OK, so it's time to get rid of the Goodyear RSa POS tires. Managed to go about 18k, but they are getting down there and with running the mountain passes this winter I need some good all-season rubber on the RX. Yes, I have read most of what I could find, don't want Michelins, the Bridgestone Alenza's are hard to get where I live, so looking for an alternate. Given the erudite group here, hopefully someone can help.

Anyone here tried the Toyo Proxes S/T on their RX? The reviews that I've read are good, but have yet to find one from an RX owner. I'm looking at the Toyo S/T in a 255/50/18 size, which appears to fit based on all the dimensions we have.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Bridgestone Alenza's are easily available from the TireRack. They will drop ship to a local installer for you and their prices are pretty decent. Last I checked they were $140 a tire in the 18" size. The Alenza is the best of the bunch and by a large margin in this size and load category.

 

Agree that the Bridgestone’s are readily available from Tirerack and they do have one installer in my area. Install costs add like $80 per tire. When you add that to the basic cost, plus shipping, it adds up to way more than is resonable. The installer is treating you like you asked if you could bring your own steak to the restaurant.

We do have a Costco here, but either they are having a urinating contest with Bridgestone or refuse to order the Alenza's for me, insisting that what I really need and want are Michelins. I just love it when people tell me what I need and want.

Still am intrigued by the Toyo's. I've been reading in other forums (Taureg, Cayenne, Tundra etc.) and they all have been very positive. Maybe I'll have to be the guinea pig for the RX.

 

have had 2 sets on my BMW. My wife's last RX I put Michlen Cross Terrains on and had no regrets. THey had a stiffer sidewall which reduced roll significantly which the old 300 model needed. When its time for tires on the 2006 RX I will be putting them on it as well. Excellent tire, great handling, stiff sidewall and no noise.

Here is a link on Toyo fyi. One thing to note, any tire cut up like most unidirectional tires translates into more road noise. THis in my opinion is not necessary on a sluggish SUV.

Here is info on the Cross Terrain
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ss+Terrain+SUV

 

Holy crapp, $80 per tire? I can easily get all four installed and balanced for $80. That is a place I would not buy anything from. There is only one installer near you? I live in the boondocks and there are at least 15 installers within 25 miles. You don't have a Goodyear service center near you? They will do the install for much less than $80 a tire. I've know people who have used WalMart to do this as well as Farm & Fleet or Blain's Fleet Farm.

If you do some planning you can contact a dealer in a larger city and plan a trip to drop off the car while you take in a play, movie or a football game. Pick the car up later and enjoy the trip. Can't cost $320 (4 x $80) and you get a mini vacation.

 

I bought 235/55VR18 Bridgestone Alenzas from roadwaywholesaletire.com for $600.00 shipped and a 65,000 mile warranty. They were $50 cheaper the Tirerack. I'm military and had AAFES install all of them for $52.00. These tires need balancing by a Road Force balancer. The first tech did not do this and I had a 1/4 steering wheel vibration beginning at 60MPH. I took the car back and the second tech did the road force balance. After that the car rides smooth as silk.
I just got the tires but my first impression is good. The tires are as quite as or quieter than the OEM Goodyear RSAs. They also handle as well or better.
I think anyone that buys these will be pleased.

 

i had the toyos on our touareg in a 19 inch and they were a great tire. they rode great and looked good too. for the price im not sure you can do better.

 

You may save money up front but you will have to pay to have mounted and balanced. And, it would kinda be like taking your own hamburger meat to Mcdonalds and asking them to cook if for you.

DOn't forget that most local dealers will also rotate and balance every 5000 miles for free if you buy from them (they do here at least) and will assist with any problem should you have one. THe cost to balance and rotate is around $25 so a tire that lasts 40000 miles will cost you another $175 or so at least over the life of the tires.

It just isn't worth it in my book.

 

I'm of the opinion that if the tire service place won't order the tires for you then it is fine to ask them if you can have the tires you want drop shipped to their location and ask if they will mount them. When you look at what is available in the 18" size for the RX the choices are slim and the differences in both tire wear and safe handling are great.

When you talk about saving $175 are you assuming you will need to get those tires rebalanced? I've not needed to have tires rebalanced in years. Neither my MR2 nor my RX330 has ever had to have tires rebalanced and I do primarily highway driving (55-85 mph) so I'd notice the need. I believe that's an unreasonable assumption.

The idea is not that you are saving money by ordering from places like the Tire Rack, although that is often the case, but that you get the tire that is best for your driving needs. Most tire shops will gladly special order and those that won't often will be happy to mount and balance the tires for you.

What you get with the Alenza's is a tire that will last longer (Treadwear 600), better cornering, better handling on wet, dry and snowy conditions which could help you avoid an accident, and run quieter then the competitors tires. Simply put, the Bridgestone Alenza is a significantly better performing tire and it could save your life or the life of a family member.

I'd not settle for an inferior product just to make a tire service center happy. That just isn't worth it in my book.

 

I've ordered from Tire rack before and accessed their list on the website of approved installers. The folks were courteous, dealt with me promptly on an appointment, and most importantly had the recommended mounting and balancing equipment.

 

Looks like they may well interfere due to size. Initially looked like they would just fit, but that does not appear to be the case. Back to the drawing boards for either the Bridgestone’s or Michelins. Will have to re-read all the reviews again and see which tire is the best buy.