I searched the archive to see if there are any tire selection threads for the "price sensitive". Nothing. My car needs tires for an inspection and I'm not planning to do much other than drive it to the grocery store and back once a month. I'm looking at P205 60 R14 88H and theres not much to choose from. Can I change size slightly for better selection? Who is Nankang, Falken, Nexen? Are they any good? I'm clueless when it comes to budget rubber.

 

The original tire size on a 5.5" wide, 4-lug rim was 185/70 R14. If you're looking at a 205, you're already 2-sizes up. That's a little too much tire for that small of a rim. It will balloon out, and some shops may refuse to install them.

Tire size calculator: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html.
Brochures: https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/specifications-what-did-2nd-generation-rx-7-come-w-options-standard-features-642372/

 

Thanks for the heads-up on size. I haven't bought tires for the car since 1993 (!) and forgot I pushed the width up to 205. Frankly the tires don't look unusual, certainly not ballooned out. At any rate there is much more selection in 195's so I think I'll probably look at something in that size.

 

You'll be able to save some money going with a little smaller size anyhow. Under $200 will be tough with all the state fees, install fees etc... they like to tack on.

 

Used tires may be the key. See if there's a scrapyard or used tire shop near you.

I usually take a look at the ones at the used tire shop.
Always look at tread depth and sidewall condition for cracks...

Look for the DOT number on the side. The last four digits are the week and year that the tire was built. Try and grab the newest tires you can get. I'd rather get a half used two year old tire than an almost new 12 year old tire.

 

I have a shop where Live that sells used tires, they happen to sell the for $1 and inch (so 14s would be $14 plus $10 mounting fee) If you can find a similar shop, its normally fairly reasonable.

On a side note, they sell used "performance" tires for $35 per (225/45/17). Its great, I get a "new" set of rears mounted at the beginning of every summer, $100 bucks all said and done.