Lexus cheaped out on the tires
12-27-15, 07:59 AM
#1
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Lexus cheaped out on the tires
I recently got a new 2016 Lexus ES350 and I noticed that many/most of these cars come equipped with very good Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires that carry a treadwear rating of 500 (I know this is tested by the manufacturer but these are very good smooth riding and long lasting tires that are expensive to replace).
Mine came with lower end and cheaper Bridgestone Turanzas that have a treadwear rating of 260. I am not happy about this cost cutting measure, that will force me to replace my tires much sooner than if I had the better quality Michelins. I am not sure if they hold out on the better tires for the heavier optioned models. I have the standard tire size: 215/55R17 with a "V" speed rating. I know that Lexus is not the only manufacturer that will reserve better tires for higher trim lines but I expected more from them.
Mine came with lower end and cheaper Bridgestone Turanzas that have a treadwear rating of 260. I am not happy about this cost cutting measure, that will force me to replace my tires much sooner than if I had the better quality Michelins. I am not sure if they hold out on the better tires for the heavier optioned models. I have the standard tire size: 215/55R17 with a "V" speed rating. I know that Lexus is not the only manufacturer that will reserve better tires for higher trim lines but I expected more from them.
Last edited by Cardo111; 12-27-15 at 08:19 AM.
12-27-15, 08:17 AM
#2
Lead Lap
I don't think that it's a matter of assigning the Michelins to the higher optioned cars. Years ago when there were several American brands of tires the assembly line simply attached each brand as the vehicle came up. I believe that this is probably the case today. One Michelins, two Bridgestones and so on. I have no proof that this is correct or factual.
12-27-15, 08:27 AM
#3
when i bought my UL in 2013(every option), it came with the bridgestones(18"). They lasted about 35K, and when I got them replaced, I made sure to get the Michelins(MXM4- MXV4 are no longer available through the dealer). Definitely a way better tire.
12-27-15, 08:46 AM
#5
My 2015 ES is certainly not the fully optioned out model and it came with the Michelin's. It's possible the Canadian market however is different than the US when it comes to tires.
12-27-15, 09:02 AM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
It is totally random...no rhyme or reason.
Don't feel bad, my $80k LS460 came on the terrible Bridgestones too. Replaced them after 8k miles and am very happy I did.
Don't feel bad, my $80k LS460 came on the terrible Bridgestones too. Replaced them after 8k miles and am very happy I did.
12-27-15, 10:17 AM
#7
I purchased my '16 UL last week which came with the terrible18" Bridgestone Turanzas. I've made an appt. with my dealer to replace them tomorrow with Michelin Primacy MXM4s. I sent my salesperson (who used to be the service manager) a note seeing if he could work out a deal to sell them to me at or below cost. If that doesn't work, I have an appt. scheduled later in the day with Discount Tire which is selling the MXM4s for $174/tire (as are Costco and Sears). Sometimes DT will even give a credit for gently worn tires, so we'll see what happens.
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12-27-15, 11:20 AM
#8
I recently got a new 2016 Lexus ES350 and I noticed that many/most of these cars come equipped with very good Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires that carry a treadwear rating of 500 (I know this is tested by the manufacturer but these are very good smooth riding and long lasting tires that are expensive to replace).
Mine came with lower end and cheaper Bridgestone Turanzas that have a treadwear rating of 260. I am not happy about this cost cutting measure, that will force me to replace my tires much sooner than if I had the better quality Michelins. I am not sure if they hold out on the better tires for the heavier optioned models. I have the standard tire size: 215/55R17 with a "V" speed rating. I know that Lexus is not the only manufacturer that will reserve better tires for higher trim lines but I expected more from them.
Mine came with lower end and cheaper Bridgestone Turanzas that have a treadwear rating of 260. I am not happy about this cost cutting measure, that will force me to replace my tires much sooner than if I had the better quality Michelins. I am not sure if they hold out on the better tires for the heavier optioned models. I have the standard tire size: 215/55R17 with a "V" speed rating. I know that Lexus is not the only manufacturer that will reserve better tires for higher trim lines but I expected more from them.
12-27-15, 11:42 AM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
I wouldn't choose the MXM4 personally. They're an okay tire, but there are several quieter, better riding touring tires out there today.
12-27-15, 07:54 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
Here's correspondence with TireRack:
Hi,
We have found the Pirelli to be the best for ride quality, but if ruled out, then I would go Continental Pure Contact.
