Which tires to get (cheap + less road noise)

[nek0]

I accidentally replied on a thread I found: (for Mazda 5's whoops)
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123640645&page=2

I'm assuming my P-5 is stock 16" alloy wheels but also the noise + the cost of the tires are making me wonder if there are alternatives?

I don't need high performance tires, I only use my car for commuting (and lots of it) and just looking for the cheapest all around good tires. Can someone recommend something? Are there any tires for my P-5 I can spend less then $70 per tire?

 

[MP5_509]

I just got some Kumho Ecsta ASTs from tirerack.com for 56 a piece. I had them put on thursday and drove 420ish miles on them over the weekend. They are VERY quiet. Check em out. They're a "high performance" all season

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=ECSTA+AST&partnum=05HR6EAST

 

[nek0]

Oh wow that is cheap...how much did it cost you to get them mounted? I've never bought tires online.

Also I noticed you bought the 205? Stock says 195...it'll be ok?

 

[falsedawn]

Tires really are the last thing you should be looking to save money on IMO.

Here's a link to check out:
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/d...r=2002&sw=false&cs=205&vid=007052&rd=16&ar=50


I would definitely spend a bit more and go with V-rated rather than H-rated, as the sidewalls may be a little soft on the H's.
I personally have falken Ziex's and find them an excellent tire - quiet, grippy, compliant and (so far) wearing well.

I also assume you are looking for 205/50s rather than stock 195s, yes?

Installation, new valves, disposal of old tires and professional balancing (you should try for a Hunter roadforce balance if possible) will run about $100-$150 for a set of 4 tires.

 

[nek0]

So can I install 205's on my stock 16"? Is it just the width?

n/m the site had more info Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[uiuc240]

I also have the ASTs on mine with the 205/50 size. Love 'em.

 

[Blade4804]

I have the AST aswell, 205/40 with 17 inch rims... I love mine too!!

 

[mogi]

I have the Kuhmo ASX in 195 and am pretty darn happy with them, I think they were $70 per, got Tires Plus to price match tirerack with no problems. As far as the 205 vs 195, your speedo will be off a bit, which will in turn throw your odometer off, which will skew your MPG if you keep track of it.

 

[uiuc240]

it makes your speedo off by like 1.7%, which is basically negligable. Check here:

http://www.paspeedo.com/calculator.htm

Eric

 

[Foolish]

Very happy with the Falken ZIEX ZE-512 on both of our cars.
http://vulcantire.com/ has them for $54 each + $6/piece road hazzard warrenty. We have them on both Proteges.

Quiet, grippy in wet or dry, summer and winter, pretty good wear so far.
I'm a Falken fan, now.