mx5cartalk.com

Hi Guys
So thinking of getting some new 16 inch tyres for my 2000 mx5. I want a performance orientated tyre for street use that doesn’t cost a bucket. Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks Michael

Hankook RS-3 fits the bill I don't drive in the wet so can't comment on that aspect great in the dry though and quieter than bridgestones.

Hard to beat the Bridgestone Potenza RE003 especially when they are offering the 4 for the price of 3 deal. Excellent dry grip, quiet, smooth ride, nice little raised ridge to protect your rims. Wet grip not quite there but still good. Can even be used on the track with no problems.

+1 Bridgestone Potenza RE003. Get them from anyone other than Bridgestone ... they'll be cheaper!

Thanks for the advice guys ending up going with the Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE003 happy with the purchase

What's the (non-marketing) difference between the RE003 and the S001?

I just fitted RE003s in 15inch to replace some no name ( but admittedly not too bad) Chinese tyres. The difference is night and day, in high speed sweepers the old ones would "jiggle" like they're threatening to send you sideways, the Bridgestones just grip confidently. Only heard excellent things on here and mighty car mods when doing research.KTAS quoted me $155 ea but only charged me $145 ea when I picked the car up.

The S001 is softer and quieter, I travelled 30,000 klms on a set.

Yep, another satisfied RE 003 user. Got the "4 for the price of 3" deal about 18 months ago and am happy with the tyre.
I replaced a set of Michelin Pilot Preceda 2 tyres and I prefer the Bridgestones as the Michelin were a bit "tram-tracky".
The Bridgestones are very confidence-inspiring. I am a big fan of Bridgestone tyres and have been since the '70s.

Interesting to hear Rocky as I need to replace a set of Michelin PP2 tyres. Been using Bridgestones since 1990 except for the PP2 currently on. Have been very happy with the PP2, so decision is between Michelin PS3 195/50x15 (PS4 doesn't appear to be an option as Michelin website doesn't list a 15") or RE003 195/55x15 (S001 doesn't appear to be an option as Bridgestone website doesn't list a 15").

Clubman, I always felt that 'when the chips were down', the PP2s were a good tyre that would 'hang in there' in spite of their slightly 'nervous' feeling over uneven bitumen. They just weren't confidence inspiring like the RE003s are.

93_Clubman wrote:Interesting to hear Rocky as I need to replace a set of Michelin PP2 tyres. Been using Bridgestones since 1990 except for the PP2 currently on. Have been very happy with the PP2, so decision is between Michelin PS3 195/50x15 (PS4 doesn't appear to be an option as Michelin website doesn't list a 15") or RE003 195/55x15 (S001 doesn't appear to be an option as Bridgestone website doesn't list a 15").

Just wondering if the 195/55x15 you mention was a typo or deliberate. I ask because, IIRC, there was a discussion on the big forum about the merits of running the slightly larger diameter 55 series over the 50 series - specifically in correcting speedo inaccuracies. I use the RE003’s myself, in 50 profile.

Rocky wrote:Clubman, I always felt that 'when the chips were down', the PP2s were a good tyre that would 'hang in there' in spite of their slightly 'nervous' feeling over uneven bitumen. They just weren't confidence inspiring like the RE003s are.

Rocky, haven't been unhappy with the PP2 on uneven made road surfaces, & there are plenty around here, but then I haven't had the benefit of comparing them with a new set of RE003. How do you find the RE003 in the wet compared to the PP2, or is your exposure limited as you tend to take your NB8B out in dry weather?

LiteIsRite wrote:Just wondering if the 195/55x15 you mention was a typo or deliberate.

It's not a typo by me, but from my quick look at the Bridgestone website the 195/50x15 was further down the page after a 205. But you're right I would want to replace my 195/50x15 tyres with the same size, width & profile.

You are correct - I can't comment on the RE003's in the wet as "The Toy" doesn't get dríven in the wet.

I dont think for most drivers it does not matter a toss. The tyre sellers know whats good for specific uses. If you dont do many k’s or dont drive in the wet then the tyre runs out of life befire it runs out of tread. I have Kumho somethings and they work ok wet or dry but I dont drive like a race driver as the wife gets ticked off.
The racers on the forum hv a different agenda. Fast around a circuit not on my mind. No one has ever asked me about my tyres and if they did it would be they seem to be ok.