Hello,

My first post here.

Today, I agreed to buy a new gs 350 2011. Tomorrow I will pick up the car.
It replaces a 2001 Gs300.
When i test drove the car I noticed a less isolation from the road compared to my 11 year old car, but nevertheless, I committed to buy it.
But, I am now thinking about the ride quality... Could it could possible that those tires are the culprit?

do you think it's good idea to ask the dealer to replace them with normal tires?
I was so unprepared that I forgot to ask whether a spare tire is even included...

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

First off, welcom to CL and congrats on your new GS!

Yes, run-flats are notoriously noisy, rough riding, handle adversely compared to non r/f and above all else, overly expensive. Asking dealer to replace is one thing, but GS' do not come w/ a spare these days (as w/ many other mfg cars... it's part of weight savings for better fuel economy being forced upon us by the nanny state but I digress...).

Most dealers, b/c there is no spare, will not put on non-R/Fs for your own "safety"... err their liability...again this nanny state thing . Plus at this point, if your deal is signed, I'll doubt you'll be able to negotiate w/ them for it anyhow. In that case, the sort of good news for you is they don't last all that long either.

Heck it can't hurt to ask them to swap them out. Doubt they will unless you also agree to by a spare...and probably a jack/took kit too but go for it.

Good luck and again, congrats!

 

The spare is not included, and it costs around $400. I got them to put non flats on mine, and give me a spare. I did this even after the "hand shake". Once you pick up the car, you have lost all leverage.

Both my parents and I have GS's, and mine rides 10x better than theirs. When it came time to replace the tires, they got rid of their run flats as well.

 

Thank you so much.

I did not sign anything yet, just agreed over the phone and tomorrow is planned the pickup. First thing in the morning I will ask them to replace the tires. I can't think my self going in a new car without a spare, no way.

Thanks again.

 

They should be willing to do it. Cost wise, If they swap and keep the run flats they come out ahead.

 

Those tires suck, have them change it out and call it a day.

 

Well, I picked the car today with normal michlen tires. They were very nice about it. The car feels much smoother on the road. Thanks for the input and ...I cross my fingers now.

As a side note: my hope is that they design run flat tires that run as smooth as normal in the near future.

 

A MEN

 

My RFTs came with a spare when I bought my 07GS350 5 yrs ago,