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SS must be nice my SS A/s where a disaster, 20k max out of em and they got noisier than hell was told at the alignment check for my P7s the alignment was spot on.. Dumped em early as others told me i would they where right.. Boc the P7's are not as good as my Michelins in rain. The 3 deep center grooves spin so much water onto the felt liners they are pretty loud like slush. I was hydroplaning most of the way to work on water covered HWY's, once a year 3 day storm, and they where a little squirrely. Still would buy em but if the Premier may be better for rain.
Thought I should bring this over to this thread because it is on topicAlso went with the Pirelli P7+ after dissatisfaction with two different sets of Michelins (Pilot A/S 3+ and Premier LTX). I have only put on 25 total miles on the Pirellis since they were installed and road force balanced yesterday and the LS rides like a dream now. The ride quality is so plush and has restored my affinity for the car. I finally understand what car magazine reviewers meant when they said "bumps are heard but not felt" in the LS. The Pirelli tire compound smothers bumps and expansion joints better than the Premier LTX and offers a more pleasant muted sound over impacts.
I have been a die-hard Michelin fan for 20 years across our family's collection of Toyota and Lexus sedans, SUVs, and trucks. I have been very happy with Michelins for decades, until we got the LS this past April 2016. The Pilot A/S 3+ came on the car and were brand new. They were obnoxiously loud and transmitted sharp road impacts. America's Tire was nice enough to help me swap the Pilots for Premier LTX at no charge, even though I didn't purchase the Pilots from them (but had been a long-time customer). The reason I didn't get thePremier A/S was because I thought getting a 235/50/18 tire would give me more side-wall and better ride quality. After all, I really didn't want to downsize myOEM 18s and the 235/50/18 Premier LTX brought me within a 1/4-inch of a 17-inch tire side-wall height. Immediately the ride and noise was markedly improved over the hated Michelin Pilots. However, after two months I was still conflicted and debating whether or not to downsize my wheels because I wasn't completely satisfied with the ride quality of the LS. I had the mechanic rule out anysuspension issues and the car has had two alignments performed.
Once again, the great customer service at America's Tire allowed me to swap thePremier LTX for the Pirelli Cinturato P7 Plus. I wish I went to the P7+ at the very beginning. The ride is so smooth now and noise level is slightly better than thePremier LTX. The LS has very good reflexes with the P7+ but most impressive is the luxurious ride. The P7+ has helped me fall in love again with the LS -- I was seriously falling out of love with the car because of the disappointing ride qualities and was embarrassed to have passengers in the car (others complimented the LS ride but I'm fanatic about ride quality and was starting to think I may have to go to an S-class). The LS just didn't have the ride quality I expected when riding on Michelins. The P7+ has also helped solve an internal dilemma for me and I no longer wonder about downsizing to 17 rims for ride quality. I finally have the blend of comfort/handling without having to sacrifice the style of 18s.
I've read up a lot on the P7+ and am aware of the often criticized wet traction. I will report back after we get some rain next month. So far though, I couldn't be happier with the P7+ and what's more remarkable is that it rides better in the 245/45/18 sizing than the Premier LTX did at 235/50/18 with supposedly "more sidewall". Although I don't have any experience with the Premier A/S, if myPremier LTX experience is any indication, I doubt the Premier A/S will get half the rated tread life. I have noticed our sets of Michelins the past 5 years have struggled to get half of their rated tread life. Michelins used to always exceed tread life rating for me but not anymore and we've had some cars for 10+ years so the car hasn't changed nor our driving habits -- Michelin quality has definitely seemed to change. I hope the P7+ encourages Michelin to step up their game because even if the Premier A/S performs as well as the P7+, the Premier is $50 more per tire (in the 245/45 size), starts with only 8.5/32nd tread, and has a lower tread life rating. For those still on the fence, give the P7+ a try as they're in a 3-way tie for first place according to Consumer Reports:
Last edited by FatherTo1; 09-17-16 at 03:43 PM. 09-17-16, 11:05 PM #20 tallcaguy
Driver
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: CA
Posts: 103Quote:Originally Posted by FatherTo1
Also went with the Pirelli P7+ after dissatisfaction with two different sets of Michelins (Pilot A/S 3+ and Premier LTX). I have only put on 25 total miles on the Pirellis since they were installed and road force balanced yesterday and the LS rides like a dream now. The ride quality is so plush and has restored my affinity for the car. I finally understand what car magazine reviewers meant when they said "bumps are heard but not felt" in the LS. The Pirelli tire compound smothers bumps and expansion joints better than the Premier LTX and offers a more pleasant muted sound over impacts.
