Threeteek

Hey guys!
I'm a new to clublexus!
I have a concern.....
I'm trying to buy a new tire set for my 2000 RX 300 SUV.
So far I've done a bit research for original tire:
They are: 225/70/16 with 101 load-index and S speed rating.
But I want to try 235/70/16 tires this time.
Also, I'm concerning about tire noise....my current tire makes really bad tire noise when I drive on freeway...
My coworker told me that Continental tire is really good tire and produce less noise.
But for my budget-wise... Continental is too expensive to afford....
So right now, I'm thinking about getting KUMHO SOLUS KR21 104T.
What do you people think?

Please help me out!!

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!

I would do some research on tirerack, you can specify a specific car as well so you can see feedback from owners who drive a RX300.

Keep in mind, all tires will become louder as they wear.

Lexmex

Welcome to the Club.

We have a set of Continentals on our 06 4Runner (17 inch rims), and they ride quite well.

For over 10 years I've been running nothing but Michelin CrossTerrain 235-70-16, and current set is now at almost 5 years, but my RX300 doesn't get driven as much as it did in Mexico.

I'm actually tinkering with going back to the 225-70-16 or maybe even a 215-70-16, the latter size you will see on the RX300's Toyota twin, the Toyota Harrier, and remember seeing that size on Harriers I've come across in world travels.

Threeteek

Dear hypervish,
Thanks for the advise.
I have looked over the tirerack.com; they have a lot of rating posted from customers.
Kumho does receive many good ratings over many US brand.
Since I'm looking for economy one; I might just get one set!

Thanks

Lexspeed

Definately check out TireRack. They have a lot of useful information and reviews on many brands. They have a great selection as well. I have purchased from them many times and have been very satisfied.

99rx

iTrader: (6)

BFgoodrich Long Trail on mine. They ride excellent. and are quiet on the interstate, which is the only place it gets driven.

moonphase

If you increase the tire size, the speedometer will not be accurate! Hankook has very good tires, and good warranty at decent prices if you shop around. Check out their web site at;
http://hankooktireusa.com/Main/default.aspx

Ramblemutt

Over the years I have run Cooper, Michelin, Kumho, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Green Diamond and, most recently, BFG Long Trial and Falken. I've yet to find a really bad tire.....they all work.....go for the best deal that will include free rotation and KEEP TO THE ROTATION SCHEDULE with proper inflation....you will be just fine.

CharBaby

I'm jumping in here late as you can see but, here's my .02cents!

I had recomended the Kumho Solus KR-21's (80K mile warranty)to many friends of ours including our very close friends for their '07 Honda Pilot which does take 235-70-16. The KR-21's started out OK but, ended up less than expected at ~ 26K-28K miles. The Pilot is ~ 300-400 lbs heavier then our '01 RX.

I thought about going to 235mm on my wifes '01 RX but, decided against this as the rear tires could(COULD) rub against the rear strut on the inside although, the fronts measured out well/safe....LEXMEX, did you have any issues with 235's ???

Anywayyyy, the Kumho Solus KR-21's seem to be a little narrower than some other tire brands in 235mm so, you may easily get away with this size.

Although, the Kumho Solus KR-21's used to be one of my higher recomended tires, mainly based on its out of the box quality, balance well while installing(usning less weights), perform very well in all types of weather conditions with excellent hydorplaning resistance in heavey water and were dirt cheap in certain sizes. But, they do seem to get a bit squirley as they age and don't seem to last as long as some other 80K mile rated tires. Although living in CA, you may experience better success than others.

For the price, the 100K mile warranty-Hankook Optimo H727(don't come in 225mm) but, IIRC do come in 235mm, may be a better choice and could turn out to be more economical over all. They are smooth/quiet, ride very well, priced very good and outscore the KR-21's in just about every catigory. Neigher tire is a stout handling tires but, both are very safe/high scoring tires just the same with good customer reviews to add to their other goood qualities.

Let us know how you make out!

mckellyb

Kumho used to manufacture good tires, but when it was shipped to China, wear/traction levels went down the drain.

The KR-21's on my wife's '02, which is driven rather gently, didn't last 30K miles.

I put BF Goodrich All-Terrain shoes on it, and while she said it looks like I put combat boots on her Princess, and they hum a bit, the RX is now effectively unstoppable.