Advice on Tyre choice

[AjayMK]

Hi all,

I'm just looking for some advice or opinions please.

I have a 2004 FL with the following tyre sizes fitted currently. Fronts: 185/55 R15, Rears: 215/45 R16.

They are mixed brands so looking to change all 4 tyres.

I can only find the following tyres available in the two sizes I need. Avon ZV7, Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance and Kumho Ecsta HS52.

Has anyone tried any of these?
Which would be the best choice?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Gaz mr-s]

Your research skills need a bit of work.   The Avon is an ancient tyre, have pretty soft sidewalls, & have a reputation for perishing surprisingly quickly.  The Goodyear E-G-P 2 is an award winner, the original wasn't.

There's a Kumho, either 51 or 52 that had a very good result in a tyre test,  & the English website that listed it was puzzled as it'd never been noteworthy before.

The Falken ze310 has been bought by a fair number on here, it's predecessor the 914 was liked too. The ze310 has done pretty well in tests.

Sometimes if in the same test the Falken was beaten by the Hankook K125 Prime 3.  Fronts can be had, but Hankook has deleted the 215/40 tyre in Prime 3, but make it in the K135 Prime 4.

Don't be to hung up on the exact size. 
This site is very useful in comparing tyre size info.  https://www.willtheyfit.com/

[AjayMK]

Your research skills need a bit of work.   The Avon is an ancient tyre, have pretty soft sidewalls, & have a reputation for perishing surprisingly quickly.  The Goodyear E-G-P 2 is an award winner, the original wasn't.

There's a Kumho, either 51 or 52 that had a very good result in a tyre test,  & the English website that listed it was puzzled as it'd never been noteworthy before.

The Falken ze310 has been bought by a fair number on here, it's predecessor the 914 was liked too. The ze310 has done pretty well in tests.

Sometimes if in the same test the Falken was beaten by the Hankook K125 Prime 3.  Fronts can be had, but Hankook has deleted the 215/40 tyre in Prime 3, but make it in the K135 Prime 4.

Don't be to hung up on the exact size. 
This site is very useful in comparing tyre size info.  https://www.willtheyfit.com/

Haha fair comment about the research skills!

To be honest I found it difficult finding a tyre that came in both sizes which left a limited choice.

Grateful for your advice, will check the link you sent and also see if I can find the Falkens or Hankooks you mention.

[Gaz mr-s]

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m62b0s4034p0/Car_Tyres_-_MPV_Tyres_-_People_Carrier_Tyres_-_16_inch_R16_inch_-_215_45_16_215_45R16
for instance.
Or Black Circles
or pneus online

[Beachbum957]

Many people use 195/50-15 front instead of 185/55.  You will probably have better luck trying that size for the front.  We have also used 205/45-16 rear, which works fine.

[Ardent]

@AjayMK

It's not you. Finding matching tyres in different sizes is not easy and as you've discovered, quite limited.

Not sure which version now, but I was very happy with falkens I had.

[AjayMK]

Many people use 195/50-15 front instead of 185/55.  You will probably have better luck trying that size for the front.  We have also used 205/45-16 rear, which works fine.

Thanks for mentioning those other sizes. Definitely an option. I read through some of the other threads and was worried about invalidating insurance. I'll check with my insurance company

[AjayMK]

@AjayMK

It's not you. Finding matching tyres in different sizes is not easy and as you've discovered, quite limited.

Not sure which version now, but I was very happy with falkens I had.

Thanks @Ardent, you're right it's not easy! Will definitely look at the Falkens

[Carolyn]

Nankang NS20 come in 215 45 x16 and 195 50x15

I've been very happy with them.

[AjayMK]

Nankang NS20 come in 215 45 x16 and 195 50x15

I've been very happy with them.

Thanks @Carolyn, another good option for me to consider!

[carspath]

Hi everyone,

Please could I follow up on Ajay's post for some further advice with some criteria that are specific to me :

1) I too have a Facelift 2006 car currently running on OEM spec sized tyres and I don't want to change from Toyota,s original sizes for insurance purposes.

