The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis came from an era when small imported cars were valued for simplicity, efficiency, and easy everyday drivability. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire choice matters because this compact car uses two distinct 13-inch radial sizes depending on the exact trim. Most Precis versions use 155/80R13, while the LS models use 175/70R13, so the first step is matching the tire to the car’s specific configuration. Available choices also vary in character, from traditional whitewall styles in 155/80R13 to a performance-oriented blackwall offering in 175/70R13. That makes wheel setup, trim level, and intended appearance just as important as size alone.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis
The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model. Both sizes are radial tires built for 13-inch rims, but the first decision is identifying whether the car is a Base, RS, LS, or aluminum-wheel variant. Once that is confirmed, the tire choice becomes a matter of matching the right size and deciding whether the goal is a clean blackwall look or a more traditional whitewall presentation.
Fit(s): Base, RS, RS w/aluminum wheels, and w/aluminum wheels
Construction: Radial|Rim: 13 in
155/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 155 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis, this is the primary fitment for several sub-models and reflects the narrow, economy-car sizing common to the period. Available choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles from brands such as Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, across series including UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and Tornel Classic. It is the size to evaluate when preserving the original proportions and 13-inch wheel fitment on the covered trims that use it.
175/70R13 is a metric radial size with a 175-millimeter nominal section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. On the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis, this size applies to LS configurations, so it should not be treated as universal across every Precis. The available offering in this size is an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial, which gives this fitment a distinctly different product character from the whitewall-oriented 155/80R13 choices. It is the right size to compare when the car is an LS model and the goal is to stay with the proper 13-inch radial fitment for that trim.
Tire fitment on the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis varies by sub-model, so trim identification matters before choosing a tire. Most covered versions use 155/80R13, while the LS models move to 175/70R13, even though all of them stay on 13-inch radial tires.
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1989 Mitsubishi Precis Base
The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis Base uses the 155/80R13 radial tire size on a 13-inch rim. That keeps the selection focused on choosing among available whitewall-oriented radial options and confirming that the wheels on the car still match the original trim setup.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis LS uses 175/70R13 radial tires rather than the narrower 155/80R13 size found on other Precis trims. Tire selection for this sub-model starts with confirming the LS fitment and then comparing the available blackwall radial option for the correct 13-inch wheel.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis LS w/aluminum wheels also uses the 175/70R13 radial size on a 13-inch rim. That means the key step is verifying that the car still has the matching wheel setup before choosing a tire in the proper LS size.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis RS uses the 155/80R13 radial tire size. For this trim, the decision centers less on size variation and more on choosing the sidewall style and tire series that best suit the car’s appearance and road use.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis RS w/aluminum wheels remains on the 155/80R13 radial size. That keeps fitment straightforward, but it is still worth confirming wheel width and the actual wheels on the car before selecting among the available whitewall radial choices.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis w/aluminum wheels uses 155/80R13 radial tires on a 13-inch rim. Tire selection here is mainly about choosing the right appearance and product specifications within that size while confirming that the aluminum-wheel setup has not been changed over time.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1989 Mitsubishi Precis Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Mitsubishi Precis tire choices vary by size and appearance. The 155/80R13 fitment includes Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel options in UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and Tornel Classic series, while 175/70R13 is offered as an Avon CR6ZZ blackwall radial.
These FAQs focus on the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis tire sizes, 13-inch rim fitment, sub-model differences, sidewall choices, and the maintenance checks that matter before regular driving or longer road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Mitsubishi Precis?
The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis uses two tire sizes: 155/80R13 and 175/70R13. The correct size depends on the sub-model. Base, RS, RS w/aluminum wheels, and Precis w/aluminum wheels use 155/80R13, while LS and LS w/aluminum wheels use 175/70R13.
That means the first step is identifying the exact trim before ordering tires. Both sizes fit 13-inch rims, but they are not the same size choice across the full Precis range. On an older car, it is also smart to confirm the actual wheels currently installed, since previous owners may have changed wheels or tire sizing over time.
What size rim does a 1989 Mitsubishi Precis use?
Both tire sizes used on the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis are built for 13-inch rims. That applies to the 155/80R13 fitment and the 175/70R13 fitment, so the wheel diameter remains consistent even though the tire size changes by sub-model.
Rim diameter is only part of the fitment picture, though. Wheel width can still affect which tire works properly, especially if the car has replacement steel wheels or aftermarket aluminum wheels. Matching the correct 13-inch diameter first, then checking the actual wheel width and the car’s trim, helps avoid choosing the wrong tire setup.
