I've decided to buy an 05 RL and the tires need to be replaced. I can't decide which ones to get. I want the best handling tire in all weather conditions, cheap, quite, and long tread life. So basically I want the best overall value. If the pilots are much better than the other two then they are worth the money, but if the toyos are almost as good I'll save a couple hundred bucks.

What do you think?

Dunlop SP Sport 5000 98W 340 AAA $166
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 99W 400 AAA $232
Toyo Versado LX 99V 400 AAA $151

I am also considering buying the oem tires only if I can find a good deal on ebay. I got out bid on an auction that ended at 640 w/ oem tires and wheels 50 miles on them.

 

go to tirerack.com to see the reviews on those tires.. good luck!

 

I have, the pilots are rated better than the dunlops and the toyos aren't on there. I was looking for info specific to the RL from people who have researched these tires before or from owners.

 

I can't speak to the other two, but I've had the Pilots and loved them when I had them on my '04 TL (traded in). I'm already thinking about putting them on my '05 RL when it's time. The other tire I'm thinking about is Pirelli PZero Nero M&S which I've also had in the past. But to do that, I'd have to go to 18" wheels. We'll see. In any case, I recommend going to the TireRack to investigate. I've found that site invaluable.

 

You don't have to go to 18" wheels for the Pirelli tires, just use P235/55/17. The difference between this size and the 245/50/17 is insignificant, only 2%. You would be seeing 58.8mph at 60.
I picked up a used set on Ebay with only 50 miles on them at a very reasonable price. Look under Mustang tires. Evidently there are a lot of Mustang owners that want to go to bigger wheels and the Pirrelli's are OEM with the vehicle. I haven't changed over yet but I am looking forward to a quieter ride. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll remember that when it's time to get new tires.

 

It sucks that the tire size used in the RL has such limited choices.

I would not necessarily go to a higher profile tire, the ride is pretty cushy as it is, and the handling could be affected negatively by the less stiff side wall. I am guessing, but I do not know whether the difference in diameter can be handled by the computers with regard to ABS and stability control.

The Dunlop is a good compromise. I had two sets of 225/50-16 on G2 Legend, and was happy with them. I am currently running Pirelli PZero Neros, and they are excellent in the dry, but not as good in wet and the cold weather. I think it has to do with the heavy siping in the Dunlop tread design versus virtually none in the P Zero Neros.

Or moving to 18's you get a much wider choice in 245/45-18, and only a 1 mm nominal difference in diameter, and you have a chance to get rid of the boring wheels, and maybe even lighten up the whole wheel tire package.

Just my two cents.

 

Good points, but I think I will be OK with the 235/55/17's. The sidewall height is only 0.26inch higher and the diameter 0.53inch greater. Will let you all know how they work out.

 

i just got goodyear F1 all season and they're great... reinforced stiff side wall (carbon fiber)...

so far so good...

but they wear out easy from what I've heard... I like new tires every 2 years or so anyway...

if you're looking cheap conti extemecontact if value for money... they'e great in rain and light snow too.. had them in my old car back in Pennsylvania and they were great... very confident in 2 inches of snow... they wear out quick too but at that price you could buy 2 pilot sports a/s.. see tirerack

 

I had the exact opposite on Cont Extreme Contacts, at least as far as the value for the money. You get what you pay for. Could not keep them balanced. They were very noisy and got worse over time. Ride was never good, although that is a function of them going out of balance all the time. Very good in heavy rain, OK in light snow. Sucked in dry pavement, very slow response, and in general, were the worst tires I have ever owned. I should have not waited for them to wear out, and chucked them. Pirellis PZero Nero M+S are MUCH better. Ditto Dunlop SP5000 AS and Yokohama S4.