So my CTS-V wagon needed new tires...
#1
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
So my CTS-V wagon needed new tires...
.....so I bought some a couple of weeks ago. The OEM PS2s were a blast in dry weather and competent in the wet, and lasted about 17k miles with my relatively gentle driving. I replaced with Pilot Super Sports in the OEM size and let me tell you, the hype these tires receive is well worth it! Even better traction in the dry--I can now barely chirp the tires in 3rd gear like I used to be able to do with the PS2s. Wet performance is almost like being in the dry....slightly better than the PS2s. Wear rating is 300 as opposed to 220 for the PS2s. Best part is that they are better than the PS2s for 2/3 the cost. Incredible.....more tire for less money!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I also decided I wasn't going to drive in the worst snowy weather anymore in the V wagon. As some of you know, I had some premature rust on the wagon because of a manufacturing defect. Instead of buying/leasing a TLX as planned, I decided I LIKE not having a car payment....at least for now. All my cars have been paid off for almost a year now--the longest time in my adult life I've been without a car payment.
With that in mind.....I bought as a winter beater, another Honda Pilot EX. It's a 2004 with 132k miles that was in remarkably good shape for its miles. It was cheap, just over $6k (these go typically for $7.5-9k at this mileage in my area, people always want 4WD/AWD trucks), and I paid cash for it so I don't have a car payment. The plan is to use it as my go-anywhere winter beater on snowy days. I simply don't give a $hit about what the paint looks like. Given my current experience with the V wagon and its fabulous, but hard to care for blue paint, that is soooo liberating.
I will continue to drive the V wagon on dry, nonslushy days during the winter to minimize exposure to salt. That car is too fun to keep in storage for the winter.
This Pilot is a "placemarker" car as I plan on moving either an RLX hybrid (really really REALLY want this if it's not vaporware) or TLX SH-AWD Advance (consolation prize). I will wait for the first and second-year gremlins to work themselves out. Soooo......2016 or 2017 MY. Of course, I may decide I just like the status quo and not have a car payment for longer, or decide I REALLY like having a car I don't give a $hit about.
Anyhoo, enough talking and a few pics from the dealer:
So far, only issue is rear AC not working ($88 part and 15 minutes of time to replace transistor) and driver's seat bolster is cracked ($20 part and 5 minutes to replace). Otherwise, it rides and drives as well as the wife's '07 Pilot with 90k miles on it. Folks routinely get over 200k miles on 1G Pilots so I expect many trouble-free miles out of this "clunker".
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I also decided I wasn't going to drive in the worst snowy weather anymore in the V wagon. As some of you know, I had some premature rust on the wagon because of a manufacturing defect. Instead of buying/leasing a TLX as planned, I decided I LIKE not having a car payment....at least for now. All my cars have been paid off for almost a year now--the longest time in my adult life I've been without a car payment.
With that in mind.....I bought as a winter beater, another Honda Pilot EX. It's a 2004 with 132k miles that was in remarkably good shape for its miles. It was cheap, just over $6k (these go typically for $7.5-9k at this mileage in my area, people always want 4WD/AWD trucks), and I paid cash for it so I don't have a car payment. The plan is to use it as my go-anywhere winter beater on snowy days. I simply don't give a $hit about what the paint looks like. Given my current experience with the V wagon and its fabulous, but hard to care for blue paint, that is soooo liberating.
I will continue to drive the V wagon on dry, nonslushy days during the winter to minimize exposure to salt. That car is too fun to keep in storage for the winter.
This Pilot is a "placemarker" car as I plan on moving either an RLX hybrid (really really REALLY want this if it's not vaporware) or TLX SH-AWD Advance (consolation prize). I will wait for the first and second-year gremlins to work themselves out. Soooo......2016 or 2017 MY. Of course, I may decide I just like the status quo and not have a car payment for longer, or decide I REALLY like having a car I don't give a $hit about.
