Stock 15" tire opinions Options

[DouglasJaneway]

Hey people,

I have stock 15" rims with wheel covers which sucks, but I can't do anything about it atm. I have toyo proxies 4's on there right now which are 205/55r15's v-rated. They royally suck... The goodyear's that were 195/55r15 I had when I got it were SOOOOOO much better. So anyways, I need a change. I'm looking at Michelin Pilot exalto 205/55r15's. What's your guys opinions? What has served you well? I want something with good handling and still good tread life. Is 205/55r15 the best size? Let me know! Thanks!

[LazyJ]

Hey people,

I have stock 15" rims with wheel covers which sucks, but I can't do anything about it atm. I have toyo proxies 4's on there right now which are 205/55r15's v-rated. They royally suck... The goodyear's that were 195/55r15 I had when I got it were SOOOOOO much better. So anyways, I need a change. I'm looking at Michelin Pilot exalto 205/55r15's. What's your guys opinions? What has served you well? I want something with good handling and still good tread life. Is 205/55r15 the best size? Let me know! Thanks!

There's not many choices in that size anymore. Mediocre Bridgestone OEM replacements are about $180 each. If you change to a different size with more availability, then the diameter and the offset may change, affecting the handling, wear on the bearings, and speedometer accuracy. I was tired of the stiff noisy ride from the original Michelins, so I found the Falken Ziex 912's. They transformed the Celica into a smooth comfortable car with still good handling. Although not as tight steering as the Michelins, it was definitely worth it. Now I can hear the radio and talk to my passenger on the freeway. Consumer Reports has detailed test ratings on tires, usually in the October issue. See the issue that just came out, and then go to the tire manufacturer's website to see if a tire you like is available in 205-55 15's. (It's usually not!). By the way, the Falken's rate highly for hydroplaning. I love the car now.

This post has been edited by LazyJ: Oct 2, 2012 - 3:46 AM

[DouglasJaneway]

Lazy,

Which Michelins did you have? I was looking at Pilot exalto's. They look good, but they only claim 5,000 more miles than the falken's. I'm thinking their grip would be better though. What do you think? I don't mind a harsh ride.

and... I found these. What do ya think? http://discounttires.com/product_detail.ph...CFQoFnQod6HYASQ

This post has been edited by DouglasJaneway: Oct 2, 2012 - 11:40 PM

[LazyJ]

Lazy,

Which Michelins did you have? I was looking at Pilot exalto's. They look good, but they only claim 5,000 more miles than the falken's. I'm thinking their grip would be better though. What do you think? I don't mind a harsh ride.

and... I found these. What do ya think? http://discounttires.com/product_detail.ph...CFQoFnQod6HYASQ

I can't remember but I think they were Pilot's. The reason they had such good steering response was probably that the rubber had gradually hardened after 12 years. If you look on Michelin's web site they don't even make a 55 aspect ratio tire anymore. Tires Plus has no tires in the size 205-55 15. I did consider the Direzza's. They should handle great. About Consumer Reports tire tests, it is the November isssue, and it should be on the shelves now. Just keep in mind the tires at the top of the list were the best for all seasons including winter snow and ice. I bought my Falken's just for summer tires. They are drivable in winter but not very good. Direzza's would be summer only.

[LazyJ]

Part II

Consumer Reports rates the Direzza's just average for hydroplaning, but for dry handling and braking are probably the best available in our size. The best handling tires I've ever owned are Dunlop D60-A2's, no longer available. What a tire! The best all around tire I've owned is Pirelli P400 (now called P4) but it's not available in 205-55 15. Both of those were on my '89 Celica ST. The Michelins were very good handling but stiff and noisy because they were so old. The Falken Ziex 912's seem fine so far, but I haven't driven them enough to rank their handling. I know they can't compare to my old Dunlops, but I will be happy if they are as good as the Pirelli's. You don't have many options for the 6-gen Celica, but a least you still have 2 good tires to choose from. Is there any snow in Chatanooga?
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