I don't think they discontinued the size - I think they discontinued the tire. They've replaced it with the Turanza Serenity - but it's an unproven commodity in my books - so I went with the proven entity. I went to Buffalo to get my tires (FAR cheaper than I can get them for here in Canada) - and the shop had to search all over to come with 4 for me.

 

Since I don't have a lot more time to spend looking for tires, I went with the Michelin X Radial (DT)'s from Costco. These are only available at "The Clubs", and are an All-season Passenger tire.

I'm pretty happy with them so far, having only put on 50 or so miles. They are quieter than the X-Ice that were on the car for the winter, and so far, handling, etc. has been excellent.

I know these are not high-performance, or even Grand Touring tires, but for the kind of driving the car is going to be doing, they are just fine.

Thanks for everyone's input. I will be further researching tires over the next few months, so if these tires don't hold up, at least I'll have a few more months of research, and will take it from there.

 

I also needed new tires on my 01 LS. After lots of reviews, I ended up with the Goodyear Assurance Tripletreds. I wanted all season, quiet, with good wear. I took some crap here on the forum saying that they "weren't premium enough" for a car of the LS's stature. What a crock of ******!. Therse tires are great. Sure and steady on the highway at 85mph. Great in Chicago snow, and have shown little wear in the last year. Consumer Reports gave them the top rating and I am very happy with them. Since then, I have put them on our family minivan and they also went on my best friends ES (based on my recommendation).

 

I have always enjoyed the Michelin MXV4. Nice and quiet. Comfortable ride too and have lasted long... Do not get falkens. I have had the ST-115, fk 451 and fk 452 and they have all had issues; tire sidewall spliting, cracking and premature wear. The tread wear as marked on the tire is not as true as a brand like Michelin. I heard the Michelin Pilots are sweet too. Yes they are more expensive but you will like Michelins and they will last.

 

Been looking at some off lease 04 LS430's and found one with 29k on it,it has fairly new set of "Hercules Ultra Touring" 225/55/17's on it.Anyone ever heard of these?I suspect they where a less costly replacement when lease was running out for first owner.Am I better off factoring in a set of Michelins along with the missing book and mats when comparing deals on this one.I hate to pay all that money for a LS and have the ride not be up to snuff due to cheap tires.Am I being to picky?
thanks

 

For what it's worth, I just replaced the Michelin MXV4 Energy tires on my LS430 after just 16000 miles. NTB (where I bot them originally) said they were close to the wear bars. Since they had a 30,000 mile warranty, Michelin gave me 50% off of new tires. So instead of being roughly $800 for tires they warranty to 30,000 miles it cost me about half that for half that mileage. This is Pittsburgh. Up and down hills all day. VERY rough on tires and brakes. That being said, I was disappointed that the Michelins did not hold up, but with the pro-rata bucks it was still about the best deal for me. I just wish someone would make a tire that would last an honest 30K miles under "city" driving circumstances.

 

Dandg - tires are one of the most important components of a smooth, quiet ride and vehicle handling. So, for sure factor in replacement tires when negotiating your vehicle. It's far too good a car to put "Hercules" tires on it.

 

cdnguy,
thank you thats kinda what I was thinking,I feel better knowing I am not alone.I really did not want to buy a LS 430 and not get the full experience of that quality of a car due to cheap tires.When I replaced my wifes RX 330 tires I went for the Michelin MXV4's,I also run only Mobil 1,been in garage since new,all things I doubt this one had done.
I guess the next question is,if this former owner/lessor went so cheap with the tires should I consider even going further with the deal at all ?I suspect he went the same route with oil changes,gas and any other expense.
They are at $32k for a 04 no Nav with 29,000 miles.No books,no mats (supposed to have 3 keys).
Back of envelope figuring is an extra 1k needed right away (with tires-800,mats and book 200),plus 30k service comming up and delivery expense's.

 

Dandg - I would look extra hard to see if the deal make sense - or can you find something a little more expensive, that probably hasn't been abused. (not saying yours has been) I bought my wife a 2nd hand GX300, and I hadn't realized the guy had taken everything that could be taken, because it wasn't screwed down. The mats, original battery, keys, luggage racks etc. were all gone. It still runs great, but it nags at me.

 

Dunlop SP5000's I believe.
Next time however I think I'm going to go Michelin (hopefully PS2) because the ~300 hp doesn't deal well with inferior tires in the rear.

No I'm kidding, I'm probably going to move to a more 'water friendly' tire because IMO better be safe than sorry. I've just had one bad rain experience to freak me out for life.

 

I think I am going to pass on that one,the color,Silver is not my favorite and like you say cdnguy,it would nag me what else was not done correctly.I have a friend who owns a auto repair biz whe get guys comming in wanting to buy stickers to prove they had oil changed when they did not for lease cars.I can wait for the right deal,just saw a nice 04 go,wrong colors for me,go for 33400,no nav and 20900 miles.

 

Good call Dandg. And half the fun is in the hunt! (is that for cars or women?!)

 

Both
Mercedes - Lexus
Blonds - Brunettes