05TL

I'm planning to make a purchase soon and am trying to decide whether I'm better off spending $200 on the HPT, or going with the base tires and applying the $200 towards a new set of summer tires (maybe Michelin Pilots). Any advice?

Tripp11

Down in AZ, you shouldn't have any problem using the HPT's as you don't get any inclement weather. The HPT's haven't gotten a whole lot of complaints on this board and most think they are a decent tire. My advice is take the HPT's and call it a day.

KilroyR1

Just remember, the standard tires ride very nicely. Having taken a ride in the HPT model, it was a little more harsh. If that matters, take that into consideration. I actually like the EL42's (I may be about the only one).

Don

caball88

get the HPT for 200 bucks its worth it. try to work it into the price and have them throw it in. you will not be able to get the set HPT's on your own for 200 bucks. they are actually giving you a credit for the el42's. if you take the el42's and go out on your own to get Michellins then you will have to deal with the trouble of selling those el42's, and if you do not sell you get nothing for them.

AcidHorse

You're probably better off applying that extra $200 towards new Pilots...or better yet get the Pilot Sports. With the Pilot Sport's 400 treadwear it'll last longer than those of the HPT's, that is if you change your mind on all seasons instead.

Pug

I like them too - now that the weather has warmed up. As soon as it gets cold again and the flatspotting returns, I'll be singing a different tune.

93SHOcar

Your best chance to get trade in value for the EL42's will be to work a pre-delivery swap with the dealer to get the specific tire you want. Very few of us have had luck getting credit at tire shops for the EL42's. My guess would be that the number of tire shops willing to provide credit will drop even lower as they realize that cannot move the POS EL42's.

Personally, I am extremely happy with my Michelin Pilot A/S. I would be surprised if the HPT offers any advantage in dry or wet performance. The Pilot A/S definitely have a better treadwear rating and obviously are an all-season tread (may be a non-issue for your locale). The only negative I have heard on these tires is the cost.

jime

I am not sure how successful you are going to be getting the color/interior/Transmission/Navi mix you want and expect to also get the HPT option. When I put a deposit on my 6MT everything was just as I wanted it except that it was coming with HPT. I told the dealer I didn’t want the HPT and their solution was to not charge for them. Then I had to wait for 5 weeks to get my car.

Unless you want non-Navi/Automatic and are not too particular about the color and interior, you need to make your plans depending on what tires the car has on it.

rets

How's about asking your dealer to provide the other HPT tires for you? Like Michelin PS2 or Pilots instead of you buy and upgrade by yourself.

roadman

Many people have no problems with the EL-42's and you may very well be one of them. Instead of taking a reactive approach after you drive your car and discover a problem with the EL-42's, take a proactive approach and do not take a chance that you me an unlucky one.

1) apply the $200 towards the Pilots
2) Have you dealer credit you for the never used EL-42's prior to taking delivery

rets

roadman hits the point. No outside tire shops will offer as many credits as your dealer could provide to you.

The only place to have the most credit of your brand-new EL42s (at least to those Acura dealer) is your dealer.



When you drive out of your dealer, your EL42s is only worth of $0-40 for the trade-in.
:o

dcarlinf1

I beleive the HPT's are not all-seasons. If you care about having all-season tires apply the money towards the Michelins. If you don't the HPT's are much better option than the EL42's. Anything but the EL42's. I chose Pirellis personally.

93SHOcar

I have seen Michelin PS2's mentioned several times recently. Currently, they are not available in stock 235/45 17 size. However, I believe the tires for 18" rims are 235/40 and PS2's are available in that size.

rets

I agree with your pre-delivery swap idea, too. Since 05TL is in AZ, besides Summer tires like Michelin Pilot Sport or PS2, there are tons of choices for him. But he's better to have ideas in mind before talking to his dealer.

Also, you're probably right with the PS2's size. Jcxny got his Michelin PS2 245/40/18. http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82022