and running. What i dont want is a body roll from tires and going side ways when not intended to do so.

P.S. Something i couldnt find info on is something PRB after the name of the AD08Rs. Any idea what is it?

[dan944]

Hey guys,
Anybody daily driving Advan Neova AD08R? If so please share your experience with the harshness of the ride and the noise compared to some lame tires say eagle ASY 3 or MS PS4. I do have PS4 XL on my other car, if find them stiff enough for my liking and im thinking about buying AD08R for the roadster, ill also daily drive it once its up and running. What i dont want is a body roll from tires and going side ways when not intended to do so.

P.S. Something i couldnt find info on is something PRB after the name of the AD08Rs. Any idea what is it?

I'm on ad08r.s amazing tyres. Stick like hell. Sidewalks are good and stiff.

If it rains the grim reaper just follows you around but they're fairly predictable when they let go. Obviously that's down to knowing your particular car and depending on your set up though.

[Nvy]

Hey guys,
Anybody daily driving Advan Neova AD08R? If so please share your experience with the harshness of the ride and the noise compared to some lame tires say eagle ASY 3 or MS PS4. I do have PS4 XL on my other car, if find them stiff enough for my liking and im thinking about buying AD08R for the roadster, ill also daily drive it once its up and running. What i dont want is a body roll from tires and going side ways when not intended to do so.

P.S. Something i couldnt find info on is something PRB after the name of the AD08Rs. Any idea what is it?

I'm on ad08r.s amazing tyres. Stick like hell. Sidewalks are good and stiff.

If it rains the grim reaper just follows you around but they're fairly predictable when they let go. Obviously that's down to knowing your particular car and depending on your set up though.

My question was more like: Can you live with them on a bad road and long journeys say 2500 kms? On the 2nd thing about grim reaper - i cant drive properly mid engine rear wheel drive car coz i have only driven front wheels so i can slip the car with any tires in the wet.

[dan944]

Haha. They're incredible tyres in my opinion. But it only takes one bad pothole destroy them, just like any tyre. I don't have any issues with driving around with them though.

[shnazzle]

They're my daily drivers. Have been for years.
When it's snowing or icey I park the car up and find alternate means of travel.
But I was driving it to work through torrential rain and in negative temps and all was good.
Just take it easy. You'll be slower than your average Golf with traction control, esp, etc etc. But you'll be fine

[McMr2]

Previous setup toyo proxes t1r, 195/50/15 and 225/40/16.

Current setup t1r fronts 195/45/16 and nankang noble sport ns-20 rears in 215/45/16.

The nankangs were brand new when I bought it 2 years ago but were promptly removed to fit the Toyos.

Recently replaced the wheels and needed tyres to maintain some stagger so the nankangs went on as a temporary measure. Have to say I've been surprised with them following a 600 mile jaunt across a mixture of bone dry, damp and soaking wet roads.

I've found that the twitchy back end in the wet has gone and inspires much more confidence with the car feeling much more settled. Dry grip doesn't seem to have suffered notably but I don't tend to push that much on the road. I'll be running with these for the time being.

[BahnStormer]

Hey guys,
Anybody daily driving Advan Neova AD08R? If so please share your experience with the harshness of the ride and the noise compared to some lame tires say eagle ASY 3 or MS PS4. I do have PS4 XL on my other car, if find them stiff enough for my liking and im thinking about buying AD08R for the roadster, ill also daily drive it once its up and running. What i dont want is a body roll from tires and going side ways when not intended to do so.

P.S. Something i couldnt find info on is something PRB after the name of the AD08Rs. Any idea what is it?

I'm on ad08r.s amazing tyres. Stick like hell. Sidewalks are good and stiff.

If it rains the grim reaper just follows you around but they're fairly predictable when they let go. Obviously that's down to knowing your particular car and depending on your set up though.

My question was more like: Can you live with them on a bad road and long journeys say 2500 kms? On the 2nd thing about grim reaper - i cant drive properly mid engine rear wheel drive car coz i have only driven front wheels so i can slip the car with any tires in the wet.

Depends on your suspension - after my initial impression of the AD08R's not being that firm, I can confirm that with coilovers, the tyres are really solid. Noise isn't too bad and with fresh, compliant suspension you'll be fine for a long haul, but if you have 5kg/7kg coilovers dialed in hard you might want to get your fillings checked afterwards.

