Need Comments On Tire Replacement

[KevinH1990]

I found a nail in my left rear tire. It is about an inch from the sidewall, so the tire place I brought it to has recommended against patching it.

I currently have Yokohama AVS ES100's on the front and Toyo Proxes T1-R's on the rear. The front tires were installed by the previous owner in July 03 and have 22,000 miles on them. I installed the rears about a year ago and they have 10,000 miles on them.

I think I have three options:

1. Buy one new Toyo Proxes T1-R at a cost of $137. (Edge Racing)
2. Buy two new Toyo Proxes T1-R at a cost of $274.
3. Buy four new Sumitomo HTR Z II at a cost of $308. (Tire Rack)

All prices are without shipping and installation.

I'm leaning toward option 3. I would prefer to have a matched set of tires and folks seem to think the Sumitomo is a good mix of performance and economy.

Option one is the least costly, but I'm a little concerned about having two tires with different amounts of wear on the same axle.

I drive my car about 10,000 miles a year in all weather except ice and snow. I haven't done any track days with it, but I'd like to do that someday. Price is an important consideration, but I'm willing to spend more than the minimum.

Am I thinking correctly about this? Any other options?

[choeglund]

If the puncture is in the tread as you describe, it should be patchable. Sure they don't "recommend" it but many people drive many miles on plugged tires. Now if you were planning to run on a racetrack, then you wouldn't want tires with a plug but otherwise, you should be fine.

[Sammy]

Yeah, if the puncture was in the tread area (not in the sidewall) than take it to somewhere and have it patched up. If this is not possible I would go toward option #3 as the other options simply delay the inevitable and your tires have a decent amount of miles on them.

[Paul]

If you drove for any distance while it was flat, the sidewall may be damaged. BTDT.

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by Sammy

Yeah, if the puncture was in the tread area (not in the sidewall) than take it to somewhere and have it patched up.

The nail is in the tread area. It never went flat. I checked the tire pressure and discovered it was 20 psi. I refilled to 36 and it went down to 20 during the week I was on vacation. I checked it and found the nail.

[Pat]

It sounds like your decision making process is solid. If I were in your shoes, I would definitely go for four tires. I understand cost is a significant consideration. That said, there are better tires out there for the price of the Sumitomos. They're not "bad" by any means, just not up to the level of a Boxster. That particular model is several years old, and newer tire technology has provided more bang for the buck.
I'm not sure what other tires are in the class of those Sumi's, so I cannot recommend an alternative. I can tell you Kumho Ecsta SPTs are an excellent tire for the dollar. That said, they are a bit more than the Sumi's. If I were in your shoes, I'd give the new Yoko S.drive a try. I had a few sets of the ES100s, which I loved. The S.drive is Yoko's replacement for that tire, and just hit the US market a month ago. A little more than the SPTs, but still a solid value for the dollar, from the reviews I've read and the history of the ES100.
I know that's probably more than what you'd like to spend, but if you have the means, that's probably the smart, value-oriented way to breathe some new life and performance into the car.

[Paul]

If you have a lot of tread left, go to Wally World (Wal-mart) and buy their $10 plug kit and do it yourself. If you don't have a compressor, they have those for less than $20. I carry both in my cars.

[fasterjames]

I think I have three options:

1. Buy one new Toyo Proxes T1-R at a cost of $137. (Edge Racing)
2. Buy two new Toyo Proxes T1-R at a cost of $274.
3. Buy four new Sumitomo HTR Z II at a cost of $308. (Tire Rack)

HI I know you said you put the Proxes T1-Rs on the rear but you REALLY dont want these on the front. It's funny that I have the exact opposite of you on my 02. The ES1000 on the back are super sticky but OH SO LOUD! Having the Proxes on the front are like driving on bars of soap. You probably didn't notice how bad they are on a Boxster because they are in the back but trust me, these are not good for our cars. Spend a little more and get some tires that are at least closer to what should be on your fine auto. (an extra $400.00 is only about .02 per mile but you get better, safer, more fun handling-and I'm guessing that one potential accident will easily outweigh the $400 as well). I am putting 4 new Bridgestones on my Boxster in 2 weeks and cant wait!
Theres my .02 of experience. Best luck to you!

[KevinH1990]

Thanks for the additional comments. Taking my car to the track is probably at least a year away due to other commitments. I will definitely put new tires on before that happens.