Anyhoo, enough talking and a few pics from the dealer:
So far, only issue is rear AC not working ($88 part and 15 minutes of time to replace transistor) and driver's seat bolster is cracked ($20 part and 5 minutes to replace). Otherwise, it rides and drives as well as the wife's '07 Pilot with 90k miles on it. Folks routinely get over 200k miles on 1G Pilots so I expect many trouble-free miles out of this "clunker".
The following 3 users liked this post by neuronbob:
#2
Rooting for Acura
iTrader: (1)
The Pilot is a great pick Now, about the Michelin Pilot Super Sports. You're right. That is an awesome tire. Plenty of grip and little road noise. My experience with that tire is that it is very good, but they did not last long at all. 10K - 12K. After that, forget about wet driving.
#3
Consider that Michelin has a mileage warranty on most, if not all of the latest street tires.
Yes, Michelins are more expensive but they'll prorate the mileage for you. Some people go to Sears to do this and have the service writer do the legwork getting Michelin to approve the warranty.
http://www.michelinman.com/mediabin/...warranties.pdf
Yes, Michelins are more expensive but they'll prorate the mileage for you. Some people go to Sears to do this and have the service writer do the legwork getting Michelin to approve the warranty.
http://www.michelinman.com/mediabin/...warranties.pdf
#4
Senior Moderator
I feel ripped off. Where are the pictures of the tires
The following users liked this post:
neuronbob (08-10-2014)
#5
Senior Moderator
Oh and nice Pilot! Trying to find one around here for under 12k is few and far between. And when you do its usually really well beat.
#6
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
I forgot to mention, it comes with a tow package, transmission cooler and wiring for a trailer, a real bonus. It was obviously used to tow in the past but having the tranny cooler means the transmission may not have suffered as much as without. It wasn't advertised but owning a Pilot already, I knew to look for one since the early models had them as an option, not standard. Nevertheless, will have diff and tranny fluid flushed and changed as cheap insurance.
On top of that, timing belt, water pump, and engine mounts were done 20k miles ago, so no cost there, it's what put me over the edge to buy it.
And LOL at tire pics!
On top of that, timing belt, water pump, and engine mounts were done 20k miles ago, so no cost there, it's what put me over the edge to buy it.
And LOL at tire pics!
Last edited by neuronbob; 08-10-2014 at 09:01 AM.
#7
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Congrats on the new-to-you Pilot! And the tires, as unsexy of a purchase as they are, well, actually the PS2s are pretty sexy, so congrats on the sexy tire purchase, too!
Trending Topics
#8
אני עומד עם ישראל
Smart buy Bob! She looks great.
#9
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
Very nice Bob. But I was looking forward to seeing the V pulling a camper. Hell, the Germans doit with S550 Mercs.
The following users liked this post:
D's Up (08-11-2014)
#10
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: SE Mass --- > Central VA --- > SE Mass
Age: 57
Posts: 8,953
Received 1,236 Likes
on
1,023 Posts
So essentially you got 5 Pilots.
Regarding the round black ones, I have them mounted on my A-Specs and I LOVE them.
Good luck with all of them
Regarding the round black ones, I have them mounted on my A-Specs and I LOVE them.
Good luck with all of them
The following users liked this post:
D's Up (08-11-2014)
#12
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,121
Received 4,824 Likes
on
2,571 Posts
Heh. Nice
#13
Not car payments (or beaks) FTW!
Congrats
Congrats
#14
Senior Moderator
I forgot to mention, it comes with a tow package, transmission cooler and wiring for a trailer, a real bonus. It was obviously used to tow in the past but having the tranny cooler means the transmission may not have suffered as much as without. It wasn't advertised but owning a Pilot already, I knew to look for one since the early models had them as an option, not standard. Nevertheless, will have diff and tranny fluid flushed and changed as cheap insurance.
On top of that, timing belt, water pump, and engine mounts were done 20k miles ago, so no cost there, it's what put me over the edge to buy it.
And LOL at tire pics!