I've got BC Racing coilovers (4kg/6kg, mid settings) and they're FINE for a ~50 miles of commuting each day - rain or shine. They're no worse in standing water than the BF Goodrichs were and in the dry they stick and stick and stick.... absolutely physics defying stuff.... even in the damp, when they let go, it's all nice and catchable unless you lose the back on a wet corner at silly speeds...

That said - country lanes in winter, so I'll be putting something else on for the next few months...

[Johnny5]

Hi All,
Bought some all season Vredestein Quatrac 5 in FL OEM sizes, H front and V rear.

What are they like?  In a word, brilliant!  They feel planted.  Can't wait to see what they're like in the cold.  They've made the car more positive and confidence inspiring, and they feel secure and surefooted, even on the bumpy, twisty negative camber back lanes I drove on today.  Obviously, in mild conditions I'm sure one of the best summer tyres (Yoko AD08R/Uniroyal RS3?) would show them up.  But that would be an unfair comparison.  For what they are, these tyres are excellent.

I'll be getting a second set of wheels and some new summer tyres to run from April to November.  When I do, I'll give an update on these Vreds.

[BahnStormer]

Since it is the season for Winter tyres I went for these off the back of a TyreReviews vid on YouTube.

Year of Roadster: 2007 (MY05)

Rear wheels: Stock: 7"x16" (OEM Toyota MY03 Offset)
Rear Tyres: Continental WinterContact TS860* 215/45/R16 @ 26PSI (stock)
Front Wheels: Stock 6"x15" (OEM Toyota MY03 Offset)
Front Tyres: Continental WinterContact TS860*  185/55/R15 @32PSI (stock)

*XL version with re-enforced sidewalls.

Supplier: PneusOnline
Cost: £430 + £40 fitting! Incl valves, balancing and Nitrogen filled. Nov2018.
Could have got these for ~£380 incl fitting if I was more flexible with where / when I got them fitted, £90 penalty for impatience and inflexibility.

Suspension mods:
BC Racing, BR Series, Type RA (rubber topmount at rear), 4kg/6kg spring rates. (since June 2018)
Non-standard Geometry setup (WIM/BlackBoots' "fast road" asymmetric setup)

Overall: I'm loving the Continental WinterContact TS860's.... yet to be given a proper "WINTER" test, but I was expecting them to be really compromised for enthusiastic driving and thus far, I've been very, very pleasantly surprised! These tyres were used as the "winter reference" in a recent AutoExpress / Tyre Reviews evaluation of ALL SEASON tyres.... and the Conti TS860's compared really favourably and actually beat a LOT of the top models, especially in terms of wet braking/corners and also subjective feedback

Ride/sidewalls: I know I've got the "XL" (reinforced sidewall version), but I was expecting a noticeable softening of the ride compared to the Yokohama AD08R's... it is softer, but really not that noticeably so - it smooths out some of the B-roads that have a slightly "pebble-dashed" texture, but I'm not noticing a lot more flex in the sidewall when cornering that can't be explained by the deeper, less solid treadblock (especially on the edges).

Wet: I'd never rate the MR2 as a car to go looking for big puddles / standing water on.... but I no longer hit them with absolute dread as the TS860's definitely seem to find the road underneath the water very quickly.
Even on slightly damp "greasy" roads, the tyres do an amazing job of finding decent, predictable grip for some enthusiastic cornering... easily better or at least on a par with the Yoko's at 15deg and in a different world below 10deg...
By the time you get <5deg, the Yoko's had gone pretty glassy and had the back squirming under almost anything other than straight line acceleration and the front clearly struggling to key in properly, while the TS860's are still finding good grip front and rear at ~5deg wet conditions.

Dry: clearly nowhere near the AD08R's in the warm + dry, but still a good drive. I've had a couple of dry sub-zero mornings where I know the AD08R's would have been like complete glass, but the TS860's were hanging on perfectly without a whimper, even under some slightly unreasonable provocation (given the icy-white deep frost all around me)!

Slight negative: I have noticed that the ABS kicks in a little earlier than I'd expect under heavy braking. Partly this is due to the camber setting, but even compared to the AD08R's on the same suspension settings, the braking in the dry in particular is the only time I've been reminded of the reduced contact area and deeper/softer treadblock - shock, surprise  - they're not road-legal track tyres 

I've mentioned the treadblock differences several times - so to clarify - it just feels that there is a bit more soft rubber between you and the excitement... think of it as going out to play with two Durex Extra Safe's, instead of one Featherlight Seriously though - it can be noticed under cornering - where there is a little more lateral movement before you feel that the tyre starts to move across the road and the most noticeable is the "squidginess" under heavy braking / compressions while cornering... the only time it's been a little unnerving was when I was really pushing on on a warmish, dry November day... these are winter tyres, so never really designed for that sort of driving.

