noz34me

We put a set of Kumho's on our 330 after we bought it but they're the Solus KL21 or something like that. They're low rolling resistance, high mpg tires.

dhamaka127

What is the size of the tire that you used: 235/55R18 or 255/55R18???

Also, what was the price you paid if you dont mind...i currently see them for 131/tire

Thanks

willdogg

I know, old thread but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. When I bought our 2004 RX330 late last year (Dec 2010) it had mismatched tires (2 Kumhos and 2 Michelins). Tire size is 235/55R18. The previous owner replaced the front tires with Kumho Road Venture APT KL51's. The rear Michelin Energy MXV4 S8s were the original stock tires from 2004. The Kumhos have about 70% tread left and the Michelins had about 20% left. Not only were the Michelins pretty worn, the sidewalls had small cracks in them, and were noisy. In a hard rain, I hit a deep puddle on Intersate 5 around Santa Ana and the hydroplane scared the crap out of me. This is my wife's car (she uses for work and to taxi the kids around) so I was a little worried. But I didn't want to drop $800-$1000 on a new set of Michelins or Continentals, so I checked craigslist for some decent-used Kumhos (to match the front tires).

So I patiently checked craigslist for a couple months. As luck would have it, someone posted an ad for 2 of the exact 235/55R18 Kumho Road Venture APT KL51s (gently used) for less than the price of one new Kumho. I met with the seller yesterday and measured the tread. The wear was identical to the Kumho's I already had (well, nearly identical, the ones I already had were 7/32", these had 9/32"). Gave him the cash and was on my way.

Got the tires mounted, balanced, installed and wow….what a difference. It started to rain when I left the tire shop, so I was excited to test the tires. The ride was firm, comfortable and quiet. Handling is pretty good, it cornered in the rain tightly. I couldn't find a puddle to plow through though.

It's still early, but so far, so good. When these wear out, I'll probably get a new set then. But for now, no need to get rid of a good sneaker if there's still decent rubber on it.

howdybob22

Yep, they do pretty well in the Seattle rain also. Currently, clocking at 34k miles on them. Probably will go with the Solus KL21 as noz34me stated above once mine need replacing.

PortAh

narrow down to APT KL51 or Bridgestone Dueler Ecopia 422 to replace the Alenza on my 2007 RX350.
Saw a review @ tirerack on the KL51 about MPG dropped after putting in a RX?
Dont know how accurate is it, are you folks indeed seeing MPG dropped after putting KL51 on your RX?

Thanks.

mandyfig

I am really very interested in the Kumho's now. The KL21 or thr KL51. My CRV has the Solus too, good price good warranty, can not beat it.

willdogg

After 6 months, we're pretty happy with the APT KL51s (Even though they're used). Since I didn't own the vehicle when it had the 4 MXV4 S8s, I can't verify whether or not there was a drop in gas mileage. But for the APT KL51 themselves, we can't complain. It's quiet, it wears evenly, and it looks great.

mandyfig

Thanks for the feedback.

HtownBlue

I got a great deal on some Yokohama's from Tire Rack about a month ago. I think they ride fairly well and are reasonably quiet. Just my two cents.

RX330inFL

It is nice that we now have a choice. Originally, there were only two tires produced in that size -- both OEM. Now, we have plenty of choices in ride, quietness, and best of all -- pricing.

mandyfig

Looks like Kumho's are getting Ok reviews.

soonerlaw1

Absolutely. I would totally do it. I have spent almost 7 months researching. "stumbled" across THis brand!!! I got for my GS350
BUT I HAVE Driven my model with every tire. Was going with the Michelin primacy. Last week to my shock. My dealer called and let me drive my same car he had with something on them called "khumo platinum ECSTA". I was blown away. These had half the tread left. The car fax showed they were put on 19,000 miles before
I was SO impressed
I went to sears. I got them!!!! Love it
And this is saying a lot because I was losing my sanity at the "roar" of the Yokohama they had on my car.

Here is link. Good luck. No regrets here.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10...oRedirect=true

soonerlaw1

[QUOTE=willdogg;6155185]I know, old thread but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. When I bought our 2004 RX330 late last year (Dec 2010) it had mismatched tires (2 Kumhos and 2 Michelins). Tire size is 235/55R18. The previous owner replaced the front tires with Kumho Road Venture APT KL51's. The rear Michelin Energy MXV4 S8s were the original stock tires from 2004. The Kumhos have about 70% tread left and the Michelins had about 20% left. Not only were the Michelins pretty worn, the sidewalls had small cracks in them, and were noisy. In a hard rain, I hit a deep puddle on Intersate 5 around Santa Ana and the hydroplane scared the crap out of me. This is my wife's car (she uses for work and to taxi the kids around) so I was a little worried. But I didn't want to drop $800-$1000 on a new set of Michelins or Continentals, so I checked craigslist for some decent-used Kumhos (to match the front tires).

So I patiently checked craigslist for a couple months. As luck would have it, someone posted an ad for 2 of the exact 235/55R18 Kumho Road Venture APT KL51s (gently used) for less than the price of one new Kumho. I met with the seller yesterday and measured the tread. The wear was identical to the Kumho's I already had (well, nearly identical, the ones I already had were 7/32", these had 9/32"). Gave him the cash and was on my way.


That's awesome. I got the khumo by stumbling on them (had never heard of them NOR had my Lexus dealer pointed me to them!). No regrets!!!! I love them!!!!! QUIET QUIET QUIET!!! Means I am sane again since I am in my car at least 2 hours a day. Great idea on eBay. I will watch that if I ever need a replace. Thanks!!!! Happy smooth QUIET DRIVING.

lex_rx

I've had these Kumhos on 2004 RX for over two years now (probably over 50,000 km). I would buy them again and not the stock Michelins when it's time to replace.

I can usually make my tires last "forever", e.g. at least twice the expected life. I sacrifice a little bit of the soft ride but make up for it with longer tire life and more change in the pocket.