So it is getting time to replace the tires on my 2003 Acura 3.2 TL Type S. I am looking for tires in the 215/50R17 size and in the performance summer tire type.

A few years back when I was looking for similar tires for my civic, I was recommended the Yokohama S.Drives. I really like these tires on my civic, plenty of grip and pretty decent wear characteristics. Not to mention the price wasn't too bad either. looking at tire rack, the base price for a set of 4 starts around 400 and goes up to 550+. honestly I could afford some of the nicer tires but i am not sure if it is really worth it. What would you recommend, and what have been your experiences with them?

Thanks!

 

So, these tires will only be on during the summer and taken off during other seasons? Or is this a DD year-round?

 

Summer only of course

 

Many of us can run "summer" tires year round without concern. They're fine down to around 32 - 45 degrees F (depending on the exact tire), which are temperatures my car has never seen.

S.drives are great all around summer tires, with good grip and wear characteristics for occasionally aggressively driven street cars.

 

This is true but the low temperature combined with snow/wet roads here in new england I want something with a bit more tread depth and grip.

I have been thinking about the S.Drives, but for example they are listed as ultra high performance summer tires, while Kumho Ecsta LE Sport are listed as max performance summer tires. both get great ratings but the S.Drives are listed on tire rack for 30 bux more. Both get reviewed well, and the tire wear rating is similar (280 to 300). Think it is worth it?

 

I'd go with the S.drives still. The Kumho Ecsta ASX are a great all season (loved them on my A4), but the SPT over the LE Sport would be my pick for a summer tire from Kumho, and the S.drives over either, based on reviews and knowledgable people posting in this forum in the past.

With New England winters, you'll either want a dedicated winter tire for that season, or a good all season to use year round. Most summer tires are perfectly fine in the wet (with adequate tread depth), it's the cold that kills their grip.

I daily drive on Bridgestone RE-11s, but I'm crazy and Los Angeles doesn't exactly have "winter" to worry about.

 

I'd also have you look at the Hankook Ventus V12 for a good price, but the Yoko's would be a little more durable and a little quieter................

 

Agreed with the earlier sentiments. I strongly believe Yokohama S. Drives are the best daily driver summer tire. After autocrossing on them for a full season I'm not sure I think they're the best for dual duty, but they get 1mpg better than most of the competition and are very quiet and predictable.

Dual duty I'd recommend something more aggressive, but I would absolutely buy the S. drive again for my future daily driver.