I went to my local Big O, because my OEM S-02's were looking thin with 26k miles, especially the rears. First, they convince me to get the Assuro, H rated, then when I pick up the car, they've put 205/55's all around. All they had in the rear size was the z-rated Extremo, and they had to order the fronts, so back on went my OEM fronts.
With the Fuldas, the car was virtually uncontrollable-it wandered all over the road like there was a cross wind. Problem gone with replacing my bald S-02's. I call TireRack, like I should have in the first place, and my s-03's will be here tomorrow, at an unbeatable price. The guy at Big O refunded my money and is installing them free for all the trouble he put me through.
DON'T PUT FULDA EXTREMOS ON AN S2K. OUR CAR HATES THEM

Has anybody made the treadwear/handling compromise and put lower speed rated tires on their car?

 

What were you thinking? Even if I wanted a long-wearing budget tire for a Toyota Tercel, I wouldn't get Fulda tires. Putting anything less than a Kumho 712 on the S2000 is simply beyond my comprehension.

Glad to see you found the true path...

My S-03s are on their way from the Rack at a price that would make you cry