I have been a die-hard Michelin fan for 20 years across our family's collection of Toyota and Lexus sedans, SUVs, and trucks. I have been very happy with Michelins for decades, until we got the LS this past April 2016. The Pilot A/S 3+ came on the car and were brand new. They were obnoxiously loud and transmitted sharp road impacts. America's Tire was nice enough to help me swap the Pilots for Premier LTX at no charge, even though I didn't purchase the Pilots from them (but had been a long-time customer). The reason I didn't get the Premier A/S was because I thought getting a 235/50/18 tire would give me more side-wall and better ride quality. After all, I really didn't want to downsize my OEM 18s and the 235/50/18 Premier LTX brought me within a 1/4-inch of a 17-inch tireside-wall height. Immediately the ride and noise was markedly improved over the hated Michelin Pilots. However, after two months I was still conflicted and debating whether or not to downsize my wheels because I wasn't completely satisfied with the ride quality of the LS. I had the mechanic rule out any suspension issues and the car has had two alignments performed.
Once again, the great customer service at America's Tire allowed me to swap the Premier LTX for the Pirelli Cinturato P7 Plus. I wish I went to the P7+ at the very beginning. The ride is so smooth now and noise level is slightly better than the Premier LTX. The LS has very good reflexes with the P7+ but most impressive is the luxurious ride. The P7+ has helped me fall in love again with the LS -- I was seriously falling out of love with the car because of the disappointing ride qualities and was embarrassed to have passengers in the car (others complimented the LS ride but I'm fanatic about ride quality and was starting to think I may have to go to an S-class). The LS just didn't have the ride quality I expected when riding on Michelins. The P7+ has also helped solve an internal dilemma for me and I no longer wonder about downsizing to 17 rims for ride quality. I finally have the blend of comfort/handling without having to sacrifice the style of 18s.
I've read up a lot on the P7+ and am aware of the often criticized wet traction. I will report back after we get some rain next month. So far though, I couldn't be happier with the P7+ and what's more remarkable is that it rides better in the 245/45/18 sizing than the Premier LTX did at 235/50/18 with supposedly "more sidewall". Although I don't have any experience with the Premier A/S, if my Premier LTX experience is any indication, I doubt the Premier A/S will get half the rated tread life. I have noticed our sets of Michelins the past 5 years have struggled to get half of their rated tread life. Michelins used to always exceed tread life rating for me but not anymore and we've had some cars for 10+ years so the car hasn't changed nor our driving habits -- Michelin quality has definitely seemed to change. I hope the P7+ encourages Michelin to step up their game because even if the Premier A/S performs as well as the P7+, the Premier is $50 more per tire (in the 245/45 size), starts with only 8.5/32nd tread, and has a lower tread life rating. For those still on the fence, give the P7+ a try as they're in a 3-way tie for first place according to Consumer Reports:
Glad to hear things worked out ok and you have a quiet car. 09-17-16, 11:36 PM #21 FatherTo1
Rookie
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: California
Posts: 99Quote:Originally Posted by tallcaguy
Glad to hear things worked out ok and you have a quiet car.
Thanks, tallcaguy! I never realized how significantly tires can affect your overall impression of a vehicle. I know others have posted that good tires really matter on the LS. It was a hard-learned lesson and again I greatly appreciate America'sTire/Discount Tire for putting up with me and allowing me to really test their satisfaction guarantee. I hope they don't feel I was abusing their return policy. Thinking I'll arrange to have some food delivered to the store this week to thank them for their professionalism and courteous service. I will definitely be taking all our cars to America's Tire and will recommend them whenever I can to friends and family.
Sorry the last post pasted long ways....but u can still read it. Yet another convert to the P7s.....And the review is the same as every other review posted on P7s....very favorable.
Here is my take on the wet road performance for the P7s. If you live in an area where it rains a lot this may not be the tire for you. I dont think any tire can rate number 1 in all categories across the board. The P7s consumer reviews are all excellent. Personally I am glad that Tire Rack has done this testing so I know to drive cautiously in the rain. Since I have had the tires I have only driven in the rain a couple of times with no issues. If I was in heavy rain with my P7s I would take it real easy.....as I would with any tire. .