Edit: I'd just like to confirm that despite these doing really well in all-season comparisons, I don't think I'd want these on a car in warmer weather at all: even today ~15C and there was noticeably more "squidge" in the treadblock - the tyre never let go in a an unpredictable way or anything - there was just a lot of sideways movement in the treadblock before you could start to feel the tyre slide. I think the colder weather tightens up the rubber a little more and makes it all feel more solid.

[Bossworld]

Year of Roadster: 2004

Rear wheels: Stock: 7"x16" (OEM Toyota)
Rear Tyres: Avon ZV7 215/45/R16 @ 32PSI
Front Wheels: Stock 6"x15" (OEM Toyota)
Front Tyres: Avon ZV7 185/55/R15 @26PSI

Supplier: National / TyreShopper
Cost: £310.30 including fitting, balancing, bead sealant/guarantee and tracking.

Suspension changes: Front wishbones, TREs replaced at 134k miles

Comments: Really happy.  Had an ageing set of Bridgestones on the rear and some 'GT Radial Champiro' nonsense on the front previously.  The car feels less nervous and wanders less on dual carriageways at speed.  Sounds quieter, grips well and rides better over bumps.  No issues in the wet, although I'm waiting on some nice warm dry days to really get the best out of them.

Other comments: I have the slightly higher rated/priced Avon ZZ5s on my Mini Cooper S (225/45/18 on 8J wheels).  These have been absolutely wonderful, though on the Mini, I do note almost a slight droning type noise when driving at speed.  I think that may be because I'm used to the runflats that were on there previously, but the ZV7s on the MR2 seem to give off less of a noise - Could be tread pattern related maybe?

[james_ly]

Year of Roadster: 2003

Rear wheels: PFL: 15"
Rear Tyres: Toyo T1R 205/50/R15 @ 32PSI
Front Wheels: Stock 6"x15" (OEM Toyota)
Front Tyres: Toyo T1R 185/55/R15 @28PSI

Suspension changes: Meister R coilovers

Comments: Only bought these on the rear so they matched the front. The sidewalls are so soft the car feels pretty weird, each steering input takes a moment to catch up. The grip is there, but feels disconcerting at high speed. On the plus side, the ride comfort is brilliant, quiet. Might have to try some higher pressures, or maybe the bed in.

[Johnny5]

Year of Roadster: 2006

Mileage: 25,000

Rear Wheels: Stock (except painted gold!) 7x16 OEM
Rear Tyres: Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R 215/45/R16
Front Wheels: Stock (gold) 6x15 OEM
Front Tyres: Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R  185/55/R15

Supplier: Blackcircles.  Cost: £396.26 inc VAT, fitting, valve and balance
Fitter: Merityre, Bagshot

Suspension: Totally standard

Preliminary Comments: Had my winter wheels with all season Vredestein Quatrac 5 tyres taken off.  I said I'd give an update on those, continuing from my November review, so first a quick word on those.  Dry: excellent, but has slightly squishy tread blocks typical of siped (snow) tyres, although probably less so than any others this side of the Michelin Crossclimate.  What I'm saying is, if you really lean on them hard, it shows but not as much as a winter tyre.  Wet: safe, even when freezing, as long as you take it easy.  But push it, and it feels like the car would swap ends on you.  Snow: once, we had 3" of snow here in sunny Surrey, and they got me around no trouble up and down hills where other drivers were abandoning their cars.  Overall:  blooming good in the dry for a siped tyre, enabling me to have fun on dry winter days, without having to swap back to summer tyres.  But Continental Allseasoncontact would make a better compromise if you prioritise winter safety in the wet.

Extra Comments: Just wanna say Merityre are excellent tyre fitters.  I've used all the big chains over the years, but MT come out on top for me.  They also have a good reputation among PHers.

