After nearly 2 years, 6 attempts to balance at 2 different shops (both using RoadForce balancing equipment), replacing one rim, replacing one out-of-round tire, and probably 30K miles, I cannot take it any more and am looking to get rid of my Yoko Avid V4S tires. Nearly constant vibration (often severe) in front and rear, at speeds over 60.

I do not need a high performance tire, and basically drive my 2003 TL as a luxury sedan vs sports sedan. Never thought I'd miss the stock Michelin's until I put the Yoko's on.

I am looking for a smooth quiet ride, but the ability to handle moderately aggressive driving (can't get anywhere in the DC area without driving a little aggressive). From doing research on tirerack and other sites, it looks like the Michelin Primacy MXV4s might be what I'm looking for. Also considering the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity, but definitely leaning towards the Michelins.

Anyone have any experience with them? I know they are overpriced, but at this point, the money would be very well spent, to get back to the ride my car had when I bought it 3.5 years ago.

 

Im surprised you had that much problems with them.

Is this for the TL-P or TL-S?

The Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum have great reviews, And the Goodyear Eagle ResponsEdge.

For the S the Continental ContiExtremeContact,Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum, and Goodyear F1/AS is rated really well too.

If you have the money the Primacy's are good.

 

Thanks for the response. Well, I've got the money ... don't really want to drop it on new tires (prefer new golf clubs), but I'm afraid the Yokos are going to start shaking things loose from my car. These cars have enough rattles/squeaks as it is (and I have aplenty)!

I have the TL-P, and I am also surprised. I saw mostly rave reviews on this site and mostly positive on tirerack. I don't need the stiffer HP tire, in retrospect. In fact, I am considering (but likely won't) getting an H rated tire. I am sure a V-rated touring tire will give me more of the ride I need though.

 

Have you contacted Yoko and informed them of all the problems? I would have gone back to the place that sold them to me and got them to replace the tires for all the problems you had.

Spending that much on the mich isnt necessary, Dont be turned off on lesser priced tires just because you had issues. Id follow tirerack's reviews of tires (plus search thru threads here) The ones i listed seem to be most popular.

 

I was slammed at work for several weeks about the time I got new tires and didn't have time to f**k with them a great deal. I just took it back to the installer (bought them from tire rack) after the initial install and they tried again (using Roadforce this time) and said one tire was out of round and one wheel was slightly bent. The wheel surprised me since it was fine with the older Mich. MXV4s, but I replaced it and got a replacement tire from tire rack. Same deal. Before I knew it, after taking it back 5 times for balancing over about a 6 or 7 week period, I had put 10K miles on them and figured there was no chance of a refund/return.

I know, I know, but I'm a bit shy of going cheap at this point. I want to replace 'em and be done with it. The Primacy got the highest reviews from the pros and is at or near the top with users reviews. I haven't seen any negative reviews on the acurazine board either, but thought I would check this specific board for input.

The only issues I ever had with the Michelin MXV4s was (besides cost) the squealing at low speeds in parking garages and tendency to hydroplane if the tires had 40K or more on them (which is not unexepected!). Last set I had on my '94 Accord finally got changed out at 65K ... hard to beat the longevity.

 

I think you should get the michelins. You have experience with them, and know what to expect. I personally would select the kumhos as a touring tire choice, but if you get them and still have vibration, you still don't have a solution. If you get the michelins, and have any vibration, something's changed on your car, or your getting lousy balancing or installation. I suspect the michelin's softer sidewall might have helped hide your bent wheel. One last thought; you might want to buy the tires through one of tire rack's installers. You'll pay about 10% more plus sales tax, but if you get defective tires, the installer usually eats the mounting, balancing,shipping, etc. Although the hunter road force system is the best, in my opinion, it is still subject to operator and calibration errors.

 

Do you guys buy the road hazard warranty on the tires?
I'm looking at buying tires from tirerack and then having tires plus install them... How do you guys normally do this? I searched the forums, but something is whack!

 

I have a 2000 TLS with 130k on it, and just replaced the Potenzas that were on it with the Primacys. Purchased from Costco, which was even cheaper than Tire Rack, and included installation and balance, filled with Nitrogen (lifetime pressure adjustment), lifetime rotate and balance, 5 year hazard warranty, and no waiting time on delivery! The installation "package" (install, warranty, etc.) was only $11 per tire, better than average in my experience.

There was an immediate difference in ride, noise, handling, and traction. The other tires, even after balancing, had "shimmy", noise, and vibration, with pressure at 32 psi all around.

Yes they are expensive, but they made an immediate improvement in the ride quality.