Check out Tire Rack's latest promotions
Take good care,
Hunter
Hunter Leffel | Sales Specialist
__________________________________________________________
Tire Rack
7101 Vorden Parkway
South Bend, IN 46628
O: 888 428 8355 ext. 4744
O: 574 287 2345 ext. 4744
F: 574 236 7707
hunter@tirerack.com
From: Sales at TireRack.com
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2015 8:47 AM
To: Hunter Leffel The Tire Rack
Subject: QUESTION FOR SALES FROM WWW.TIRERACK.COM 11/19/15-08:46:28
FROM: sales@tirerack.com
REPLY TO:
xxx
Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by
xxxx on Wed Nov 18 23:24:28 CST 2015, tr-app17
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Hi-
I have a 2015 Lexus LS460 with the OEM 18" wheels (235/50/18). I have the OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL42 and am looking to replace them just because they're such crummy tires.
I'm looking for the smoothest riding, quietest tire I can buy for the car. I've had the Primacy MXV4 and previous iterations of the MXV4 on older Lexus vehicles and was very happy with them, but they're being phased out and their apparent replacement, the Premier is not available in the LS's size.
I'm torn between say the Primacy MXM4, which I had on a Lexus GS and liked but am a little concerned might be a little harder riding, something like the new Pirelli Cinturato P7 Plus which has incredible reviews but I've heard some concerning things in the real world about people being surprised they weren't quieter, etc, or even something entirely different.
Any guidance you could offer me would be great. If the MXV4s were still available I would just buy them.
Thanks!
We have found the Pirelli to be the best for ride quality, but if ruled out, then I would go Continental Pure Contact.
Check out Tire Rack's latest promotions
Take good care,
Hunter
Hunter Leffel | Sales Specialist
__________________________________________________________
Tire Rack
7101 Vorden Parkway
South Bend, IN 46628
O: 888 428 8355 ext. 4744
O: 574 287 2345 ext. 4744
F: 574 236 7707
hunter@tirerack.com
From: Sales at TireRack.com
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2015 8:47 AM
To: Hunter Leffel The Tire Rack
Subject: QUESTION FOR SALES FROM WWW.TIRERACK.COM 11/19/15-08:46:28
FROM: sales@tirerack.com
REPLY TO:
xxx
Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by
xxxx on Wed Nov 18 23:24:28 CST 2015, tr-app17
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Question: Hi-
I have a 2015 Lexus LS460 with the OEM 18" wheels (235/50/18). I have the OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL42 and am looking to replace them just because they're such crummy tires.
I'm looking for the smoothest riding, quietest tire I can buy for the car. I've had the Primacy MXV4 and previous iterations of the MXV4 on older Lexus vehicles and was very happy with them, but they're being phased out and their apparent replacement, the Premier is not available in the LS's size.
I'm torn between say the Primacy MXM4, which I had on a Lexus GS and liked but am a little concerned might be a little harder riding, something like the new Pirelli Cinturato P7 Plus which has incredible reviews but I've heard some concerning things in the real world about people being surprised they weren't quieter, etc, or even something entirely different.
Any guidance you could offer me would be great. If the MXV4s were still available I would just buy them.
Thanks!
Good morning Steve,
I can honestly say you aren’t going to go wrong with either tire. Both are premium lines that will give you an excellent ride and low noise. Between the two, the Pirelli has slightly better light snow traction (if that’s important), a little bit better dry traction, and it’s still a lower rolling resistance tire. Downside is some people think it’s a little bit louder, but I’ve driven cars with them and didn’t think that was the case at all. The Toyo’s will offer a slightly better ride and are a little quieter, but you do lose a little bit of mileage warranty over the Pirelli. I’d go with the Toyo if noise and ride are more important and the Pirelli if you want better handling. Again, both are excellent choices for your LS and you’re really only talking minor differences between them. If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email!
