mx5cartalk.com

Hi All,
Just bought a 2000 manual NB series. Tyres need replacing. My apologies for asking this common question, but my tyre dealer recommends HanKook. Additionally is it okay to have 16 inch width tyres. I do not want to upset the beautiful balance of this car.
Any help would be highly appreciated

Dave

i'm doubt 16 in wide tyres will fit.

Dave, whenever a joint recommends a certain brand, chances are they're getting something out of doing so; usually a really good wholesale price so they can make more $$$ on the sale.

In truth, unless you are planning to drive like a nutcase on the road, or track it (and from the tone of your question I assume neither), any major brand that fits will be just fine.

Much appreciated guys. I love MX5's and I drive for enjoyment, not racing

see if the Bridgestone Re003's come in your size, they are an awesome tyre and currently 4 for the price of 3 deal

16" tyres are a real PITA to get. I have them on my Integra and always struggle to find stock.

Go for 15s and the Hankook RS3s are a great bang for buck performance tyre.

Thanks again for all your feedback. I was wondering when buying good performance tyres. Does this mean that they perform well in all conditions ie wet, iced roads etc and are they quiet. Because driving with the top down I never know what constitutes road noise and what part the tyres play.
In the Country town that I reside I have a Bridgestone Franchise and a general tyre family business. I guess if I choose between a Bridgestone and Hankook tyre I should be pretty safe. I have just gone through the same process with buying a MX5. So much choice, so many options. Just trying to build a quality shortlist and go from there.
Again, thanks guys for your valuable support

regards Dave

I would not get RS3s for you application. If you are a Sunday driver, then any tyre will do. But get a good known brand and not a China cheapy.

I doubt you'd be disappointed with these.

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_saca ... +16&_frs=1

jstein2 wrote:Just bought a 2000 manual NB series. Additionally is it okay to have 16 inch tyres.

Given yours is a 2000 model is it an NB8A or NB8B?
NB8A was 1998-2000 while NB8B was late 2000-2002.
NB8A VIN=JM0NB30P1... NB8B VIN=JM0NB30P2...
NB8A came with 15" wheels & NB8B came with 16" wheels.

Thanks Speedracer. My MX5 is a NBBA series. You nailed my uncertainty. Couldn't work out whether I should use 15 or 16 inch tyres. Now I know.
Still unsure what the right tyre should be, but some previous posts recommend a high quality good all round tyre will suffice.
thanks Speedracer

NB8A, then stick with the 15" wheels. Personally, I'd go for the new Bridgestone RE003, but that's just because I've used Bridgestones on an NA6 & NA8 from 1990-2007. However, 2007 to present has been Michelin PP2, which have also been excellent, but need replacing mainly as the rubber has hardened.

Hankook I'm not so familiar with, but Apu knows his stuff. Ultimately, as PRR says, it comes down to what you'll use the car for, ie daily driver, or daily driver & track days, or occasional driver & more track days etc. But if as you say you appreciate the handling then get a decent set of tyres, whatever they might be, but even more importantly get a decent front & rear wheel alignment - see this forum for good wheel alignment specs.

Speed Racer,
Again, thank you for taking the time to assist. I'll heed your advice,

Not all chinese tyres are crap, i have had "Hifly 305" for 10,000 km on the NC.
They were put on by the Mazda dealer when i said the Bridgestones were worn to the markers when i bought it, they are just as good in the twisties as the rest of the club members and they are a quiet tyre also.
Hifly is one of the largest tyre manufacturing companies over there.

The Bridgestones on my Commodore (from new) are made in Thailand, Bridgestone have just closed their factories in Australia & New Zealand to bring in cheaper imports from India and anywhere else.
These days you cannot say a tyre is no good just because it comes from X

Have a look at your tyres and see where thay were made

Totally agree. Like I said at the top of the thread...

Rob wrote:In truth, unless you are planning to drive like a nutcase on the road, or track it (and from the tone of your question I assume neither), any major brand that fits will be just fine.