On top of that, timing belt, water pump, and engine mounts were done 20k miles ago, so no cost there, it's what put me over the edge to buy it.
And LOL at tire pics!
I wasnt joking There is nothing nicer than seeing a nice set of rubbers.
Last edited by fsttyms1; 08-11-2014 at 09:36 AM.
#15
Safety Car
Very nice!
#17
#18
Burning Brakes
I switched out from PS2s to PSS and love them as well.
#19
2024 Honda Civic Type R
When my current summer tires wear out, I plan on switching to the PSS. Great to hear your personal review.
And nice deal on the Pilot. I'm sure your V will appreciate it on those harsh winter days.
And nice deal on the Pilot. I'm sure your V will appreciate it on those harsh winter days.
#20
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Yup, been looking for a deal for a while and found it.
Hopefully I don't give in to the "new" car fever for another year or two since I have now indulged. Love being able to put the car payment money in my son's college fund and my retirement accounts. If the TLX becomes a screaming deal (which it won't for a while), I could change my mind, in which case the Pilot becomes part of a down payment.
Since I'm going to be keeping the V wagon for a long while I'd like it not to rust up again.
Since I'm going to be keeping the V wagon for a long while I'd like it not to rust up again.
Last edited by neuronbob; 08-11-2014 at 04:22 PM.
#21
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Congrats
#22
Team Owner
i thought it was:
"My CTS-V needed tires, so i got a FWD RLX"
i will save my jokes for next time then =)
"My CTS-V needed tires, so i got a FWD RLX"
i will save my jokes for next time then =)
#23
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
#24
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Brooklyn, NY USA
Age: 47
Posts: 17,085
Received 740 Likes
on
309 Posts
Michelin PSS is probably the best street tire I've ever owned...
Put a set of Toyo Proxes 888's, go to the track and get them nice and warm...You'll be amazed at what your car can do!
Put a set of Toyo Proxes 888's, go to the track and get them nice and warm...You'll be amazed at what your car can do!
#25
Team Owner
Better than Michelin All seasons?
#26
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
1st mods/repairs done last week, and initial service/Honda dealer inspection/fixes today.
Last week:
New gas cap as additional insurance to keep the P1456/1457 codes away.
I purchased and installed (by myself ) a GTA iPod/iPhone connector and the accompanying Bluetooth kit. Now I can use my XM app via BT from my iPhone, or connect my ancient 5G iPod, on which I keep my music.
Installed new rear AC transistor because the rear AC wasn't working. It's a common problem on 1G Pilots. All is peachy and cool in the back seat.
Replaced driver's seat plastic (part with controls), 2 min job. Replaced rear AC vents which were broken, 30-second job.
Thinking about adding running boards to differentiate mine from my wife's a little more but that will come later.
P1457 code showed up again this week, so I mentioned it at the dealer when I brought it in for the previously scheduled engine oil/diff fluid/tranny fluid change. I asked for a smoke test as the small indy dealer I purchased from was supposed to have replaced at least the evap shut valve, and they told me they'd replaced the valve and the canister. Yeah right....
Smoke test revealed the problem. It turns out that the small dealer I purchased the Pilot from had replaced the canister and shut valve with used ones that, according to the mechanic, had lots of rust on them and a broken bolt. Grrrrr......being outside of the Honda emissions warranty, of course, I had to pay up. I managed to get the service department to reduce the parts cost, though I couldn't get them to price match Majestic or Honda of Lisle, my current go-to sources for Honda parts. $330 for that part of the job ($170 for install, the remainder for parts); they originally wanted $450 .
Good news is that I didn't have to replace the ECM (the final fix for P1457 if all else failed), which would have been costly (though I would have just sourced the part from a junked Pilot and saved some $$$ instead of paying $800+ for a new part).
I also had engine oil, diff oil, and transmission fluid all changed out at the dealer. I had a thorough inspection done and the only other issues they found were worn/broken rear stabilizer links and exhaust leak between the convertor and B-pipe, both easy fixes.