2) I largely use my MR2 in the winter , from October to about April so would like tyres that allow for spirited driving in the damp and in the rain. I do use the car in the summer too, albeit less, so don't want to over-commit to a '' Wet-only '' tyre.


Bearing in mind these 2 additional criteria what tyres would you recommend please ?

Sorry if I have hijacked your thread Anjay, but I wasn't sure whether I would get flamed for starting a new thread with this one still running.

[Craigjm]

I was running Michelin PS3 on the old silver car which meant a change of front to 195/50. Having just changed my wheels on the new blue one I've done the same because the wheels are 7 not 6.5 but I did make a change and that's to try Goodyear efficient grip performance which are also available in the standard 185 size you want.

First impressions are good. Doing a long drive on them this afternoon so I'll report back tomorrow on comparison with ps3. In dry weather at least!

[Ardent]

Hi everyone,

Please could I follow up on Ajay's post for some further advice with some criteria that are specific to me :

1) I too have a Facelift 2006 car currently running on OEM spec sized tyres and I don't want to change from Toyota,s original sizes for insurance purposes.

2) I largely use my MR2 in the winter , from October to about April so would like tyres that allow for spirited driving in the damp and in the rain. I do use the car in the summer too, albeit less, so don't want to over-commit to a '' Wet-only '' tyre.


Bearing in mind these 2 additional criteria what tyres would you recommend please ?

Sorry if I have hijacked your thread Anjay, but I wasn't sure whether I would get flamed for starting a new thread with this one still running.

I recall being very happy with the falkens  in the wet.

[Gaz mr-s]

The Falken ZE310 have been reported good in the wet in tests. The best I know of is the Uniroyal Rainsport, but it's soft-walled. Whether the feel can be improved by increasing the pressures....?

Don't worry about slight changes to tyres insurance-wise.  A wheel has a recommended range of tyre to fit.

[carspath]

Thanks Craigjm - I,ll look out for your update and hopefully another update once you have driven the car in the wet.

Thanks Ardent and Gaz for your input.

Carolyn, what are the Nankings like in the damp and wet ?

[Craigjm]

Ok I've just done 80 miles in the Goodyears on motorways and then down some country lanes. My suspension and brakes are all very recent and steering in good condition.

In general they perform very well. They are quieter than the pilot sport 3 and are not quite so grippy on the twisty roads with a bit of power. Most people wouldn't notice the difference I would say so I would say they are a very good tyre in the dry. Let's see in the wet.

For qualification purposes my 911 is running Michelin pilot sport 4S and my Jaguar XJR is running Goodyear eagle F1 asymmetric 5.

[Ardent]

@carspath

Your location is shown as UK.

would you be happy to give a clue as to region.
Just I have a set of FL wheels shod in rainsports if you wanted to try them.

[carspath]

Hi Ardent,

Thank you for that very kind and generous offer - sadly I,m in West Dorset almost on the Devon border.

There is a thread running on Pistonheads ( under News, Shed of the Week ) , on the MR2 Mk3 , and in the Reader's comments section a couple of contributors emphasise how important it is to have replacement tyres with stiff sidewalls - apparently Toyota designed the cars for stiff sidewalls (? True ? ) .

I have no idea how a lay person would know how stiff or otherwise a replacement tyres sidewalls are.

I must say that over 4 years and 15,000 miles I have been delighted with the Bridgestone Turanza tyres that are currently on the car. I needed a single rear tyre about 2 years ago and managed to source one relatively easily then but I am not sure how easy they are to find now, nor whether there are better tyres that have come onto the market since - hence my post.

Being old, I grew up in an era when cheap non-branded tyres could be lethal , and recognise that previously unknown tyres like Falkens and Nankings might now be very good. - I just need the reassurance that knowledgeable people have tried these tyres and are happy and comfortable with their car's handling when making progress, especially in the damp and in the rain.

Thanks again Ardent for the kind offer.

Craigjm - I look forward to hearing from you after the UK has been hit by the next rainstorm, and thank you for your latest post .


 

[Craigjm]

Re the stiff sidewall thing. There is a lot of bullshit written about this car and absolute nonsense that is written as if it's some kind of highly stung finely tuned exotica. It never was and it's certainly not after 20 years. Yes they are good cars but you really are not going to notice a 1kg shaved here, one less newton per degree on your sidewall stiffness etc etc.

