I'm trying to find a good deal on some new tires for my 2000 Mazda 626. (205/55 R16)

I need some good performance tires that are going to handle well, but won't hydroplane too frequently.
(First tires OEM on the car were Bridgestone-- amazing handling, but hydroplaned w/o a second thought... current tires-- Michelin Pilots. Handling is ok, but no major problems w/ hydroplaning... honestly, i'd rather have better handling and chance the hydroplaning every once in a while.)

I've done some calling around, but all the sales guys hear a female voice on the phone and don't take my questions seriously. I know Michelin is a good tire-- but it's also usually the most expensive and not necessarily what I need/want at the moment (even though there is a $50 rebate right now for a full set of Michelins).

So-- Any suggestions on a good performance tire that is reasonably priced?

Also, anyone have experience w/ Toyo? There's a buy 3, get 1 free deal until Saturday on the PX4... total installed, balanced, w/ tax comes to $420.78 which seems to be the best deal I've found yet... even though they're only rated for 35-40k. (no tires I've had have ever made it past 40k... so I'm not really all that worried about that)

Thanks.

4/24/2006 2:18:43 PM

bfg g-force sport or bfg kdw

michelin owns bfg

4/24/2006 2:27:06 PM

BFG KDW2, made to last about 20k

What are you looking for, handling, quiet, wear?

4/24/2006 2:31:14 PM

^ as it says in my original post--
#1 priority = handling

4/24/2006 2:38:46 PM

to me it looks like

#1 priority = price
#2 priority = performance

try a falken.. maybe the ziex 512.. check vulcantire.com

4/24/2006 2:51:04 PM

I have Kumho Ecsta ASXs on my Lincoln, and have been quite happy with them so far (granted, "so far" has only been about 1000 miles...) Reasonably priced, grip well. Paid something like $70/tire for 225/60VR16's.

4/24/2006 2:59:28 PM

call tire rack & talk to them. my michelin pilot sports have been great in the wet & dry. but you're probably looking for something all season.

4/24/2006 4:21:31 PM

goodyear gt-hr discount tire.

quiet, rides very well.

4/26/2006 2:09:32 AM

check out edgeracing.com

4/26/2006 2:10:54 AM

the ziex 512 gets a lot of great reviews and is really cheap

the goodyear eagle F1 DSG-03 is amazing in the rain and sticks great dry. it has a soft sidewall so it rides very civil, but is a little smushy on a heavier car. your car might be fine

yoko ES100 is similar to above, but stiffer

4/26/2006 9:09:27 AM

i had some continentals extremes but in a different size, they were great

4/26/2006 9:13:33 AM

yeah, the BFG KDW2 is exactly what you're describing, but I can't imagine why you'd put a set of tires that aggressive on a 626. Get something slightly less sticky that'll last twice as long and cost less.

4/26/2006 9:35:20 AM

Swamper TSL's. Maybe even LTB's, but you're gunna need a Sawzall either way.

[Edited on April 26, 2006 at 10:49 PM. Reason : I'm on special teams.]

4/26/2006 10:48:48 PM

get the irocs or boggers, don't wimp out.

4/26/2006 10:54:44 PM

http://www.tirerack.com

4/26/2006 10:56:37 PM

thornbirds haha poser

4/27/2006 1:05:33 AM