Thanks for the tip!

I went to tirerack.com, and entered my car info. It didnt have those tires listed for the Protege5. I found them by browsing the tire brands. Any idea why this is?

Also, what is the best place to buy tires? I buy all of my computer equipment online since its always cheaper, but how does tire prices compare online vs retail store?

Last question, how long are the OEM Dunlops rated for? Ive had my P5 for about 18 mths now, with 11,000 miles.

 

seeing as how the dunlops are considered performance tires...I have never seen a mileage rating on them....don't think there actually is one. but you have alot of life in them left...its pretty dependent on how you drive....my wifes P5 has 24,000 on it and there is a LOT of tread left on hers.....I have heard of people getting around 35,000 out of them.....with hers, I could see that easily.

As for where they would be cheaper? well just remember if you order on line, you MIGHT not pay sales tax....however, you will most likely be paying shipping. One place I would check in your area if you have them is DISCOUNT TIRE, they tend to have pretty decent prices, and can get nearly any tire you could want. I doubt if you will find a retail store you can walk into cheaper, that would be a good starting point.....then shop online....some places have deals with shipping included....it might be worth it....you just need to shop around and do the math.

 

Just picked up the Yoko AVS 205/50/16's today from Discount Tire to replace my original Dunlops. Really nice change in ride quality due to the slight height difference. I'm really looking forward to the rain and seeing how they work compared to the (crappy) original tires.

Original price was $465 mounted, but due to a slight incident with the two front rims, the total was reduced to $350. Not too shabby.

 

Could anyone comment on any change in handling when going from the stock 195/50/16 to the slighltly taller sidewall of the 205/50/16? I know it shouldn't matter much but just wondered if the handling suffered any. I am looking at either the Kumho ECTSA 712 or the Yokohama AVS ES100 in the 205/50/16. I initially wanted the 205/45/16 but it looks like it wouldn't work with the stock rims on my 2002 ES. Thanks for any comments.

 

I have the yoks and i only noticed improvement in handling but i think it contributes more to the different rubber and not the sidewall height. the height is slightly noticeable visually. hope that helps.

 

I'll chime in too.

Actually, the ride is much better than with the OE's. Not only does it ride, handle, brake, and grip better, it fills the wheel well up just a bit (for those who are not, or plan anytime soon to be lowered.)

Wet weather characteristics are much more refined as well. I think anyone who has these tires will agree. I'm 110% satasfied with my 205-50-16 ES100's. And IMHO, you'd be hard pressed to find a better overall 3 season ultra high performance tire for the money. I paid $78 / tire from Tirerack a few months back. Now they're $77 each.

Buy them, period.

HTH - Jim

 

Thanks for the replys. I also wanted to mention that I have 40,000 on the original Dunlops. I think they lasted that long because I do a lot of highway driving in my job. Ususally 2500 to 3000 miles per month. I have always thought that the 195s looked a little too narrow. I also can't see paying twice as much for the Dunlops over either of the other two. I did a comparison on the Tirerack site between the Yokohama and Kumhos in the 205/55/16 and the Dunlops in 195/55/16. They all seem to get very similar results. The biggest difference is when you review the customer online surveys. The Yoks seem to please their owners more. My only concern with the Yoks is the treadwear rating of 280 vs 360 for both the Dunlops and the Kumhos. I suppose you can't have everything. Thanks again for the comments.

 

I've been reading this thread pretty intently since I'm looking forward to switching my tires once my time comes around also. So it looks like Yoks 205/50/16 are the way to go...I was just curious tho; has anyone tried a 215/50/16 on stock rims? I think it's really pushing it but I might be happier with a wider tire than 205 and new rims aren't in my budget right now (I'm following the stereo path for now).

 

I've had the Yokahamas on order for a week now. They go on tomorrow. My stock tires sound terrible. I can't wait.

 

Let us know how the Yokohamas do after you get them mounted. Are you installing them on stock rims? Did you get the 205 50 16s?

I expect the 205 50 16s to have a little better ride but was concerned about the handling suffering from the taller sidewall.

 

OMG!!! These Yokos are AWESOME. They my make my car feel like a gocart. I can totally throw my car into 90 degree turn and I don't get any squeeling. My dunlops squeeled pulling into my driveway. Get some!

Yes I got the 205 50 16

 

How come tirerack.com doesnt have the Yokos listed when I choose the Protege5?

 

Search by tire size, not vehicle make.

 

Told ya.....

 

i just got another set of the dunlops. for OE, they are a pretty good tire...my RSX-S had horrible Michelins, and Subarus get even more horrible Bridgestone RE-92's. i'm perfectly happy w/ the dunlop's dry and wet performance...they are a bit pricey, tho.