Tire recommendations for a 330Cic?

[BobInPa]

In February I purchased a 2003 330Cic 5 speed with only 11,280 miles on the odometer. It is wearing 205/50-17 93V 280 A A Continental ContiTouringContact CV95 tires with over 50% of the tread remaining. I like the way the car rides with these tires, they seem quiet and handle well enough for me. I am coming from a 1996 Miata so my senses may be dulled. The problem is that these tires were made in June 2002 and in spite of the assumption that the only time the car was outdoors was when it was being driven they are still old. The left front tire has a barely discernible bubble on its sidewall which worries me. Up until now the car has done very limited high speed driving, but Summer and Fall road trips are just around the corner.

So, assuming that I should replace these tires, what would be a good choice? Quiet and smooth riding are most important. It is my year round daily driver, but I'm retired so I seldom have to drive in the snow which occurs near Philly. Resistance to pothole damage is also a consideration as is cost.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

[auto da fe]

The obvious choice to me would be either Michelin's Pilot Sport A/S or Pilot Exalto. I have had experience with both and they are excellent tires.

[BobInPa]

The obvious choice to me would be either Michelin's Pilot Sport A/S or Pilot Exalto. I have had experience with both and they are excellent tires.

I've always had good luck with Michelins, so the Pilot Exalto A/S appeals to me.
A concern is its 89V Load Index as opposed to my current 93V rating. Convertibles are pretty heavy so 89V may not be enough.

[Cliche Guevara]

In February I purchased a 2003 330Cic 5 speed with only 11,280 miles on the odometer. It is wearing 205/50-17 93V 280 A A Continental ContiTouringContact CV95 tires with over 50% of the tread remaining. I like the way the car rides with these tires, they seem quiet and handle well enough for me. I am coming from a 1996 Miata so my senses may be dulled. The problem is that these tires were made in June 2002 and in spite of the assumption that the only time the car was outdoors was when it was being driven they are still old. The left front tire has a barely discernible bubble on its sidewall which worries me. Up until now the car has done very limited high speed driving, but Summer and Fall road trips are just around the corner.

So, assuming that I should replace these tires, what would be a good choice? Quiet and smooth riding are most important. It is my year round daily driver, but I'm retired so I seldom have to drive in the snow which occurs near Philly. Resistance to pothole damage is also a consideration as is cost.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
I would definitely go with the Pilot Sport A/S Plus. It will ride great and with very little road noise and will be a better wet weather tire than the Continentals you have now. Conti's, in general, will ride and perform well, but their softer construction makes them more apt to roll over and wear unevenly if you're an aggressive driver or have a car than runs a good amount of negative camber (ie: all BMWs lol). Those Michelins will fight the wear a lot better and easily outperform the Conti's.

Regarding the age of the tire, they're definitely getting up there. Regardless of what you do to take care of them the rubber compound will start to break down after 7 or 8 years, and most tire shops won't even air up a tire older than 10 years due to the increased safety hazzard. Yours are 9 years old, so I would definitely think about replacing them soon.

As for the small bubble, that could very well be an impact separation. I can't know for sure without seeing it, but if it is then you need to replace the tire ASAP as it is not structurally sound. Considering how old all your tires are, you'd be best off replacing all four if it is indeed separation.

[335guy]

Bridgestone Potenza Re760. Trust me!

[Jim@tirerack]

I have a 5 Series with the Pilot Sport AS+ and they have been excellent. You may also want to look at the Bridgestone Turaza Serenity as they have the best ride quality. The AS+ would be the better of the two for handling. Both are better than the Conti in all ways.
If I can help let me know.

[Cliche Guevara]

Bridgestone Potenza Re760. Trust me!
Great tire at a great price, but not an all season.

[Jason5driver]

Bridgestone Potenza Re760. Trust me!

Those are HORRIBLE tires....
Poor dry and wet grip...
Provides zero confidence in turns.

I also have the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires.
Best tire I have ever driven on.
Do everything better than the Bridgestone Re-760's.