gerbs

I've got an '05 RL with the OEM 17" Michelins on it. I bought the car new, live in LA, and its time for a new set of tires.
I've been doing some research on line on what to buy, and have read a lot of bad comments about the OEM tires, but haven't really found consistently good comments about any other tire.
The Michelin Pilot Sports sound like they handle better, but are a lot noisier, for example. Kind of similar to what I've seen on other tires.
Does anybody have a recommendation on tires?

Chas2

What is most important ride, noise, handling?
Summer tire?
All season tire (how often do you go up to the mountains? Are you a skier?)

Rob L

I like my bridgestone potenza RE050A pole positions. They do not seem any louder than the OEMs, have a "slightly" more harsher ride (which could be because these are 18") and despite being a summer performance tire they handle better in rain and on dry pavement the difference is quite dramatic with less roll and steering response is far better. Basically they blow the OEMs out of the water. Oh and braking is better too.

I'd guess other similar max performance summer tires do the same thing so it is really a toss up based on price and I guess manufacture preference.

gerbs

Thanks for the info. I read up on the Bridgestones and decided to switch to 18" wheels myself after reading some of the other posts. So I've ordered a set of the Silver ASA ST-4s from Tire Rack with the TPMS units already installed.
Based on what I read on Tire Rack, I'm looking at the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position. Is it much different than the 50A?
Once I have the rims I plan to take them to the Discount Tire store I've used in the past (their online site carries the Bridgestone 960s in the right size, so I figure the store will too but will call ahead) and have everything put on the car. Am looking forward to the new ride.

TampaRLX-SH

If you stick with the OEM rims, the selections are few.

I'd be interested in feedback from drivers who replaced the OEM Michelins and found a quieter tire...one that stayed quiet after 10-15k milesand not just when brand spankin' new.

I am happy with the OEM Michelins but would like to reduce some tire roar the ANC cannot address. The roads here tend to be coarse and although I have great luck with wear on the Michelins, then tend to transmit more road noise than I'd prefer.

I have read mixed reviews on the Michelin Pilot A/S as some say they are quieter than OEM and other say they got louder than the OEMs s mileage grew.

With so few choices, there are not many reviews to the RL with OEM rims / tires.

Chas2

Don't feel bad about your choices until you have 245-680R 460A tires. You have a choice of exactly two tires, the Pilot HX MXM4 and the X Ice.