Andrew
From: 2083651+M3XGK@tickets.livechatinc.com [mailto:2083651+M3XGK@tickets.livechatinc.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2015 11:41 PM
To: Andrew Wood
Subject: Ticket #M3XGK: Tire choice for 2015 Lexus LS460
I can honestly say you aren’t going to go wrong with either tire. Both are premium lines that will give you an excellent ride and low noise. Between the two, the Pirelli has slightly better light snow traction (if that’s important), a little bit better dry traction, and it’s still a lower rolling resistance tire. Downside is some people think it’s a little bit louder, but I’ve driven cars with them and didn’t think that was the case at all. The Toyo’s will offer a slightly better ride and are a little quieter, but you do lose a little bit of mileage warranty over the Pirelli. I’d go with the Toyo if noise and ride are more important and the Pirelli if you want better handling. Again, both are excellent choices for your LS and you’re really only talking minor differences between them. If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email!
Andrew
From: 2083651+M3XGK@tickets.livechatinc.com [mailto:2083651+M3XGK@tickets.livechatinc.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2015 11:41 PM
To: Andrew Wood
Subject: Ticket #M3XGK: Tire choice for 2015 Lexus LS460
If this information is of no value to you, then disregard. It would have been of value to me when I was shopping for tires, so I'm going to share it..
Last edited by SW17LS; 12-27-15 at 08:15 PM.
12-27-15, 09:45 PM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
Have you personally used the Primacy MXM4? It's great that you have an opinion on literally everything, but you have a very bad habit of expressing opinions as facts and expressing opinions on stuff that you don't actually have experience with. Then, when questioned, you resort to some sort of red herring fallacy.
If you don't have actual experience with it, you should explicitly state that.
If you don't have actual experience with it, you should explicitly state that.
12-28-15, 01:18 AM
#12
I had the MXM4s on an Acura TL and liked them (although not as much as the MXV4s that were on my LS430).
The tire size for my '16 UL is 225/45R18; the options for this size are much more limited than the base 17". For example, Michelin MXV4s and Michelin Premiers are unavailable. I spent about 15 mins. taking to a tire guy on Sat. who told me that Grand Touring options are limited because 225/45/R18 is really a performance size. I considered the Pirelli P7s but I have no experience with the brand; not to mention that they are not readily available where I live. And since I have had great experiences with Michelin Primacys, I'm going to stick with the tried and true.
I plan to write Lexus a letter about putting the crappy Bridgestone Turanzas on a $49K car. On Tire Rack they are ranked at the very bottom of the class (22 out of 22).
The tire size for my '16 UL is 225/45R18; the options for this size are much more limited than the base 17". For example, Michelin MXV4s and Michelin Premiers are unavailable. I spent about 15 mins. taking to a tire guy on Sat. who told me that Grand Touring options are limited because 225/45/R18 is really a performance size. I considered the Pirelli P7s but I have no experience with the brand; not to mention that they are not readily available where I live. And since I have had great experiences with Michelin Primacys, I'm going to stick with the tried and true.
I plan to write Lexus a letter about putting the crappy Bridgestone Turanzas on a $49K car. On Tire Rack they are ranked at the very bottom of the class (22 out of 22).
12-28-15, 02:28 AM
#13
Lexus Champion
The 2015 ES350 in our garage is nowhere near fully equipped and it had Michelins on its 18" wheels. Lexus definitely uses whatever they have in stock at the factory.
Last edited by dchar; 12-28-15 at 02:41 AM.
12-28-15, 04:03 AM
#14
Pole Position
Tire Rack has the Pirelli P7 #1 and the Michelin Premier A/S #2. Attached is a review that states they are both good with no true winners. Both score extremely high in all categories except ice and snow traction. The Premier A/S is Michelin's newest tire. As tires age they lose their quietness and stopping distance. Michelin states with their new technology this keeps this from happening. Costco now has a $70 rebate on the Michelin's bringing the total cost installed to around $625 for four.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=188
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=188
12-28-15, 05:15 AM
#15
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by NickTee
Have you personally used the Primacy MXM4? It's great that you have an opinion on literally everything, but you have a very bad habit of expressing opinions as facts and expressing opinions on stuff that you don't actually have experience with. Then, when questioned, you resort to some sort of red herring fallacy.
If you don't have actual experience with it, you should explicitly state that.
If you don't have actual experience with it, you should explicitly state that.
The Primacy MXM4 is not a bad fire, but for what you pay there are newer better tires out there. The Premier is one, the P7 Plus is one, the Toyo Versado Noir is another.
I only comment on things I have actual experience on.
If the experience of someone who has had the tires in question isn't of value, then you guys aren't actually looking for input on these choices.
Last edited by SW17LS; 12-28-15 at 05:19 AM.