Do all 1989 Mitsubishi Precis sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1989 Mitsubishi Precis does not use one tire size across every covered sub-model. Most versions use 155/80R13, but the LS and LS w/aluminum wheels use 175/70R13 instead.
That difference matters because tire selection should start with the sub-model, not just the year and model name. A Precis that still carries its original trim setup is easier to match correctly, while a car that has had wheels swapped may need closer inspection. Looking at the actual wheels and current tire markings is a practical way to confirm the right starting point.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1989 Mitsubishi Precis tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact 1989 Mitsubishi Precis sub-model, since this car uses either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13. From there, compare construction, rim-width compatibility where stated, sidewall style, tire series, and the overall look you want for the car.
The available 155/80R13 tires lean toward traditional whitewall presentation, while 175/70R13 is offered as a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ. That creates two different buying paths depending on trim and appearance goals. It also helps to check load figures, wheel width, and how the car will be driven, especially if it is used only occasionally or has not been on the road recently.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Mitsubishi Precis tires?
Sidewall style depends on the tire size used on the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis. In 155/80R13, available styles include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall. In 175/70R13, the available option is a blackwall radial.
That gives the owner a meaningful appearance decision even within correct fitment. A whitewall can create a more traditional late-1980s compact-car presentation, while a blackwall keeps the look more restrained and performance-oriented. Sidewall style should still come after confirming the proper size for the trim, since appearance does not override the vehicle’s actual fitment requirements.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis?
Tires for the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis are available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, and Avon. Brand availability depends on size, with the 155/80R13 fitment carrying the broader selection and 175/70R13 represented by Avon in the CR6ZZ series.
That spread gives owners different ways to approach the car. Someone preserving a traditional look in 155/80R13 can compare several whitewall-oriented options, while an LS owner using 175/70R13 has a more focused path. Comparing the correct size first, then sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width suitability, leads to a more useful choice than selecting by brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Mitsubishi Precis?
A period-style choice for a 1989 Mitsubishi Precis starts with using the correct sub-model size, either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13. From there, the 155/80R13 options offer the broadest traditional appearance choices, including narrow whitewall and wide whitewall radials, while 175/70R13 is available as a blackwall radial.
The best visual match depends on how the car is being presented. A stock-appearing commuter-style restoration may call for a simple, understated tire, while a more formal whitewall look can change the car’s character noticeably. When exact originality matters, compare tire appearance against period photos, marque references, and the wheel setup currently on the car before making the final decision.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1989 Mitsubishi Precis?
On the 1989 Mitsubishi Precis, the primary fitments are radial tires, so the basic construction type does not create a bias-ply-versus-radial appearance choice. The more visible difference comes from sidewall treatment and tire series, especially within the 155/80R13 size where both narrow and wide whitewall styles are available.
That means the restored look of the car is shaped more by visual presentation than by switching construction types. A blackwall keeps the car cleaner and more understated, while a whitewall gives it a more dressed appearance. Tire proportions should still remain tied to the correct trim-level size so the car keeps the stance and wheel-to-tire relationship appropriate to the Precis.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Mitsubishi Precis?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1989 Mitsubishi Precis even though the original sizes are straightforward. Aftermarket wheels, different wheel widths, suspension changes, or a previous move away from the stock 13-inch setup can all affect what size and specification should be considered.
A car that has been lowered, fitted with replacement wheels, or altered for appearance may have different clearance needs than a stock Precis. That is why it helps to inspect the actual wheel diameter, width, and installed tire markings before choosing replacements. Steering clearance and fender room are also worth checking anytime the current setup does not appear to match the original trim-level fitment.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Mitsubishi Precis on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Mitsubishi Precis on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and sound condition, verify proper inflation, and make sure there is no interference at the fenders or steering components. It is also wise to check the old tires and wheels for signs of uneven wear that could point to alignment or suspension issues.
Collector and older economy cars often sit for long periods, so basic road-readiness matters as much as tire size. Look over the suspension, brakes, and wheel hardware, and make sure the car tracks properly during an initial short drive. A careful first inspection helps the new tires wear correctly and reduces the chance that an existing chassis problem will be blamed on the tire itself.
How should 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 tires on a collector 1989 Mitsubishi Precis be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1989 Mitsubishi Precis should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and air loss, and protected from long exposure to sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources during storage. Those basics apply whether the car uses 155/80R13 or 175/70R13 tires.
Low-mileage cars can develop age-related tire problems even when tread still looks usable. A monthly visual check and occasional pressure check are worthwhile, especially before the first drive after storage. Keeping the car on clean, properly fitted 13-inch wheels and moving it occasionally can also help avoid flat spotting and other issues that come with long periods of inactivity.
