Tires MICHELIN or LASSA

Our '11 Yaris came with the almost universally-hated Bridgestone RE92s. At 18k miles/two years we were ready to replace them since we were getting lots of ABS and traction control action (wheelspin galore) on wet roads as well as occasional stability control intervention during quick-ish maneuvers in normal driving. Since this is my wife's car, I put a priority on traction, excellent braking and grip on wet roads and quietness/smooth ride over outright handling (she's a calm driver) -- so I had a set of Defenders put on her car today while Costco is having $70 off a set this month. They are really excellent and have transformed the car. Before, with the Bridgestones, it was difficult to carry on a conversation, especially with anyone in the back seat. Now, you can do it -- there's more engine and wind noise than road noise (previously it was the opposite). Minor impacts like potholes and reflectors are much less noticeable, too. Handling is just adequate since it's a standard touring tire, but steering response is decent (but not super quick, either) and there's a lot of ultimate grip there (definitely not all roly-poly). Braking seems much better, too. I stomped the brakes going down a bumpy hill leaving my neighborhood (ABS would always go off in this spot with the old tires) and the car just stopped without any drama, which was refreshing. Give them a shot if you're looking for a competent, quiet, smooth tire that lasts a long time (90k warranty!) if you have a vehicle in your household that doesn't require a sporty tire.

I switch from the 255/40R19 oem Pirellis to 215/65R16 Michelin XiceXi2 (one winter so far) for the season. No complaints, except for the look of going from 19x9 to 16x6.5 (super inboard in the rear).

Trying out michelin xice i2s this winter- reviews are great.

I got a set of the Michelin xi3 on my tig last winter Very very happy with them .

If it helps, I can tell you that Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 235/ 40 R18 tires on 18x8 ET 43 wheels fit perfectly on the MK6. My speedo is about 1.5mph off @ 70mph, according to my GPS. No rub, no nothing, just horrible road noise from 95Y rated tires.

Took the T-reg out on the country roads and I must say I love the feeling of the new Michelin tires, and of course how quiet they are.

look into lightweight battery (I run a Braille 21lbs in my Nismo) and tires...the Michelin Pilot SuperSports are pretty lightweight.

i've replaced some RFTs on my Z4 with Michelin Pilot SuperSports, and LOVE them, but i doubt they're in your < $500 budget..

+1 Had these swapped onto the GTI from the GLI that I traded. On both, they were transformational. Exceptional dry grip, and almost as good in the rain. Amazingly low tire noise and pretty decent tread wear so far.

Michelin Pilot Super Sports. They are probably the best tire on the market. Fairly low noise as far as summer tires go. They grip well in the dry and the rain.