Tires for my mazda 3
 

Ok so I've read a bunch on this forum about tires. Not looking for performance but good price, decent handling long tread life all in one. Mine is a 05 MZ3 HB. Stock tires are 205 50/R17 looking to put on some 215 50 / R17. A member here had mentioned this might give me a little less of a harsh ride... Currently looking at these two

BF Goodrich Traction T/A 215/50 R17 91V RBL $ 79.10 from Tires-easy.com and

FALKEN ZIEX ZE-912 : 215/50R17 91V

$82.40 from Discount tire zone

Hopefully less noise and good not great handling. Mainly a commuter. I need them very soon so any and I mean any advice would be fantastic...

Can't speak for Goodrich but, I have Falkins on my pickup and they are wearing very well.
I have put roughfly ten thousand miles on them in two years, and they still look like they were just installed.
Handeling is surpurb.
Don't know how they would be on the hatchback though.
When the time comes to replace the tires on my hatchback, I am going with Yokohoma 520"s because I have heard good reviews on these.
Falkins are a bit pricey.
Bob.

Keep in mind that 215/50 R17 tires WILL introduce speedometer error (i.e. your speedometer and odometer will indicate a lower speed and record fewer miles than actually traveled). If you really want to go wider you should consider 225/45 R17 tires as that size is almost spot on the same diameter as your OEM tires.

Thx for both your thoughts... I did realize the speed issue. Looking in to it it appears to be about 1 mile per hour difference. Nonetheless, your suggestion of an even wider tire... will it ride more comfortable ? Will my rims handle the width ? Although mild weather we do get some snow not like 4-5 in worth but some and lots of rain ?... Thanks.

P.S. Anyone used tires-easy.com? Seems to be part of a bigger outfit but ya never know.