I need help with tire selection...

[iliveonnitro]

I'm keeping my stock rims on my 2003 Protege5, but I have issues. I did a search, but honestly, I didn't find the answer I was looking for. The similar thread threw some ideas out, but no difinitive answer (205/55, 205/45, 215/50 or 215/45? Oh my!)

The only tires that are 195/50/16 are Kuhmo ecsta's, or expensive. I'm looking to spend under $125 each, but I would like a quality tire. I was quoted $500 for Cooper tires (50k mi warranty) and $440 for Cooper Xeon (40k mi warranty), both installed.

What size can I switch to without sacrificing performance or wear? Or, better yet, what tire should I buy that costs under $125 each? Switching to 17" or 18" rims is not an option.

What will the speedo error be?

Thanks,
James

 

[rednecks_r_us]

Yokahama AVS ES 100, 205/45/16 on stock rims with eibach springs

 

[dmitrik4]

on the stock rims you're going to want to go with either the stock size, or a 205/45/16 or 205/50/16. the 205/50 is a very common size and you should have no trouble finding a bunch of options.

the size you mentioned (205/55, 215/50) are either too wide or too tall. the 215/45/16 is the correct diameter, but b/c our rims are so narrow, they're not going to work any better than a 205.

i have the Kumho ASX...LOVE them. grippy, smooth and quiet. WORLDS better in the rain/wet than the OE dunlops. and under $80 each from Tire Rack. they come in both 195/50/16 and 205/50/16.

 

[iliveonnitro]

on the stock rims you're going to want to go with either the stock size, or a 205/45/16 or 205/50/16. the 205/50 is a very common size and you should have no trouble finding a bunch of options.

the size you mentioned (205/55, 215/50) are either too wide or too tall. the 215/45/16 is the correct diameter, but b/c our rims are so narrow, they're not going to work any better than a 205.

i have the Kumho ASX...LOVE them. grippy, smooth and quiet. WORLDS better in the rain/wet than the OE dunlops. and under $80 each from Tire Rack. they come in both 195/50/16 and 205/50/16.

Thank you! That is exactly the information I needed!