Bought new Toyo Proxes TPT (all season touring) a week ago to replace Impotenzas on my 2000SE, 5 spd, 16K. They make 215/50's but I opted for the 225/55R17's, 97V, $520 all-in, pre-tax.

Now, I don't race or push the Max as hard as you young guys, so pls. don't **** me for buying a taller tire. But they fit fine, look good (rear wells look filled-up) and didn't cost me $900.... so I'll wait for the snow.

I thought I'd post FYI, as the VAST majority of OEM replacement discussions here seem to focus on these sizes;

225/45R17 OK
235/50R17 OK
235/45R17 arguably OK
245/45R17 arguably OK

The 225/55R17 diameter is .8" larger than OEM. Speedometer is 3.4% too slow (per miata.net). Spec'd for 7" rims.

Currently running at 36 psi, all four.

Dry: Hard to break loose from start. Much quieter on h-way (can actually hear the tunes!). A bit softer response in hard corners.

Rain: Braking's better, as well as starts. Haven't been thru a pond yet, but TPT's are well-rated for hydroplaning.

4/5 stars so far!