Main Comments: Now to the Yokos.  Honestly, I was a little wary about getting these AD08Rs.  They have an excellent rep on here, but I was bothered they might actually have too much grip, spoiling the fun.  I needn't have worried.  The car still moves around if really thrown into a bend hard.  In fact, my all season Vredesteins have so much dry grip, that I'm only experiencing a small surplus over those.  I was worried they might create an excess of grip over grunt, but that is not the case.  They're a good match to the car.  I feel like this car really wants these tyres.  It needs them, it CRAVES them ... ahem, sorry.  They feel right and add an interesting twist.  Due to the steel sidewall inserts, the car really darts one way and then the other, as you flick the steering wheel back and forth.  Think Super Mario Kart and that little mushroom headed guy you could never catch around bends.

Detailed Comments: Feel, feedback and communication is very high.  So high, in fact, that they may even seem a little raw to some.  As an enthusiastic driver, I really like the feel, but acknowledge they are pretty hardcore.  For my needs they are ideal.  Probably not suited to a leisurely Sunday jaunt though.  The car literally feels like stiffer suspension has been fitted. The steering has become almost telepathic.  The trade-off?  Ride has gone from a little fidgety to somewhat bumpy over the worst surfaces.  As I say, I'm happy with that for the razor sharp turn in.  In the wet, in mild conditions, these are slightly grippier than my Vredestein all seasons, but with much better feel, so although this is never a car I would drive on the door handles in the wet, I can at least have a little fun when it's raining.  On the one or two very cold, wet mornings since I bought them, I've deliberately driven carefully as they've felt unpredictable in those dodgy conditions.

Critical Comments: The heightened steering feel has brought a slight side effect with it - tramlining.  It's only mild to moderate, but definitely noticeable.  It feels about the same as a Clio 182 I had that tramlined a little on Michelin PS3s.  Again, I'm happy to live with it for the other benefits.  But my Clio ran lower profile 205/45 16s on the front and felt the same.  So, I would say to anyone running 16s on the front, let alone 17s all round, count the cost of the increased tramlining before pulling the trigger.  Cost wise, they seem like great value for what I've got.  However, they come with only 7mm rear, and 6.5mm front.

Additional Comments: Just as I finally get around to buying some AD08R, they've only gone and discontinued them!  The AD08R has been replaced by the AD08RS, brought out to satisfy european environmental quangos.  It's got a new compound to provide a lower rolling resistance.  I actually nearly didn't get mine.  I ordered through Formula 1, who messaged me to say they'd run out of the rears and didn't know when they'll have any more.  Blackcircles sorted me out in the end.  But I'd say to anyone wanting some, you'd better get in there now, cos I have a feeling they're clearing old stock of 08R to make way for the new 08RS.  Bear in mind my front tyres are date stamped June 2018, purchased just 11 days ago.

Will the new tyres turn out to be slightly less grippy?  Only time will tell.  But allow me to present a glass half full perspective.  Those of you who had the old AD08, and liked it, ask yourself - were you disappointed?  No.  So maybe we should be glad that a tyre probably as good or better than the old AD08 is still going to be made in this world of nanny state interference.

Final Comments: Would I recommend them?  If you're a sporty road driver, definitely.  If you like the occasional track day, yes.  If you're just out for a gentle cruise, then perhaps not.  And if you've got stiffened suspension, 17" rims and an egg delivery business, then no way josé.  I really like these tyres and am very pleased.

My experience of these new tyres has been gathered over just 250 miles, so I might in the future make one or two further comments 

[shnazzle]

Year of Roadster: 2006

Mileage: 25,000

Rear Wheels: Stock (except painted gold!) 7x16 OEM
Rear Tyres: Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R 215/45/R16
Front Wheels: Stock (gold) 6x15 OEM
Front Tyres: Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R  185/55/R15

Supplier: Blackcircles.  Cost: £396.26 inc VAT, fitting, valve and balance
Fitter: Merityre, Bagshot

Suspension: Totally standard

Preliminary Comments: Had my winter wheels with all season Vredestein Quatrac 5 tyres taken off.  I said I'd give an update on those, continuing from my November review, so first a quick word on those.  Dry: excellent, but has slightly squishy tread blocks typical of siped (snow) tyres, although probably less so than any others this side of the Michelin Crossclimate.  What I'm saying is, if you really lean on them hard, it shows but not as much as a winter tyre.  Wet: safe, even when freezing, as long as you take it easy.  But push it, and it feels like the car would swap ends on you.  Snow: once, we had 3" of snow here in sunny Surrey, and they got me around no trouble up and down hills where other drivers were abandoning their cars.  Overall:  blooming good in the dry for a siped tyre, enabling me to have fun on dry winter days, without having to swap back to summer tyres.  But Continental Allseasoncontact would make a better compromise if you prioritise winter safety in the wet.

