Hi folks I treated myself to a 2010 cooper s with 45k miles on it. Tyre are new falken 205/45R17” I’m having issues with the handling off the car at low speed(in town below 30mph no heavy acceleration ) if there is little bumps or putting in the road the steering goes like it’s on marbles. Scary if ur going round corner and get caught out. Is this down to tyre size , make or price?? Any help gratefully accepted

 

Sounds like it could be the front lower control arm bushings gone bad. This is common and the description you give sounds valid for this issue. With these bushings bad the tires will want to follow ruts in the road as they will be constantly pulling slightly to the left and right. They are a pain in the rear to change but if you search on youtube there are plenty of how to videos.