moat

What's the best tire to get for 1st gen LS ? Assuming one wants a smooth ride.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The benchmark is Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus. I had the prior version when running the stocks and I didn't like it. Depends on what characteristics you want in a tire. Traction and noise are my top two with consideration for treadlife.

What is your budget?

The Yokohama touring Avid series is nice. Dad has them on his Corolla and it is fine. I've driven them on other cars and feel it is a nice tire overall for the price. Others will chime in.

idriveals4

I bought my Ls with mixed 16" tires on it . Arizonian's on the rear and Fisk Classic on the Front.

I've only put about 8,000 miles on the tires and the Arizonians are what I consider junk tires (crap for traction and handling, look like crap too, and suck in the rain) but the Fisk classic tires are actually impressing me with handling, no discomfort with the ride and are a good looking tire. I'm tempted to replace the rears with another set of the Fisk classics, even though they are not worn out yet.

I'm a limited sample with limited experience in this tire size/class, but I'd have no problem putting these Fisks on there again. I believe Fisk tires are an off brand of BF Goodrich or Michelin and are sold through Discount Tire.

j2b4o

I absolutely love toyo proxes 4. I haven't had them in this size yet but I always run em when they are avail and never been disappointed. They have monster grip and they stick like glue in the wet. They wear fast bu it's worth it.

johnnyg66

MXV4 if you have the cash if not go Hankook. Had them both. Michelin now.

andy2o3

I like my Bridgestone potenzas Re960. Good deal on them at Costco 450 for tires and install out the door. Although I think Costco has a promo on michelins this month

moat

Currently I have 97H Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus. They run straight and preform well, but I would like them quieter and softer for a smoother rider if some other model is available.

The Michelin website only have one tire for 1st gen LS: Primacy MXV4 98V

At tirerack.com they have two models:

Michelin Primacy MXV4 98V $696 for four

Michelin Primacy MXV4 98H $504 for four

Also, I don't see Michelin Symmetry MXV4 anymore at 225/60-16. I wonder what the difference was between Energy, Primacy, Symmetry

moat

The difference between the two Primacy above is huge ($696 vs. $504). Is it worth it?

I have Yokohama AVID V4s 97v on another car, they seem very good (straight, quiet, smooth) at a lower price.

Percentage wise, $700 vs 500 is a lot (40% more), but in dollars terms it's only $200. Not much to think about.

I just don't know which is the best tire since I can't try them all.

I like the Goodyear tires that came with the car originally because they were very soft, quiet, smooth. The problem was they did not run straight after 15k miles. The Michelin Energy tires are good performing, but they ride a little rough and perhaps not quiet enough.

Maybe I'll just go with the Michelin 98V Primacy this time, since I have never tried them before.

Dream005

The symmetry is still available in a 225/60r-16 but I would not recommend it if you like to hit the gas. It is a touring tire not a mid performance tire. The Michelin Primacy MXV4 plus is the best all around tire for the LS. It still has enough performance characteristics to have good handling. It has good siping (slots in the tread block to that grip the road), both in wet and dry driving. It is also the quietest tire available that still has the performance and traction needed for everyday driving on a heavy car like a LS. The difference between the 98V and 98H is the sidewall stiffness and the rubber compound. The 98V will not last as long and has a slightly softer rubber compound and a slightly stiffer sidewall for better performance and handling. The 98H is the better value it is less expensive, last longer and still has great performance needed for the LS. It also is a better all season tire it gets better traction in the rain and snow. This tire however is very high dollar. There are other good options for less expensive.
Yokohama makes a really good tire. The Yokohama YK580 is the next best thing to the Michelin Primacy in performance, all season traction and ride quality but is less expensive.

moat

Last Sept-2012 I bought a set of Michelin Primacy MXV4 98V from tirerack.com for $584 when they were on sale (+ $55 for shipping). I had them for almost six months now on my 1st generation LS. These tires are all around excellent for this car.

Currently, Jan-2013, they are priced at $712 on tirerack.com The 98H are cheaper at $544.

LScowboyLS

I am gonna have to kinda sorta disagree, maybe back in the day that was true, but in 2013 the benchmark is Michelin Primacy MXV4

python

iTrader: (4)

http://tirereviewsandmore.com/top-10...ason-tires.php
http://www.marathonauto.com/tires/al...d-reviews.html
http://www.consumersearch.com/tires

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

Continental dws is a very good all weather tire

I see they don't sell them in 225/60/16. Too bad

NTRUDA

Michelin or Bridgestone...I have used them both. My preference are the Michelins'.

JHTJ

The Michelin MXV4 is the only way to go!!! I just purchased a 1996 LS400 and it came with BCT tires...they will be GONE asap!!!