Extra Comments: Just wanna say Merityre are excellent tyre fitters.  I've used all the big chains over the years, but MT come out on top for me.  They also have a good reputation among PHers.

Main Comments: Now to the Yokos.  Honestly, I was a little wary about getting these AD08Rs.  They have an excellent rep on here, but I was bothered they might actually have too much grip, spoiling the fun.  I needn't have worried.  The car still moves around if really thrown into a bend hard.  In fact, my all season Vredesteins have so much dry grip, that I'm only experiencing a small surplus over those.  I was worried they might create an excess of grip over grunt, but that is not the case.  They're a good match to the car.  I feel like this car really wants these tyres.  It needs them, it CRAVES them ... ahem, sorry.  They feel right and add an interesting twist.  Due to the steel sidewall inserts, the car really darts one way and then the other, as you flick the steering wheel back and forth.  Think Super Mario Kart and that little mushroom headed guy you could never catch around bends.

Detailed Comments: Feel, feedback and communication is very high.  So high, in fact, that they may even seem a little raw to some.  As an enthusiastic driver, I really like the feel, but acknowledge they are pretty hardcore.  For my needs they are ideal.  Probably not suited to a leisurely Sunday jaunt though.  The car literally feels like stiffer suspension has been fitted. The steering has become almost telepathic.  The trade-off?  Ride has gone from a little fidgety to somewhat bumpy over the worst surfaces.  As I say, I'm happy with that for the razor sharp turn in.  In the wet, in mild conditions, these are slightly grippier than my Vredestein all seasons, but with much better feel, so although this is never a car I would drive on the door handles in the wet, I can at least have a little fun when it's raining.  On the one or two very cold, wet mornings since I bought them, I've deliberately driven carefully as they've felt unpredictable in those dodgy conditions.

Critical Comments: The heightened steering feel has brought a slight side effect with it - tramlining.  It's only mild to moderate, but definitely noticeable.  It feels about the same as a Clio 182 I had that tramlined a little on Michelin PS3s.  Again, I'm happy to live with it for the other benefits.  But my Clio ran lower profile 205/45 16s on the front and felt the same.  So, I would say to anyone running 16s on the front, let alone 17s all round, count the cost of the increased tramlining before pulling the trigger.  Cost wise, they seem like great value for what I've got.  However, they come with only 7mm rear, and 6.5mm front.

Additional Comments: Just as I finally get around to buying some AD08R, they've only gone and discontinued them!  The AD08R has been replaced by the AD08RS, brought out to satisfy european environmental quangos.  It's got a new compound to provide a lower rolling resistance.  I actually nearly didn't get mine.  I ordered through Formula 1, who messaged me to say they'd run out of the rears and didn't know when they'll have any more.  Blackcircles sorted me out in the end.  But I'd say to anyone wanting some, you'd better get in there now, cos I have a feeling they're clearing old stock of 08R to make way for the new 08RS.  Bear in mind my front tyres are date stamped June 2018, purchased just 11 days ago.

Will the new tyres turn out to be slightly less grippy?  Only time will tell.  But allow me to present a glass half full perspective.  Those of you who had the old AD08, and liked it, ask yourself - were you disappointed?  No.  So maybe we should be glad that a tyre probably as good or better than the old AD08 is still going to be made in this world of nanny state interference.

Final Comments: Would I recommend them?  If you're a sporty road driver, definitely.  If you like the occasional track day, yes.  If you're just out for a gentle cruise, then perhaps not.  And if you've got stiffened suspension, 17" rims and an egg delivery business, then no way josé.  I really like these tyres and am very pleased.

My experience of these new tyres has been gathered over just 250 miles, so I might in the future make one or two further comments  [emoji14]

Great review! Spot on and as I feel about them.
I need new rears very soon, as when you get to the wear indicator, the grip is significantly reduced in wet.
I hope I can still get AD08R but if not I will put AD08RS on the rear.

[Roj]

Looks like it's been a while since anyone posted here. As a kind-of-newb I thought I'd share my views on my current tyres....

