Oswald Vater

Just curious. As the owner of a 2k TL and shortly in the market for an 04, the tire issue raised here has given me 2nd thoughts. I don't drive my car hard, love the Michelins on my current one, and would love to get them on my next. Could we get a poll on how many 04 owners had their tires replaced AT NO COST by the dealer before delivery and which dealers did the switch? Thanks for the info. I'm sure it will help more than just me.

ndabunka

I have the "summer tires" on mine. They are actually the Bridgestone Pontenza RE030's. They handle nicely in the dry but have not yet had any opportuities to test their wet or snow performance. They were provided to me at no cost but it wasn't easy. I do have a NAVI car so my original discount was only $500. I also got a 2 year service contract (more like oil changes to 24K) as the only other part of the deal. PS - My car is an auto.

MyJohnson

Proctor Acura in Tallahasee will change the Turanza EL42's for Turanza LS-Z's!!!!!!!

They tell me "its no problem" but I haven't bought from them yet nor, therefore, actually had the tires changed.

Also, one person has stated on another thread that they changed their EL42's to LS Z's and still had flat spotting.

Those that have changed to Mich Pilot A/S have had no problems.

At Proctor, ask for Anthony Lee. Nice guy. Has answered my 100 questions. I've test drivin' with himx2 as well. I'd buy from him.

Oswald Vater

Thanks guys, both for the dealers and also the swapped out tire brands. Anyone else?

nickademus

My deposit has been made. I brought up the issue with my dealer yesterday. (Gary Force Acura in Nashville, TN) So far, they just say they can upgrade, but I have to pay for the new tires, and with no trade in allowance, and the labor is free. I'm going to work on them a little, because I don't find this acceptable.
Considering I got very little discount, they need to pony up on this issue. I WILL NOT drive the car out of the lot with those crappy tires on it.

alvon

After reading all the negative postings regarding the Turanza EL 42, I decided to call my dealer to add the HPT option to my order, and they are happy to do that, for an additional cost of course.

Can anyone comment on the "noise" level of the RE030, besides its handling?

Formula 350

I have the RE030s and I do not think they are noisy at all. In fact, they are quietier than my Monte Carlo with RSAs.

However, some people say they are noisy....

gregory28

I have the Turanza EL 42's and think they're good. Handle very well on dry and wet conditions and they did okay in the snow recently.

huskerfan

I talked to Acura Customer Service today about the vibration on the OEM tires. They said the only thing that has been reported to Acura is the vibration that occurs in the first few minutes of driving which is the flat spotting problem. Acura is unhappy about it and has raised the issue with Bridgestone. Bridgestone is saying that it is normal. Acura is still not happy with that response. However, the customer service rep I talked to said they have not had any reports of vibration at 50-55 MPH or when the tires warmed up. Anyone who is having this problem should report it to Acura Customer Service so they can get this problem on the record.

Oswald Vater

Nick:
Let us know how you make out. I agree with you that we shouldn't have to accept questionable tires on a $35,000 car. Hopefully my own dealer will do a swap out as well when it comes time if the issue has not been settled by Acura. Thanks, everyone so far for their comments.

danno

With all the problems surfacing with the EL-42s, all the dealers know about the problem, they should swap if the customer dilikes them and give the HPTs at no cost!

svtmike

That wouldn't work for me. The "Summer Tires" would be absolutely treacherous in the Chicago winter climate.

Mike

93SHOcar

I have arranged for the dealer to perform a pre-delivery swap to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S but it was not at no cost. The Pilots were $240/tire, EL42 credit $100/tire, and $80 for m&B making the all in cost $640. Not cheap but well worth it IMHO.

acuraddict

For those of you who haven't already seen it, go to tirerack.com and look at the cumulative consumer rating of the EL42s, and then look at the rating of practically every other tire that comes up for the 04 TL. The EL42 gets around a 2.7, while the average for all others is around 7.5-8.5 (on a scale of 1-10).

IMO, Every dealer should be willing to step up for the customer and at the very least make the Potenza RE030 available to 5 speed TL buyers who are unhappy with the crap that is stock on the car. Dealers should put pressure on Acura to make this happen.

gregory28

I've Driven with EL 42's in the rain a number of times and they did well. Have I taken turns at high speeds with them in the rain? No, I haven't. Not the sort of thing I would do. I haven't hydroplaned at all; I have a 5AT. Are there better tires? I realize there are. I'm not a car afficionado like many of you so maybe ignorance is bliss!

ndabunka

Alvon - I consider the RE030's to be pretty quiet but then again I was coming from a performance car with Michelin Pilot Sports on it (Awfully noisey when they are near the end of their useable lifespan) so my observations may mot be the norm. However, they also seem quieter than my Continetals were on my BMW 740iL so I'd say they are pretty quiet. Don't have much snow down here so that's not an issue. One thing to remember is that the RE030's are super soft. Sure, they handle like mad but will also wear down quickly. I'm not expecting any more than 20-25K miles before I'll need to replace (My pilot sports went about 15K between replacements).

mrpete

I just picked up my '04 TL yesterday. Dealers in Central Ohio would NOT swap tires FOC or with a credit of some sort. I've heard horrible input on these 'all-season' tires but will give them a try.

I expect some good snow in the next 30 days and will make note of how they handle at first chance.

24 hours into it and the tires are 'decent'. I've not really beat on them yet. Obviously, you want to go gently into that good night.

Pete

rets

Got to write here again.

Congratulations.