Rob144

I chanced to notice a screw sticking out of the sidewall of my 06 RL's right rear tire this afternoon. The local repair shop said no one will patch it -- the screw being in the sidewall and all.

So, its off to call Costco and the local tire shops to see who has a Michelin Pilot MXM4 in the right size.

Costco has to special order, and after mid-October the price will go up $50 per tire (from $218 to $258). Big-O can get one the next day. Evans puts me on hold forever. And Express Tire can get one today. The dealer has one in stock, and despite their claims of selling it at "cost + 10%" the tire alone is $295. Never mind that most other places are $220 for the tire itself.

So, its off to Express Tire for what is essentially a $300 tire replacement after install and balancing and disposal and the somewhat less-than-fresh scent the tire jockey carries around with him and deposits in your car by the end of a hot day.

Anyway, the new tire is on. Michelin slightly changed the style -- the lettering on the sidewall is a little different (smaller and, um goofier).

My goal of having all 4 tires wear evenly and replacing everything with A-Specs (or '09 take-offs) will now have to wait. I'm wondering if the A-Spec/'09 size is more common than the OEM 17-inchers.

For fun, the dealer quoted me about $3000 for A-Spec rims and tires, and even more for '09 wheels and tires. Yikes.

I'm just worried about whether this OEM tire will be available and affordable as the miles wear on or if I have a non-repairable flat in the back of beyond. "Well sir, we'll just have to order that and it'll be here in 3 days, more or less, so just sit tight and enjoy our little town."

Rob144

CDR A

Ouch! Thanks for letting us know about the current prices and availability.

You never know what nice people you could meet (ever squeal like a pig...)

Rob144

How did I know this thread would end up with a Deliverance reference....

TampaRLX-SH

Sorry to hear Rob.

I believe the MXM4s are nearing the end of their model run. Typically a new model is introduced to improve upon the departing version.

Whether or not the newer model tire will come in the RLs odd size remains to be seen. Likely the availability of that tire size is driving those costs. It just seems like Michelin is just not supporting our RL (with a nod to the PAX fiasco).

I have been eyeing the BS Turanza Serentities which are rated VERY high by Tire Rack over the MXM4s and are significantly lower in price.

Another option is to shop some take offs. I have seen a lot of tires / wheels on Ebay.

LaCostaRacer

I have done a lot of research on replacing my tires on my TL in the next few months and have a couple of tips that you might find helpful.

First the MXM4 is very expensive for its lack of performance capabilities. My FWD TL is continuously slipping these tires and they seem a little noisy as well. I'm considering the Pilot Sport AS/Plus as a good replacement. The Sport AS/Plus tire has better performance criteria and has also a 45K warranty, not to mention it's $90 less per tire. It looks like my MXM4's will last perhaps 30K miles and they have always slipped on startup in the rain.

I realize the RL is awd so maybe the slipping won't be as big a deal, but you'll still have a better handling tire with the AS/Plus and longer life with perhaps a slightly harsher ride. I think the Plus's will also be a little quieter based on Consumer Reports testing results if I remember right.

Also Costco is having a coupon deal that ends Oct 4th that takes an additional $70 off a set of 4 tires. If you miss this deal, then Discount Tire tends to have $100 off specials the last 3 days of the month usually. Discount Tire is pretty competitive with Costco and has a larger selection of choices as well.

Good luck!

LaCostaRacer

^ oops I failed to see that you bought the tire already. Perhaps I'll help someone else needing a full set of tires.

phishfood

I just put four Turanza Serenity tires on mine from TireRack total cost for four tires is a hair over $700

TampaRLX-SH

I'd be very interested in your impressions of the Serenity vs. the MXM4s on the RL. Is the difference as obvious as the Tire Rack ratings indicate?

Perhaps you can report in periodically with wet performance and you feelings on how they wear in?

Much appreciated.

OLD_HATCH

Sorry about the misfortune. I stopped at a tire place not to long ago that advertised some sort of special service that could fix sidewall mishaps. If I find out what it is I'll post up.

phishfood

They seem quiter, though if that's psychological I don't know.

I've driven in the rain a couple of times and they seem fine. Since the MXM4's were down to like 4.5/32nds when I bought the car it would be hard to compare.

That and the car was pulling. Align no help, new tires did.

Plus one TPM sensor had broke off and was rolling around inside the tire. Dealer warranty replaced it.