986 S tyres

Tommy Kaira · Aug 25, 2016

Hello guys,

I'm looking at buying a Boxster S and I've found one that's the spec I'm looking for. The problem is it has perished Pirrelis on the front and some sort of budget ditch finders on the back. The seller says they'll get a fresh MoT which will require new fronts but he says he'll only put budget tyres on.

I'm trying to get the price right so that I can put some decent tyres on it within my budget but options seem to be limited for matching fronts and rears in the right size (205/50 17 and 255/45 17 I believe).

What tyres do you guys run and would a 225/45 17 fit on the front without any ill effects?

Thanks in advance,
TK

whytewm · Aug 25, 2016

I'd be a little cautious or push for a good deal. In the back of my mind would be: if the tyres are not to Porsche spec, what else has been scrimped on during previous maintenance? The Pirelli website is useful for their "official" recommendations. https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-gb/car/find-your-tyres/fit-on-your-car/porsche

Chappelle · Aug 25, 2016

Very little difference in rolling radius (0.4%) but I'd strongly recommend quality tyres and the right size

This website will help with sizes

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible_pg4.html

One site for tyres. £89 for a Bridgestone. Worth paying the extra (not a lot) for a proper tyre

http://www.camskill.co.uk/m54b0s3989p0/Car_Tyres_-_MPV_Tyres_-_People_Carrier_Tyres_-_17_inch_R17_inch_-_205_50_17_205_50R17_OE_Porsche

You ought to ask yourself if the seller is such a tight-wad what other cost saving has he gone to?

chrishak · Aug 25, 2016

Mine had nearly new Pirelli P-Zero's, 225/40 18 front and 265/35 18 rear when I bought it. I've never driven a car that tramlined so enthusiastically, not even close. They might have made excellent track tyres but for my daily motorway and A road commute they were a PITA.So when it was time to change I had no hesitation in swapping to Continental Sport Contacts, which I've always been gappy with in my 911. Tramloning was a thing of the past and Just about everything else inproved. At a recent, very wet, Brands Harch travk evening, grip was good, there was plenty of warning that he car was starting to move around a bit and when slides did occur, they were easily controlled.
They aren't cheap but nor are they the most expensive.

Tommy Kaira · Aug 25, 2016

Thanks guys,

That thought had crossed my mind. It's from a car dealer and he took it in p/x so I believe he put the cheap tyres on the back as they were worn below the legal limit. The last owner traded up to a Chrysler 300c so he could ferry his grand kids about. History looks good and complete and the car is spotless aside from the tyres.

Thanks for the input.

igfjohns · Aug 25, 2016

the rubber is all that keeps you on the road, I changed from continentals to pilot sports years ago and have never looked back Porsche fittment n3. I got a stupidly cheap deal on a new set of pilot sport 3 for the front by ordering online at kwik fit £214 for a pair fitted and balanced. I watched the tyre fitter to ensure he was careful when handing everything.

You should tell the dealer unless he supplies the car with Porsche approved tyres it's no deal. Your insurance company may not cover you if you run non Porsche approved tyres

Chappelle · Aug 25, 2016

The tyres from Camskill are Porsche N rated. You might be well advised to get a specialist to inspect the car - a cheap car can cost a lot more than an expensive on long term if there are problems

Whatever, good luck and let us know how you get on