GODyear F1s

[macaroni]

I just replaced my hideous front tyres, Roadstone Dark Horses, with Goodyear F1s and the car has been transformed.
They weren't even down on tread, but I never trust cheapo tyres, so they had to go. Fitting the new tyres has solved 3 problems: pulling to the left, massive torque steer and vibration under acceleration.

The 2 F1s were so cheap, £98 balanced and fitted at my workplace, I wonder why anyone would bother fitting budget tyres.

[JohnTurbo]

Why? Because i get tyres fitted for £12.50 a corner.

[Roo]

Why? Because i get tyres fitted for £12.50 a corner.

and some budget tyres are actually pretty good.

[macaroni]

Really? Which ones? I've recently inherited Ventus, Ceat, Roadhog and Roadstone tyres, amongst others, and they've all been utter rubbish.
None, however, have been as bad as Continental EcoContacts, which are downright dangerous.

[Roo]

Personally, I rate Marangoni's as a good budget tyre. The T5 was on budget tyres (their name escapes me just now) and I had no problems with them either- good grip, longevity(for a T5 ), Black, Round etc...

[Roo]

Although i do remember the tyres i had on my Vespa years ago were pish! chen-shin and a gagatungel! The names just ooze quality

[JohnTurbo]

Typically michelin part worns. Place i go to gets them from a place which buys late model written off cars. -Have 3/4 tread or more.

I'd like to buy nice tyres, but never feel like splashing out a hundred on a pair when i can pay £25 for 3/4 of the life.

[macaroni]

Ah, John, part-worn Michelins are not strictly the budget tyres I'm talking about are they?

Looking at mytyres.co.uk, an F1 in 195/50/15 is £35.50 and a marangoni is £27.40. Surely a saving of £8 a tyre isn't worth getting an inferior tyre? And surely the fact they're black and round is the very least you can expect from a tyre!!

[JohnTurbo]

Agreed my friend!

[Ral]

I wish I'd gone for the F1's, with the Goodyears my car was so much better connected. Anyways, garage I go to provide Tigars for those on a budget and have always claimed they are decent tyres, especially for the price (£25 each). Looking at their website, apparently they are made under auspices and ownership of Michelin, so I guess that would be why. I had them on my previous car, but it having been a Cavalier, that's not much of a judge in the handling department

[Jopo]

hey guys i'm new to this site and hope to get into 480 motoring soon, however the subject of tyres is not 480 related so i will put in my opinion.

firstly the goodyear F1's are a nice tyre, with decnt grip in the wet and godly grip in the dry.

those regal race tyres you refer to at the top, i'm pretty sure they sell those as a semi-slick (hence its softer compound and meant for track use - hence grip in the wet will probably be questionable) - i have always put Toyo Proxes on my cars (mostly old fast fiestas - so similar size and weight to a 480) the Toyo Proxes such as T1-S's are sold as road tyres and in most cases offer almost the same grip in the dry as much softer compounds, they are also reasonably cheap, in my opinion they are better tyres than the F1's and cost a bit less.

[Jopo]

Continental EcoContacts, which are downright dangerous

he tells the truth about those continental eco tyres, they are shockingly bad - the best bit is they are supposed to reduce fuel economy and i saw no difference, other than the poor grip levels for dry, wet, snow and under braking.

as for the goodyear f1's - i have never tried them, but have heard good things. was thinking bout trying them out at some point - but they are pretty expensive.

i have always opted for Toyo proxes T1-S's, which have been replaced with the T1-R's now - which are supposed to be even better. they are nice tyres and they are cheap ..... go for them int he 195/50/15 size and they are about 30 quid a corner

[chriskay]

Another vote for Toyo Proxes. I fitted 4, T1-R's, 195/55 15's a few months ago. I had Proxes on a previous 480 & have always liked them. I would have had them on my 850 T5 but was advised that the car was perhaps a little too heavy, so on that I had the Goodyear Eagle F1's which I was also happy with.

[ted clutch]

stepping from my last car to this i wondered why the handling felt utter trepidation .new rear dampers made it better but the rear is shed with eco contact.the guy used it as a selling point. no benefits noticeable other than the back seems loose hen going a moderate pace.

[Jopo]

@ Ted clutch, that is hilarious

the guy that sold u the car is one hell of a salesman, being able to turn tyres like that into a selling point is hilarious - get them off there, they are the worst tyres iv used...... ever. and i've used budget ones from "Rotex" before.

[richj]

i had budget tyres on when I got the car. The under steer was frighting - even at low speeds.

I replaced them with ventus k102's which might not be the best tyre in the world - but cost £50 nearly new fitted.

The difference was profound. I haven't yet (touch wood) had the car understeering unintentionally.

[V480TI]

For the last 4 months I used new Toyo's T1R 205/50/15V on my Vesa's.
I am incredibly happy with them, and a month later I put new yellow Koni's allround and -4 cm quality springs.
The handling with these tyres is so much better, grip on dry and rain,sound and looks.

And compared to other brands of tyres, I think the price/quality is the best with Toyo's.

greetz