I took delivery of my 00 K in 9/99 and replaced the rear tires with new Potenza S-03's in June, 2001 at 19,330 miles, while the fronts still had about a half-life to go. I like the S-03's better, and know that after-market (non-dealer original) tires have a longer mileage rating, but I'm curious to know if anyone else has:
1. Experienced faster wear in the back (-duh- I mean "average" driving v. smokin' every start) given the 50/50 weight distribution.
2. Tried the S-03's and how do you like them?

 

1) The rears always seem to go about twice as quick as the fronts, and I don't think it matters what tire is being used.

2) The S03's are not a better tire than the OEM S02's but given where you live I can understand why you'd like them better.

 

Actually Strike, that depends on what you consider to be a "better" tire. For all around performance, the two tires are very close. I have the S03s, and I feel that the ride and handling are very, very similar. Tread wear seems to be slightly better so far. Rain traction is much better in the S03s. I think I like the looks of the tread on the S02s better, but then again, if the tire performs, I could care less what it looks like!
-bryon

 

Bryon,

I'm not going to debate the merits of the two tires. You're perfectly entitled to your opinion, just as I am mine. If wet weather performance is what you desire than the S03 is a great tire. However, I don't usually push the car in wet weather. If you are trying to suggest that the S03 is a better dry weather performance tire we'll have to agree to disagree on that point.

 

I'm presently using S03 on rear wheels and half used original front tires so my situation is similar to your.

In my opinion S02 that were originaly mounted are slighly better in every situation (maybe excepted under rainy weather) and concerning the tirelife differences, until now I would say it is more or less the same.