lexusFyan

I recently purchased a 2004 RX330 and have skimmed through the pages of this excellent forum to understanding the vehicle and its needs.

I just got the brake pads replaced along with the rotars from a mechanic who was servicing my previously owned Acura Legend for 1/4th of the price that the dealer had quoted.

Now moving on to the next project - replacing the tires.

I got the following quotes (for set of 4 tires installed):
From a local dealer for Thunderer R007 for $450 with 60K mile warranty.
Firestone has Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza plus for $900 with 80K mile warranty.
Firestone has Bridgestone Turanza w/ Serenity Plus for $975 with 75K mile warranty.
Firestone has Firehawk Wide Oval for $760 with 50K mile warranty.
Costco has BridgestoneŽ DUELER H/L 422 P235/55R18 for $670 with 65K mile warranty after $70 rebate.
Costco has BridgestoneŽ DUELER H/L ALENZA PLUS 235/55R18 100V for $662 with 80K mile warranty after $70 rebate.
Costco has Michelin-LATITUDE X-ICE 235/55R18 for $748 with 40K mile warranty.

Costco with brand name tires are looking good (especially the Bridgestone ones) and would like to see any recommendations so that I can make the final decision and get the set of 4 tires installed.

Cathy

Kumho Crugen BEST BANG FOR BUCK. Premium tire at value price if your intention is to cruise. Very luxurious ride quality.

We have used Pirelli Winter Scorpion for winters. Personal experience is that it suffices for frequently plowed city roads but if your city is not diligent on snow plowing get the continental studless snow tires.

aachowhan

I have General Altimax RT34s on my Camry and RX350. So far I am pretty happy with the overall performance of the tires.

pauljcl

About 10K miles ago, I replaced my OEM tires with the [Costco has BridgestoneŽ DUELER H/L 422 P235/55R18 for $670 with 65K mile warranty after $70 rebate.] Excellent tire. Lacks a littel in road feel but comfortable and quiet compared to others. Very good grip in dry and rain. No snow here in FL (!) but check out tirerack.com for reviews and comments from many owners on a variety of tires.

mylexbaby

Same tires about a year ago and can confirm these comments.

But please set your expectations correctly. Our 2005 RX tends to "eat" tires as in they wear out faster than expected. Also remember that warranties are prorated based on mileage. Good luck!

takeshi74

Why are these in your list? I don't see any other winter tires.

Are you only considering the options in your OP? Looked at prior threads on tires?

It's all relative. If the RX "eats" tires, our rear wheel drive sports cars gorge on tires -- especially the rears.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

Bridgestone Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia from Costco - no issues

tbm5690

Michelin Latitude Tours, so far I like them way more than the Michelin Energys for noise and comfort. If your RX is "eating" tires, are you keeping alignment in spec and rotating every 5K?

mylexbaby

Yes to both questions. Pressure on previous tires were according to placard and alignment and rotations were regular.

And thank you for asking because this reminds me of an issue with the current 422 tires, where they were installed at Costco and then immediately aligned at a very good independent shop. Within a month, feathering started on the outside of the front tires. Back to the shop for a check and no alignment problem found. They did suggest keeping the tires at a higher pressure than placard. The theory is that some rubber formulations (such as LRR, low rolling resistance, in the 422) might make them wear that way on the RX. Increased pressure and feathering has not increase further. It's possible that there is a little more wear in the center of the tread, watching for that.

The ride and handling are fine with the slightly higher pressure. Btw, the 422 comes with a higher maximum pressure than some other tires of the same size.

pauljcl

In 11K miles, I have had very even wear with the Ecopias on a 2009RX350 AWD. No feathering - no issues. I run my tires at 31-32 psi.The dealer wants me put them at 35 psi, but in my opinion the ride suffers at that pressure and Lexus recommends 30 psi. I like the extra 1 or 2 psi because I feel it helps turn-in as I believe the Ecopias have a more flexible sidewall than the OEM Michelin Energy, which offered good 'feel' (as all Michelins) but were noisy and 'rough' - certainly nothing Michelin could be proud of. My alignment is factory, never been re-aligned. I would only consider a new alignment if there is uneven tire wear or car pulls to one side.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

no issues with my 422....standard pressure

bjanderson

I've had Yokohama Avid Ascend tires from Tire Rack on my '06 RX330 for 35K miles and have been very pleased with them. They still have a lot of tread left.

mandyfig

Costco has BridgestoneŽ DUELER H/L ALENZA PLUS 235/55R18 100V for $662 with 80K mile warranty after $70 rebate

PLUS1!!!!

Have them on and will have them in the future.

Snoope

We just purchased an '04 RX 330 with 4 brand new Duelers installed....

Hopefully I get great mileage out of them..

I could not turn the "Deal" away as the "New One" has 190,000 less miles on the odo compared to the '01 it replaced

geko29

After 82,000 miles on our Dueler Alenzas (double what we got from the factory tires), the tread is just starting to separate on the inside edge of 3 of the 4 tires. Very impressed with how well they've worn, and the ride quality throughout their lifetime. So this afternoon, we're having Alenza Pluses installed. They're 700 and change at the local Costco, including tax and the TPMS servicing fee.