Plumlaker

I have special ordered an RX450h which is produced in Japan. It came to my attention from other posts here at CL that cars shipped from Japan are equipped with Dunlop or Bridgestone tires. This will be my 4th RX and I have exclusively used Michelin. After also reading her on CL that others had successfully swapped tires at the Port upon arrival from Japan, I asked my salesman about having the tires switched out at port and he said " I have never heard of switching tire brands at port". I would like to get feedback from those that have successfully done this and to hear what the process is to insure that it gets done. I try to give him the benefit of the doubt about his comment, but even if he has never heard of it doesn't mean that it can't be done. Maybe this dealership doesn't have a lot of experience in special order vehicles. Your comments on your experience is appreciated!

UCSB

I think the swaps are at the local dealerships off of other cars on the lot. I've never heard of a port of entry swap. I have the Dunlops and don't like them. But, my friend had the Bridgestones and was happy with them.

4482

The ports are not set up for that kind of thing. I've had the dealer swap out tires.

I can't ever recall reading on the forums where tire swapping was done at a port.

BertL

Right, if you can negotiate it with your dealer, the swap is always done there. Has been that way for me in the last 3 purchases at 3 different dealerships in 2 different states.

Cruiter

My (h) came of course from Japan, and it came with the Michelin's. The dealer even had it 'hot shipped' from the port for me. It was the 1st 2010 model in Atlanta. What did happen was my dealer and another one traded cars (paper trade) while it was still en-route from Japan to get the color I wanted.

kitlz

Tire exchange happens at the dealer. Port is for accessory installation like remote start. My special order 450h came from Japan with Dunlops. I tried to exchange them with Michelins but there weren't any RXs on the lot with them. The Dunlops were decent, now I have the Pirellis.

If your 450h winds up with the Dunlops, ask the dealer to exchange them with the Michelins. They should have them in stock, Since they can't turn around and sell the Dunlops, they might ask to pay for part of it. That's not unreasonable because there is a substantial price difference. Worse case scenario, you keep the Dunlops. They aren't all that bad. You might actually like them.

wilchan

Dunlops are decent and I am happy with them. I actually did the reverse and asked dealer to swap out my Michelins for Dunlops. Ride is softer and smoother than Michelins on my RX350. Road noise is louder on Dunlops.

-- william

Cruiter

That may vary between manufacturer and model. Your profile indicates you don't yet own a Lexus. The general agreement in this forum for the RX is Dunlop's are the worst and Michelin's while more expensive are rated among the best.

If you do own a Lexus, welcome to the forum and it's pretty easy to update your stats in your profile.