looking for suggestion for good VALUE street tires

[Jeff Shyu]

So, i'm currently using Sumi HTR Z in 205/50 R17 on my slightly dropped Mazda 3.

they've lasted about 20k, which was a lot more than i realistically expected from them. I can probably trade the front to rear, and get another 5k out of them, but I really need to start planning for the next set of tires.

I was eyeing the Sumi HTR ZII, which are actually cheaper, with better wear rating!

has anyone had any experience with these for the street? or suggestion for other econo street tires?

Price is probably #1 concern, aside from that, i would say road noise.

[George Schilling]

Just put these on my Mini S. I really, really like them. Should fit the bill for you, too.

http://www.onlinetires.com/products/veh ... 0+93y.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Craig Naylor]

I was very happy with the Avon M/S I got from Tire Rack, but I see there not on the site tonight. Both sets lasted over 40k on the Jetta.
It currently has Bridgestone RE960 AS Pole Positions with a little over 45k on them, I'll drive them through this summer, but if it was currently fall, I'd be replacing them due to tread depth. Unfortunately your size is nearly $35.00 per tire more than my 225/45/17's.

The Falcon Azenis's are still pretty cheap Vulken Tire has your size at $90 each

[Michael Palero]

I use Federal 595SS.

What do you care more about in addition to price....
Grip? Wear? Noise? Comfort? Seasoning?

[Jeff Shyu]

i actually don't care that much about grip, because, well, as we all know from days of thunder, loose is fast, right?..

seriously though, i'm no longer that crazy on the road, grip isn't a huge problem.

comfort, at least to the small degree that tires attribute, isn't a problem, i'm running 50 series tires, it's not like i'm running 20 series rubberbands or anything..

mostly, road noise. big tread blocks that howl like angry swarm of bees is rather irritating. my stereo's pretty loud, but i don't wanna have to resort to that.. }:)

[Michael Palero]

mostly, road noise. big tread blocks that howl like angry swarm of bees is rather irritating. my stereo's pretty loud, but i don't wanna have to resort to that.. }:)

Forget about the Federalies then!

[George Schilling]

Just put these on my Mini S. I really, really like them. Should fit the bill for you, too.

http://www.onlinetires.com/products/veh ... 0+93y.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jeff, if these are in the price range you have in mind, these tires have it all for the street. They wonderful performers, they're quiet, good tread wear, they're cheap, and there's a $50 rebate on a set of four. The test results are very impressive.

[Jeff Shyu]

where do you get 50 bucks rebate from? that would definitely make it into the VERY attractive bracket.

onsite pickup? woo.. that's even better!..

edit: found a rebate form, but it seems to have expired in Nov last year.. >_<

[Craig Naylor]

I link for the rebate is right there on the page with the tires. Says it's good April 1st to May 31st.

[Jeff Shyu]

thanks guys, i think i'm actually gonna go with the V4 ES instead, longer lasting, and all season..

next question: good place to mount tire in Long Beach area? pref somewhere that'll do warranty on rotate / balance?

[Jeff Shyu]

Just put these on my Mini S. I really, really like them. Should fit the bill for you, too.

http://www.onlinetires.com/products/veh ... 0+93y.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jeff, if these are in the price range you have in mind, these tires have it all for the street. They wonderful performers, they're quiet, good tread wear, they're cheap, and there's a $50 rebate on a set of four. The test results are very impressive.

so i finally got them mounted on the Mazda 3 this weekend. They replaced a set of sumitomo HTR Z which were literally cording on the inside shoulder of the front tires.. >_<.

The V12 feels like it's got a much softer sidewall, but that could also be partly because of the full tread blocks instead of the near slick sumis. Grip seems more predictable, ride comfort and road noise much improved (though again, could be because of the full tread). looking forward to putting more miles on these tires..