Year of Roadster: 2005

Rear wheels: 7"x15" (OEM Toyota Offset +45mm)
Rear Tyres: Avon ZV7 205/45/16
Front Wheels: 6" x 15" (OEM Toyota Offset +45mm)
Front Tyres: Avon ZV7 185/55/15

Supplier: Supplied with car when purchased
Cost: n/a

Suspension mods: None
Comments: I've only been driving this car for two weeks, having recently got back into a Roadster after an eight year hiatus. So these are initial thoughts, which I'll update as I put more miles on the car and tyres.

On the way home from collecting the car I took a road I know well, a mountain pass with plenty opportunity to get a feel for the car under various loads. I ended up in tow with an Aerial Atom and a guy on an Enduro bike for a bit and so we weren't hanging around, although due to the nature of the road with unsighted corners, crests, dips and undulations we were rarely over NSL... I mean at all... officer

I knew the geo was off from my first test drive prior to collection, so that was always in mind. Initially the car felt pretty good, stable and fairly predictable. Pushing on a bit I felt turn in was ok, but not quite as sharp as I remembered my old '2 was on Toyo T1Rs (albeit that was 8yrs ago). It was a warm, dry day, so there weren't any issues with traction. On quicker bends where the road surface changed or dipped then rose sharply, I felt the sidewalls were a touch soft and the car became a bit nervous. Overall I enjoyed that particular drive and the tyres didn't really factor in my thoughts a great deal, which is a good thing.

I got the geo sorted to standard spec. and then it was off to a wet track evening at Knockhill. It wasn't raining when I first went out onto track so the line was damp but drying. After a few laps taking it easy I began to press on and the tyres coped fairly well at 8/10ths. Going up a notch though they came unstuck, particularly under initial turn in, mid-corner stability and traction on the exit. I was having to be super cautious on the kerbs too - other cars (not MR2s) were using most of the apex kerbs but any time I went near them the car felt skittish at the front and I never felt sure of what it was going to do. Then the rain came again. The ZV7s actually seemed a bit happier under breaking when the line was wet, rather than damp - I assume they clear the water better. Turn in still wasn't great though, with the front washing wide even when trying to put a bit of weight over the front end trailing the brakes slightly. But it was manageable and I still had a great time in the car. The rears were initially up at 32psi so I dropped them to 30psi and everything felt really good at the back. Coming out the hairpin onto the straight was fun, getting on the gas early in the wet meant the rear coming out nice and gently, with small but predictable slides on tap. I didn't expect the ZV7s to be amazing track tyres, and they're not, but they actually worked much better than I expected.

In the first 400 or so miles of road driving they've been as good as required. Road noise is quite high, but I've nothing to compare them to as I can't recall what the T1Rs used to be like all those years ago. Comfort at spec pressures is good, I suspect that's to do with them having fairly soft sidewalls. They didn't have any issues in pouring rain on the motorway either.

All in all, for the money they're decent enough. If you're not going to be heading onto track and you're not a complete hooligan on the roads, they'll see you right.

I'm looking forward to wearing these down and getting AD08RSs on though

Updates to follow if anything worth mentioning comes up.

[shnazzle]

Looks like it's been a while since anyone posted here. As a kind-of-newb I thought I'd share my views on my current tyres....

Year of Roadster: 2005

Rear wheels: 7"x15" (OEM Toyota Offset +45mm)
Rear Tyres: Avon ZV7 205/45/16
Front Wheels: 6" x 15" (OEM Toyota Offset +45mm)
Front Tyres: Avon ZV7 185/55/15

Supplier: Supplied with car when purchased
Cost: n/a

Suspension mods: None
Comments: I've only been driving this car for two weeks, having recently got back into a Roadster after an eight year hiatus. So these are initial thoughts, which I'll update as I put more miles on the car and tyres.

On the way home from collecting the car I took a road I know well, a mountain pass with plenty opportunity to get a feel for the car under various loads. I ended up in tow with an Aerial Atom and a guy on an Enduro bike for a bit and so we weren't hanging around, although due to the nature of the road with unsighted corners, crests, dips and undulations we were rarely over NSL... I mean at all... officer

I knew the geo was off from my first test drive prior to collection, so that was always in mind. Initially the car felt pretty good, stable and fairly predictable. Pushing on a bit I felt turn in was ok, but not quite as sharp as I remembered my old '2 was on Toyo T1Rs (albeit that was 8yrs ago). It was a warm, dry day, so there weren't any issues with traction. On quicker bends where the road surface changed or dipped then rose sharply, I felt the sidewalls were a touch soft and the car became a bit nervous. Overall I enjoyed that particular drive and the tyres didn't really factor in my thoughts a great deal, which is a good thing.