Altogether the service was around $800. I knew I was going to have to put some money into making the car more serviceable than it already was, and honestly it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. In short, I got lucky. Even with that cost, I paid enough below market value on this particular Pilot that I still came out ahead. Now fingers crossed on the tranny remaining intact.....
....and I passed the Ohio E-Check today, which I would not have with a recent P1457 code. Now I can get plates.
Now I'm ready for winter.
Last week:
New gas cap as additional insurance to keep the P1456/1457 codes away.
I purchased and installed (by myself ) a GTA iPod/iPhone connector and the accompanying Bluetooth kit. Now I can use my XM app via BT from my iPhone, or connect my ancient 5G iPod, on which I keep my music.
Installed new rear AC transistor because the rear AC wasn't working. It's a common problem on 1G Pilots. All is peachy and cool in the back seat.
Replaced driver's seat plastic (part with controls), 2 min job. Replaced rear AC vents which were broken, 30-second job.
Thinking about adding running boards to differentiate mine from my wife's a little more but that will come later.
P1457 code showed up again this week, so I mentioned it at the dealer when I brought it in for the previously scheduled engine oil/diff fluid/tranny fluid change. I asked for a smoke test as the small indy dealer I purchased from was supposed to have replaced at least the evap shut valve, and they told me they'd replaced the valve and the canister. Yeah right....
Smoke test revealed the problem. It turns out that the small dealer I purchased the Pilot from had replaced the canister and shut valve with used ones that, according to the mechanic, had lots of rust on them and a broken bolt. Grrrrr......being outside of the Honda emissions warranty, of course, I had to pay up. I managed to get the service department to reduce the parts cost, though I couldn't get them to price match Majestic or Honda of Lisle, my current go-to sources for Honda parts. $330 for that part of the job ($170 for install, the remainder for parts); they originally wanted $450 .
Good news is that I didn't have to replace the ECM (the final fix for P1457 if all else failed), which would have been costly (though I would have just sourced the part from a junked Pilot and saved some $$$ instead of paying $800+ for a new part).
I also had engine oil, diff oil, and transmission fluid all changed out at the dealer. I had a thorough inspection done and the only other issues they found were worn/broken rear stabilizer links and exhaust leak between the convertor and B-pipe, both easy fixes.
Altogether the service was around $800. I knew I was going to have to put some money into making the car more serviceable than it already was, and honestly it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. In short, I got lucky. Even with that cost, I paid enough below market value on this particular Pilot that I still came out ahead. Now fingers crossed on the tranny remaining intact.....
....and I passed the Ohio E-Check today, which I would not have with a recent P1457 code. Now I can get plates.
Now I'm ready for winter.
#27
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: SE Mass --- > Central VA --- > SE Mass
Age: 57
Posts: 8,953
Received 1,236 Likes
on
1,023 Posts
Certainly sounds like you are all set. Still amazed at the find - congrats again!
#28
Senior Moderator
Still no pictures of the new tires???
#29
Race Director
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: South Florida
Age: 30
Posts: 18,278
Received 3,824 Likes
on
2,847 Posts
Whew....had me scared upon reading the thread title...
Congrats!
Congrats!
#30
Moderator
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
Chapter Leader (South Florida Region)
iTrader: (6)
Fantastic set up...for about 1/2 the cost of the taxes alone on a purchase of one of your two new car pics, you have another paid off beater car.
I have to say, haven't had a car payment in almost 2 years now...but I'm good about maintenance but it has really been liberating in having that expendable income every month.
I have to say, haven't had a car payment in almost 2 years now...but I'm good about maintenance but it has really been liberating in having that expendable income every month.
#33
Senior Moderator
Thread Starter
Not particularly. 1G Pilot was pretty safe.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TLDude876
Car Talk
134
12-28-2016 03:18 PM
2015TLX
5G TLX (2015-2020)
1
09-11-2015 02:56 PM
nuldabz
3G TL Tires, Wheels & Suspension
3
09-03-2015 05:49 PM