Make sure your entire suspension is in good condition. Make sure your entire braking system is in good condition, fit well respected decent brand tyres and change them in pairs (or preferably whole sets) get the tyre pressures right and service the car regularly and have the geometry set at least once a year and you will have a decent car for the road for what will be for most people not their daily driver these days. They can be fun on the track but in reality there are far better cars for that.

Everyone likes to think they are a far better driver than they actually are. The chances anyone has got the car to the edge of its capability on a British road before their own talent has run out is quite slim (don't get me started on people who say they have done that with far more expensive modern stuff).

Take it for what it is. A fun 90s (yes it was designed in the 90s) soft top mid engined roaster designed for fun road use. If you take all of the above into account it will be just that. It's comprehensively beat by any roadster (especially mid engined ones) from after it was released but that's not the point. They are great fun at legal road speeds where those others often are too competent and geared in such a way that they are not fun until too fast.

Just enjoy it and don't sweat the small stuff

I'll get my coat and close the door on my way out of being thrown out haha

[Ardent]

I could not agree more.

Can you tell the difference between an MR2 on Yoko AD08R's and Falkens? Yes, as you can some ting tong ditch finders. Does than mean I was anywhere near the limit of the Falkens, er no. I'm big enough to stand up and say the 2, 20 years old or not far exceeds my driving capacity. And if you are exploring the limits of ability, tyres and machine on the public highway, may I suggest you have a moment of reflection.

[Gaz mr-s]

There is a thread running on Pistonheads ( under News, Shed of the Week ) , on the MR2 Mk3 , and in the Reader's comments section a couple of contributors emphasise how important it is to have replacement tyres with stiff sidewalls - apparently Toyota designed the cars for stiff sidewalls (? True ? ) .

I have no idea how a lay person would know how stiff or otherwise a replacement tyres sidewalls are.

Look up tyre tests.  It's more difficult as time goes on to read new tests on 15 & 16" tyres.  Toyota chose stiff-walled tyres when they launched the car, presumably for steering response. 

Some older Toyo's had soft sidewalls, - people bought them because they were cheap, but I read posts saying they were using 5 or 6 psi higher to counter the soft sidewalls.

You won't find tests praising Toyo or Nangkang.
You will find good reviews on the ZE310 & the Hankook K123. The Hankook still works in cold temp's, from personal experience. I don't know about the Falken.

[carspath]

Thank you all three, What you say certainly makes sense.

[Dev]

Tires that have a stiff side wall make all the difference. These are generally premium tires that have a reinforced carcass. I've been through several sets of tires that have softer side walls, and they were terrible for steering response and general road feel, which felt like a downgrade. Now I look for tires based on this attribute alone rather than overall grip. Those that think it's not a big deal are probably not very sensitive to it, and that's fine, but for those that are and are looking for a very communicative car, you want the same kind of sidewall stiffness the car came with from the factory.

[Ardent]

That has always baffled me, for all the information that is on a tyre side wall, stiffness is not one of them.

There has to be a metric for it somewhere.
Rubber in general is measured on the shore scale.

Mount tyre, apply pressure across the width, measure deflection or pressure to give a value.

[Craigjm]

Tires that have a stiff side wall make all the difference. These are generally premium tires that have a reinforced carcass. I've been through several sets of tires that have softer side walls, and they were terrible for steering response and general road feel, which felt like a downgrade. Now I look for tires based on this attribute alone rather than overall grip. Those that think it's not a big deal are probably not very sensitive to it, and that's fine, but for those that are and are looking for a very communicative car, you want the same kind of sidewall stiffness the car came with from the factory.

Let me clarify what I said. You hit the nail when you mentioned premium. No issues whatsoever with Michelin Bridgestone etc. fit Nankang and landsail and all that kind of thing and you will have issues. One should buy tyres like they do shoes. If you really care about your feet you buy decent Goodyear welted shoes not cheap cemented stuff and the same idea is true of tyres.

In terms of sensitivity 90% of drivers of ordinary mass produced cars would have no idea what they are looking for and drive it nowhere near a point where it is really relevant