Just wanted to follow-up on my new P7+. After 300 miles the tires continue to impress. It is definitely smoother than any other Michelin tire I've had and plan to replace the highly-regarded Michelin Primacy MXV4 on my wife's car with the P7+ when the time comes for new tires. However, I will wait until I have more experience in the rain first. We haven't had any significant rain yet.
In dry conditions the P7+ are superb. Of course you still feel large bumps but the impacts don't distract or disturb my driving like the Michelin Pilot Sport and Premier LTX did. With the Michelin tires I kept wondering if I should downsize to a 17-, or even 16-, inch tire to smooth out the ride. (I had the same internal struggle when we had the Sienna minivan with Michelin Defenders and Primacy.) The P7+ brings back the smooth LS ride I recall from my youth sitting in a 1994 LS400, all while getting to keep the style of 18" wheels on our 430. Can't wait to test the tires in the rain and will report back next month.
Also wanted to add that I really feel the P7 Plus's low rolling resistance design working, it helps maintain the car's momentum better and I expect higher average MPGs after I get a few more fuel tanks recorded. I coast farther and maintain speed longer with the P7+ compared to other LRR Michelins such as the Premier and Defender (Sienna). I couldn't feel a difference in LRR with Michelins that marketed the feature but with the P7+ I absolutely notice it. I have been making many comparisons between the P7+ and Michelin lately. My intention is not to bash Michelin as they do make good tires, but the Pirelli P7+ has proven to be better so far (ride comfort, noise, dry handling, price). Still awaiting to assess wet traction performnace with the P7+, of course.
I have put on 26k miles on my P7+.
I am in the Northeast and daily drive the car.
I rotate them every 5-6k miles.
They have no problems in the rain. I tend to drive pretty aggressive for having a LS but the tires have always held up fine.
I don't run these in the winters. I have a separate set of wheels for that. (I will be looking for some snow tire recommendations though. I am in need of a new set).
They have worn great... Much better than the Michelins I had on my previous Acura Legend. I religious purchased the Michelins because they were supposed to be the best.
I felt that they did not wear well. As I stated to wear they would be noticeably worse in the rain and pretty awful in the snow.
So far the Pirelli's have exceeded my expectations. I would have no problem recommending to any else.
think i'm going to pull the trigger on these guys. Sam's club at $159 per tire, less 80 bucks for 4. Not bad at all.
the MXV4 has done well but a rear one has a 1.5 inch chunk out of the sidewall, down to the steel belts and I figure it's time to stop playing around. ha.
Thanks for the updates guys........I will just follow it up with I just got home from a 800mi round trip to up state NY......man o man the LS430 gobbled up mountains like butter.....smooth...quiet .....strong........the Pirelli P7s were whisper quiet and super smooth. Its a great tire. The ole girl will get a nice wash and detail then back in the barn for another day.
Thanks for this thread. I am due for new tires for my LS and have been a bit mystified by the choices available. The Kumhos that came on it lasted a whole 24,000 miles. Thanks to this thread, I've decided on the P7+. I am fortunate that my local Lexus dealer will price match America's Tire, so I can get the new tires and an alignment in one shot with a loaner car.
I traded off my Michelin's after 25,000 miles and $564 later I have 4 new Pirelli's and 1 nice Primacy for the memories and a improved spare. I was still using a 12 year old Dunlop for a spare. looked like a new tire. Primacy is dead, long live Pirelli!
I traded off my Michelin's after 25,000 miles and $564 later I have 4 new Pirelli's and 1 nice Primacy for the memories and a improved spare. I was still using a 12 year old Dunlop for a spare. looked like a new tire. Primacy is dead, long live Pirelli!
My spare seems to be original. It has been used as I see tiny pebbles and also the cap was missing. But I'm surprised there is an 18" alloy--is that writing from the factory?
Have had the Pirelli P7+ for a month now, and 1,500 miles. Still loving the ride and handling. We got our first big rain of the season and it's forecasted to dump 1"-3" of rain this weekend.
Drove the car for about an hour on errands and didn't notice any issues with wet traction or wet braking. Actually, I didn't even think about the P7+ because it was just doing everything well in the background.
Some street drains were already overflowing and I saw two other cars spin their rear tires when the light turned green but I had no issues with the P7+.
09-07-16, 07:11 PM
