Hi, I recently changed the factory fitted Cooper Cobras on 9502, which after 11k miles were only worn on rears. However they were very hard and slippy in damp conditions...I couldn't keep pace with Graham on his Khumos, ignoring his other mods! or Barrie in his CRS on Avons, ignoring his far superior AC driving experience.
I fitted the Michelin Pilot Sports (on original 16" wheels), from Tyres Pneus Online, more or less £400ea. They are so far, 250 miles in, infinitely better than previous tyres in both wet and dry.
I have little doubt though that the Khumos would also have been a vast improvement over aged tyres. There was no reason, or at least any sound reference, as to why I chose Michelin over Khumo. Suffice to say that if my new Michelin's on the rears do not last 10k miles I will probably then switch to the more affordable boots. Perhaps a blessing of the more relaxed and civilised CRS is that spinning the tyres is a rare occurance, which is quite beneficial to the tyres working life.
Happy motoring,
Phillip