2002 Camry LE Tire Recommendations?

[nicshow]

I'm sorry if there is already a thread that I'm not seeing but I'm needing to replace tires on this car (215/60-15). That's not the size I see listed as the original size but perhaps I'm missing something.

I'd appreciate any direction you can give me!

Thanks,

Nic

[Yuko]

The original factory installed tire size is 205/65-R15. But 215/60-R15 is acceptable as it's just a bit wider but the overall diameter of the tire is the same as the OEM.

[nicshow]

Is there any advantage/disadvantage to moving to that size or advantage/disadvantage to staying with original size?

[Yuko]

Between the size 205/65-15 and 215/60-15, the different is not very noticeable. The 215’s may give slightly better handling due to the wider thread area, but is heavier and more expensive than the OEM size in most cases.

On the other hand, the 205/65-15 size was very popular in the 90’s and into the 2000’s. This gives it a larger selection of tire brands to pick from. Generally, it is cheap than the 215's too. Best of all, since it's the OEM size, you should never have issues with tire/body clearance.

[nicshow]

Thank you! That's very helpful!

Now, in terms of recommendations in the 205/65-15 size? Are there some models that folks have had better success with?

Nic

[Yuko]

Like shoes, everyone will give suggest different brands they like. My recommendation is to search for any brand name tires on sale. A recognizable brand like Goodyear, Bridgestone, Falken, etc. will do fine. On many forums, Michelin seem to be the favorite. If it's a daily driver, a good all-season tire will do the job and usually provide the long tread wear. For more spirited drivers, like myself, a touring or performance tire is perfect but they do tend to have shorter tread life.

I would stay away from off-brand like BCT, Westlake, Primewell, etc. These are tires design and manufactured by off-shore companies. Yes, they do meet USDOT requirement but it’s “you get what you pay for.”

[nicshow]

Thanks, Yuko!

It looks like the highest reviewed tires in this size are the Hancook Optimo H727 or the Michelin Primacy MXV4.

If anyone has experience with either of these or with others not mentioned I would appreciate knowing!

Nic

[Import]

I wouldn't go with the Hankook, personally. Everyone says the mileage warranty is the best in the business, but when it comes down to it in 40k when your shoulders are showing steel, they're going to pin an alignment problem on you and void your mileage warranty. The difference between the two is that the Michelin has a larger internal nylon and steel belt package. That provides you with a more stable ride and more even wear on the tires. The Michelins will also help you get more wear and life out of the tire by reducing your rolling resistance, providing you less temperature fluxuation between hot and cold, helping increase gas mileage. Hope this information helps.

[Donald E. George]

Michelin Hydroedge or Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread would be a good choice for an all around tire. My preference is to install tires with a H speed rating. They won't go as many miles but they are built better than a P rated tire which is what probably came on your vehicle.

[Yuko]

Originally Posted by Donald E. George

Michelin Hydroedge or Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread would be a good choice for an all around tire. My preference is to install tires with a H speed rating. They won't go as many miles but they are built better than a P rated tire which is what probably came on your vehicle.

P rated tire? The lowest speed rating allowed for passenger vehicle use is S, then T, H, V, etc. The minimum speed rating for Gen 5 Camry is "T" rated. Speed rating of P and Q is given for snow tires.

I would pick the Michelin Primacy (H rated) over the Hankook Optimo (T rated). Both are good tires and have OEM versions equipped on other factory vehicles. Don't forget that there are more tires out there than Tirerack can provide. Michelin X-Radial, for example, is a great tire only available at Costco.