I replaced my tires about a month ago, and thought I'd share my experience, so far. I had planned to buy Michelins, as I am prone to do. But, My R56 CooperS has 95K miles, and money is tight, so I did some shopping. I looked at a review of high-performance all-season tires, and was rather shocked to see the Hankook Ventus S1 noble2 rated pretty darn close to similar Michelin tires I was favoring, for 300 bucks less for the set. I decided to take a chance. I've got about 1,000 miles on them. Half of it is Dallas driving, which is 50/50 stop-and-go and freeway. I also took a long trip over the Thanksgiving weekend. I drove from Dallas to Houston on I-45. I Drove from Houston to Port Arthur on I-10. Then, I drove from Port Arthur to Dallas on country roads through East Texas. I had been very pleased with these tires in Dallas on dry and wet roads. They were also excellent on the interstates -- and I think I actually got better gas milage this trip. That could be the tires, or any number of other factors. Driving home through East Texas on mostly two-lane, sometimes winding roads, I drove into a cold front, which included periods of rain. I never felt any angst driving on the rain soaked black-top roads, where the speed limit was often 75. I have always been a bit of a tire snob. But, I have to tell you, I like these Hankooks. CD
WELCOME TO THE CLUB! I am continually talking customers out of continentals and michelins for these and everyone has the same end opinion-they are great! edit: that is what is on my own car as well!