1. I have Yokohamas on the front. My rears are bald now. Will I REALLY be able to tell a difference if I go to a different brand of tire in the back??

2. I am buying CHEAP tires this time around. I've been buying expensive ones every year! The Falken ZE512's are very cheap and H rated. The tire dealer even said they are very good tires. Opinions?

 

The 512s are highly rated all season tires. We'll be putting them on our daily driven Miata soon. Everyone will tell you that mixing tires is asking for trouble though. Depending on your rear wear, an alignment might help. Search for the specs that limit wear.

 

Shouldnt Yoko ES100's be near the same price of the Falken's???

Might be worth it to match your fronts....

 

Thanks, Aggie-

wjy is it useful to match the fronts? I bet I wouldnt even be able to tell the difference. I driving spiritedly around curvy roads sometimes, but not that much

 

Because different tires have different levels of traction. This causes things like oversteer, understeer, spin outs, etc. Also different tires hydroplane at different times and different conditions making the car dangerous and unstable.