Hi guys,

It's been really difficult to choose tires for my IS200t (Base model). I got the car with "Bridgestone Potenza s-04 pole position" tires. Other than the fact that the tires are pretty much worn out, here are my complains:

• They are summer tires! I am in California, so practically it's always summer, but I believe summer tires don't last long! (and by the way, what's the purpose of summer tires?)
• They are noisy!
• They are relatively firm! you literally feel every single bump in the road!

I'd say, I drive 50% highways, 50% city. In city, like to drive the car in Sport mode most of the times!

I have found these ones so far:

• Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 - 225/45R17 91W
• Continental PureContact LS
• Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
• Michelin Primacy MXM4
• Bridgestone Potenza RE980 A/S
• Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack

Which one do you suggest and why? please let me know if you suggest anything else.

Thanks so much for helping me out on this!

 

I only run summer tires in South Florida. I haven't touched anything else since I first tried Michelin PSS and then PS4S. They have blown me away since day one.

Of that list I would go with the Michelin Pilots. Summer tires will give you that extra level of performance but realistically the all seasons will be all you need since the Michelins have advanced a lot in terms of performance.

I got hooked on the PSS and PS4S on a much more powerful car and they were the only ones that provided traction. On the Lexus, it's not needed but the PS4S still feel amazing.

Due to covid I have barely driven the car with the PS4S but I expect 25-30k miles. I will likely go with the Michelin Pilot all seasons next time around since they will likely provide twice the mileage and I barely touch the performance envelope of the PS4S.

I also like to go with the XL Extra Load version of the tire if available for that extra sidewall support. This is on GS200t but I also have the non-F Sport and I feel that it's an excellent combo to have a very comfy suspension but stiffer tires. They made a huge difference in handling and steering feel over the all seasons that came with the car, while still providing a very comfy ride. The all season Pilot 4 should only be more comfy while still providing most of the performance of the PS4S.

 

Michelin Pilot will always be the best tire. Problem is though the 3IS eats front tires for dinner--so the 3% performance advantage you may (emphasis on may) receive over a MUCH cheaper tire like the Firehawk Indy500s (or any other lower cost tire) may not represent a good value.

All seasons tend to last a bit longer, especially because with all seasons, people don't drive them as aggressively as softer summer tires.

 

I do not recommend the DWS06.
1. They are a very soft sidewall tire, not good for steering response. Have them on my other car, and not happy with them.
2. Don’t think you need the ‘S’ part of the tire, don’t think you get any snow, and they’re probably not that good in the snow anyway. (My other car never touches snow or salted roads, so I haven’t tested that.)

 

Summer tires have better performance than all season tires in both wet and dry conditions, when the weather is not cold. When it's getting near freezing or lower, however, summer tires lose their advantage and may even be damaged:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret...jsp?techid=273

Keep in mind that old tires get hard/noisy, so it's not fair to review a tire that's at the end of its life.
I replaced the OEM Dunlops at 30K miles (They were worn and very noisy by then!) with Michelin Pilot Sport AS that were on sale at Tire Rack. Total cost $600, after rebate. Installation and alignment was another $200. I went with more toe-in up front (0.08) to try and mitigate the inner tire wear problem. I think either Flash or Arentz recommended that solution. So far, loving the new tires and no problem with the realignment, but it's much too early to give a complete review.
If you live in SoCal and it seldom gets very cold, then you should go with summer treads!

Michelin PS AS3+ on clearance at Tire Rack for $150

 

Thank you all! I decided to get MICHELIN - PILOT SPORT AS4 225/45ZR17 94Y XL BSW UHP ALL SEASON TIRE from Costco! They have a good deal on it! I will get back in a few months and let you all know how it feels on my IS200t.

 

Michelin A/S 3+ were amazing.. can only imagine how the 4S will be.. enjoy the tires

 

I am running the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate on my GTI, and I highly recommend it. It's got a firmer sidewall compared with the Continentals but is quieter than my old BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S that I had on the Lexus. Decent in rain and cold weather, as well. Often overlooked tire, but a good one. I would happily buy another set.