I got the geo sorted to standard spec. and then it was off to a wet track evening at Knockhill. It wasn't raining when I first went out onto track so the line was damp but drying. After a few laps taking it easy I began to press on and the tyres coped fairly well at 8/10ths. Going up a notch though they came unstuck, particularly under initial turn in, mid-corner stability and traction on the exit. I was having to be super cautious on the kerbs too - other cars (not MR2s) were using most of the apex kerbs but any time I went near them the car felt skittish at the front and I never felt sure of what it was going to do. Then the rain came again. The ZV7s actually seemed a bit happier under breaking when the line was wet, rather than damp - I assume they clear the water better. Turn in still wasn't great though, with the front washing wide even when trying to put a bit of weight over the front end trailing the brakes slightly. But it was manageable and I still had a great time in the car. The rears were initially up at 32psi so I dropped them to 30psi and everything felt really good at the back. Coming out the hairpin onto the straight was fun, getting on the gas early in the wet meant the rear coming out nice and gently, with small but predictable slides on tap. I didn't expect the ZV7s to be amazing track tyres, and they're not, but they actually worked much better than I expected.

In the first 400 or so miles of road driving they've been as good as required. Road noise is quite high, but I've nothing to compare them to as I can't recall what the T1Rs used to be like all those years ago. Comfort at spec pressures is good, I suspect that's to do with them having fairly soft sidewalls. They didn't have any issues in pouring rain on the motorway either.

All in all, for the money they're decent enough. If you're not going to be heading onto track and you're not a complete hooligan on the roads, they'll see you right.

I'm looking forward to wearing these down and getting AD08RSs on though

Updates to follow if anything worth mentioning comes up.

Excellent review @Roj Thanks for contributing and reviving this thread

[rusty0273]

Apologies if I've not found it but do we have a review on AD08RS front & rear?
I've got some pretty tired tyres    on mine (P7's on rear and RE040 on front) and looking to upgrade.
Previous experience with AD07's was that they were exceptionally good in dry for a good weather car. Ignoring rolling resistance, wear rates etc. Pah!
I was pleasantly surprised to find that AD08RS are available in stock sizes for the facelift MR2.
Not too many options these days.

[thetyrant]

Tyre review for Zestino Gredge07RS

Year of Roadster: 2005

Front Wheels: Stock FL 15"
Front Tyres: 195/50-15 - Zestino Gredge07RS

Rear wheels: Stock FL 16"
Rear Tyres: 205/45-16 - Zestino Gredge07RS


Supplier: https://www.zestino.eu/en/gredge-07rs/
Cost: £350

Suspension mods: Koni Sport Dampers, Tein springs, Whiteline front ARB and Camber bolts

Comments:
I bought these to replace the excellent but outgoing Federal 595RSR which served me well for past 18months or so, bang for buck the Federals were hard to beat on road and track and used them on various cars but hard to get now and price has jumped up, its replacement isnt reviewing well with much less grip so wanted to try something else.

My car usage it fun fast road, trackdays and sprint events so i needed the best allrounder tyre i could find, this used to be the Federal or the older Yokohama AD08 but both of those are now being replaced by lower performance versions and more pricey as well hence looking for something else,  after much research i ordered the unknown to me (and many others i bet) Zestinos Gredge07RS, i went for the softer Gredge07RS compound over the harder Acrocva07A as i need  maximum grip right from the off on sprint events i do, also generally ive found this makes a good road tyre as well just less lifespan but i dont do huge miles.

Verdict:
Excellent tyres on road and track, oodles of grip and good feedback from them due to the stiff sidewalls, wet weather as well so far very goo due to plenty of tread cuts they clear water very well for a high performance/semi slick type tyre, much better than the Federal RSR and Yoko AD08 (previous car) so all in all very happy, downsides that might bother some is a touch firmer ride with the stiff sidewalls and can be noisy on some surfaces but not bad for this type of tyre.

I would recommend these for anyone looking for a high performance tyre with better grip and feel than the latest Federal or Yokohama offerings, and at less money!, there is a harder compound as well which might be better for regular trackday go'ers in terms of life and i might try them next.

HTH and pic below as everyone loves a picture

[rusty0273]

Never heard of these before. Thanks for the write-up.