Why I'm Buying Hankooks Instead of Pirellis...

[sasha055]

What about Sumitomo HTR ZIII?

[Sandro]

I have been driving on the Sumitomo HTR Z111 since I bought the car in 2009 (Boxster98) and driven from Florida to Mtl in mostly rain. Still have them on and I love them.

[ABQautoxer]

I use Hankook R-S3s for autox and daily driving. Yesterday I finally got to drive them in a heavy downpour and they did great, and they are second only to R compound tires for autox.

[Overdrive]

I went with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus, and think they're great. I'm not tracking the car yet, so they do their job on the street and allow for plenty of spirited driving from me without letting go. To me they're worth the jus shy of $1k I paid (for the purchase and mounting total, not just the rubber). Close to 3000 miles on them so far and they look fine.

My sister has a 99 that was in terrible need of some new tires last year. I got her a deal on some UHP A/S Kumhos and I have to say they seem just as capable as the Michelins for a good $300 less overall for the purchase and job. She doesn't drive the thing nearly enough, so they're likely going to hit their age limit before they wear due to mileage, but they're on my list of consideration for my next set, which, if I drive the car as much as I want to in the next year, I'll probably be looking for within the next year and a half or two.

I don't knock anyone on their tire choice, the only thing I say is be willing to spend the money, because if you cheap out too much, you'll get what you pay for. I don't live in perpetual summer, so I need A/S tires, because this car's no garage queen, and so long as the tires last decently and hold on to the ground, they're good in my book.

[Perfectlap]

My RE-11's are the bees knees. Feels just like an R-Comp. Although not the greatest in the puddles. In that respect I miss the GY Eagle F1's. The B'stones are not cheap though but here's how I look at it:
you may not be a world class driver but the car is world class. If you're going to have a car like that no point in cutting a marginal corner on such important element on the basis price. If we were talking about twice the price okay maybe but that's not the case with a budget tire vs. a premium tire. Now if the budget tire performs and is only cheap because of less marketing and all that other nonsense then that's also another matter. Personally I don't think the savings is worth going to a cheaper tire if its going to get bumpy, lumpy and buttery after x amount of miles.
And to the OP, I wouldn't use HP as factor in determining the car's "sports car value". This particularly true with Porsches, they've never been known for being HP monsters. I almost look at HP as a way for a poorly engineered and balanced car to hide its flawes since most drivers will never have the foot to the metal with the wheel turned. Even minivans come with 300 hp now... gotta get to yo gabba gabba show asap!

At the end of the day tires aren't like a one time gas fill up. They're going to be on your car for at least a season if not two if you run a winter tire. From my view, the extra $400 to be on AAA+ rubber is not worth the savings since most guys will end up blowing that $400 on a night out, some unecessary gadget, expensive pair of sneakers or shoes, etc. Maybe not the $400 all at once but definitely over the course of a year, ceratinly over two years. Life is indeed about choices. That's why a bought a 50" Panasonic Vierra Plasma for $600 instead of the $1400 LED Sharp at Costco.

[schnellman]

Originally Posted by Sandro

I have been driving on the Sumitomo HTR Z111 since I bought the car in 2009 (Boxster98) and driven from Florida to Mtl in mostly rain. Still have them on and I love them.

My HTR ZIII's have been on my '98 for over two years and they're still looking good. When I replace them, it will be with another set just like 'em.

[j.fro]

+1 for the Kumho ASX
+1 that N ratings aren't the only safe tire for our cars

[944boy]

I have the HTR-ZIII's and I am about to order a new rear set. I forgot how many miles are on them. Not a great track tire. But definitely a great street tire. I've traditionally run through 1-2 sets of tires a year on my 944 so the 2+ years I have gotten out of the Sumi's has been phenomenal.

I do have Michelin Pilots on my bike... but bike tires are a totally different animal. No cheaper though, just less of them.

The best tires are ones that you are happy with! (and don't explode on you)

[ekam]

I think I've had my 18" star spec for 2 years 20k miles there's still half left I think...?

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by ekam

I think I've had my 18" star spec for 2 years 20k miles there's still half left I think...?

Impressive! That may just be my next tire choice.