Im in the market for a new set of semi slicks. There hasnt been talk on here for a while about the latest and greatest. What have people had good experiences with lately? Im after something mid range cost wise.

I've heard good things about the Kumho V70A's...
http://fsport.com.au/kumho_v70a.html
 
... and FSport out out Arundell Park in Western Sydney have a special on them at the moment that's just unbeatable: http://fsport.com.au/special_offers.html
 
Cheaper than most ordinary tyres!

manufactured in 2009 or 2010, might be passed their shelf life you reckon?

Hmmm. I doubt it. Think about how long the same tyres sit on some cars!
 
Maybe if you were genuinely racing they wouldn't be totally optimal, but for track or club days they'd probably be totally fine. And the price is so cheap compared to most other semi slicks!

What size rims are you running? Rim size can really change your options and change the price.
 
R888's are reasonably priced in the 15" size. I bought a set of 205/50R15 from eBay (Brand new, confirmed 2012 build date) and shipped them to QLD for $1160.

I have driven on RE55S, Dunlop DZ03G and Advan semi's.
 
I like them both but may fall into a more premium price bracket.
 
I have tried the Nitto and Federals but found them so so personally (greasy)
 
(Nittos and Federals not on MR2's)

I use Federal 595 RSR's and I really like them. 17's up front and 18's at the rear. They are very cheap and seem to grip quiet well. Under brakes at winton with the factory seatbelt I was getting launch out of the seat. I've had to fit a full harness now to stay seated. Basically couldn't take my foot off the foot rest to clutch down as I had so much force lifting me out of the seat. The RSR's are what you would classify as a very hard semi slick though. I haven't tried other proper semi's like the dunlop direzza  but I try to limit what I spend on the car as I'm not out to break lap records, just having some fun. Depends on your budget really. The Dunlop Drezza's is what I've seen a lot of the serious guys using and a lot of people have told me they reckon they are the best tyre. Even some tyre store owners are running them as opposed to the brands they sell.

Pat, are we talking RSR/AD08 type drivable in the wet type tyres or full blown track semis, go over a puddle and you'll guaranteed aquaplane type tyres?

I think Kumho KU36's are a great tire for there price. 
 

KU36 and 595RS-R's are not R compound tires.