2026 205/45 R16 S2 tyre choices

[uk08462]

Due to their age I need to replace the Michelin Pilots on my S2 so I have spent the week researching tyres. I am looking at the latest Michelin Pilot 5 but i don't do enough miles to justify the additional cost as these will likely age out too.

I'm therefore considering the Yokohama Advan Fleva V701 as an alternative as these are £35 cheaper per tyre than the Michelin. Has anybody got any comments? I like the sound of lower road noise as well.

The other alternative I am considering is the Falken ZE320.

[dapinky]

If you've ever seen any tyre 'recommendation' thread where I've made comment, you won't be surprised to hear me say that you should grab the Yokohama V701 while you can still get them!

There is currently very little available from most 'good' brands for the 15" wheels (as discussed on a thread started by Trevor a short time ago) - and it isn't going to get any better.

There are still options for the 16" wheels, but with every passing year they get less as fewer sales drive development.

So, it really comes down to what use you will put them to, and the age you will be replacing them........ if you want them to last many thousands of miles, the Michelins at £150 are great value....... if you want to drive in all weathers/times of year, then the Uniroyals may be worth a look at £125, BUT if most of your driving is in good weather, then the Yokohama V701 at £100 are the one to get. (They are still great in the wet for 99% of conditions, but I would trust the Uniroyals on a wet winter track day more than my Yokos).

Edit to add - have you considered the Avon ZV7? They are well thought of my many who use them.......

[uk08462]

If you've ever seen any tyre 'recommendation' thread where I've made comment, you won't be surprised to hear me say that you should grab the Yokohama V701 while you can still get them!

Indeed I have, and also reading reveiews of each tyre on the web. By their nature they must cater for all types of cars which is why i have narrowed it down to Michelin, Yokohama, Falken and Kumho. Continentals and Bridgestones are also in the mix, but for that price I prefer Michelin. The Yokohams V701 seems to be the best choice and saves £120 over the Michelins.

There is currently very little available from most 'good' brands for the 15" wheels (as discussed on a thread started by Trevor a short time ago) - and it isn't going to get any better.

I have followed Trevor's quest but am looking specifically for S2 16" options rather than the 15" that the SE uses. I recall that the SE had Michelin MXX fitted when the came out of the factory.

So, it really comes down to what use you will put them to, and the age you will be replacing them........ if you want them to last many thousands of miles, the Michelins at £150 are great value....... if you want to drive in all weathers/times of year, then the Uniroyals may be worth a look at £125, BUT if most of your driving is in good weather, then the Yokohama V701 at £100 are the one to get. (They are still great in the wet for 99% of conditions, but I would trust the Uniroyals on a wet winter track day more than my Yokos).

Since I had these Michelin Pilots fitted, I have done 11,000 miles. If it was not for their age, they could easily cover that again. Ideally, I would go with the Michelins again, but my brain is saying go with the Yokohamas as I'll ever get the use out of the Michelins.

[Tuga2112]

Since I had these Michelin Pilots fitted, I have done 11,000 miles. If it was not for their age, they could easily cover that again. Ideally, I would go with the Michelins again, but my brain is saying go with the Yokohamas as I'll ever get the use out of the Michelins.

this is the main argumen that makes me stick to companies like toyo and nangkang. they seem to make tires that grip well at a more friendly budget, and practically all my TR1 tyres still have thread but are certainly aged. they got swapped from the yellow car into the green one (a mismach of the best from both sets) when i replaced them with NS2 in the yellow car. (which is both find good enough in the summer, and were terrifyingly slippy for the first 3 months i used them in the winter)

depending on how my carreer leads me. if i start doing more miles like i used to back before the lockdown. i will certainly consider premium brands. but for the time being these brands have been satisfactory