2004 Boxster S tires

[JEC]

Getting ready for new tires. currently have Pilot Sport.
What do you all recommend?

[mikefocke]

All tires are a compromise. There is no perfect tire.

So without knowing what your driving style is, what your location is (weather) and what your priorities for your tires...it would not be sensible for me to answer. My priorities and needs may be well different from yours.

Wear
Quiet (NVH)
Wet handling
Dry handling
Snow
Ice
Price

The questions I'd ask:

How did you like the tires that are on there when they were new? How long did they last you?

Will your new tires wear out or age out? How many miles a year will you drive?

Any track days? AX? DE? How many a year?

What weather do the tires have to handle?

Rank the characteristics of your tires from the list above in order of importance to YOU. What must have's are there?

What is your budget?

How long since the car had an alignment? How did the current tires wear?

[JEC]

Mike,
I am an old guy and interested in ride, all weather, and cost.
My current tires have a rough ride and I would like to go to a smother ride.
I guess that with no side walls to speak of it is difficult.
John

[mikefocke]

And the question I forgot to ask is what size wheels and model year. Because some tires may not be available in all sizes.

When you say "all weather" are you saying they have to operate effectively in 35F and below temperatures? How important is ice and snow? I ask because to get all seasons tires you give up handling for the light snow and ice capability. They aren't snow tires but they do stick lots better in the cold than the typical ultra high performance summer tires many Boxsters run on. (Don't ask me how I know there is a crucial difference.

Have you considered swapping your wheels and tires for smaller wheels and adding tires? The added tire sidewall height used with the smaller wheels allows for a softer riding tire if a smoother ride is your criteria. There is probably someone who wants bigger wheels.

[Sandia]

JEC:

I'm an old guy, too. I went with Pilot Sport All Season, and am glad I did. They are quieter, smoother, great grip, and progressive loss of grip. I also expect longer lasting. Plenty of grip for curly mountain roads.

[JEC]

17" wheel 2004.
I am in Tucson, AZ so mostly sunny with rain now and then. now low temp, snow or ice.
Getting close to needing new rears which are currently 255/40 zr17's.

[mikefocke]

Been there, you can use the summer tires there as long as you don't go up in the northern mountains. If all you need is rears, why not just match what you have?

The 17s are as soft as you are gonna get or want.

Based on your criteria, when I go to tirerack's web site and see the reviews and tests, I come up with the Bridgestone RE760. Medium price, high ride and noise ratings.

I'll confess to being largely a Michelin man for the last 40 years (2 sets on my Boxsters, one Yokahama (ugh) and one Pirelli). But I had different criteria.