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Hi -
I am overwhelmed from overanalyzing a tire purchase... it all started when I discovered two nails in a rear tire. Took my 2002 Toyota Highlander (bought used three months ago; it had 38K miles on it and now has 41K) to Discount Tire and was told that the front tires really should be replaced (slightly into the 'red' zone on tire gauge.) As the tires are from 2001 (I assume these are the originals - they are Goodyear Integritys) I am open to the idea of replacing all four, since the one with the nail is in the rear and that's three tires right there.
I have noticed slipping on wet roads --and have been in three thunderstorms on the road just in the past two weeks -- so good traction on wet pavement is newly important to me. Obviously in Houston traction on ice and snow isn't an issue, so I'm wondering what a "good enough" tire for my car would be.
The tire guy is pushing for Michelins - the LTX M/S...or the Cross Terrain SUV. This is a pricey proposition (quote $817 for all four on the M/S, but that includes the "free replacement" certificates at $92 total, which I plan to pass on.) I'm not married to going to Discount Tire, but I'm not going to join Costco or Sam's Club just to get a better price, either. Unfortunately the $100 coupon I found online for four tires has expired...there doesn't seem to be a promotion right now. (I also have no idea if the nails have been in the tire a week or three months, so I am wondering if I can just get it "patched" and wait for a good sale.)
I want a one-stop-shopping "full service" place where I can go back and get the free balancing, etc., rather than ordering tires online and then going somewhere to get them installed. There is no guy at home to deal with this stuff <G> and I just want some peace of mind and to be treated fairly.
The Road Venture APT KL51 is KUMHO's Highway All-Season Tire developed for the light trucks and SUV owners who drive North America's streets and highways. The Road Venture APT is a multipurpose tire designed to provide a comfortable ride, enhance driving stability and reduce road noise, while providing traction in a variety of weather conditions, including in light snow.
The Road Venture APT features an all-season tread compound formulated to combine wet and dry traction with enhanced treadwear. The tread compound is molded into a symmetric tread design that features a continuous center rib that provides constant road contact to enhance stability, independent intermediate tread blocks to improve poor weather traction, and interconnected shoulder blocks to enhance responsiveness and promote even wear. The Road Venture APT structure includes twin steel belts reinforced by spirally wrapped nylon to help resist distortion at highway speeds and while cornering. A polyester cord body helps deliver strength and durability along with a smooth ride. Kumho Road Venture APT KL51 (Highway All-Season)
for 2001 Toyota Highlander 4wd
Hi -
The tire guy is pushing for Michelins - the LTX M/S...or the Cross Terrain SUV. This is a pricey proposition (quote $817 for all four on the M/S, but that includes the "free replacement" certificates at $92 total, which I plan to pass on.) I'm not married to going to Discount Tire, but I'm not going to join Costco or Sam's Club just to get a better price, either. Unfortunately the $100 coupon I found online for four tires has expired...there doesn't seem to be a promotion right now. (I also have no idea if the nails have been in the tire a week or three months, so I am wondering if I can just get it "patched" and wait for a good sale.)
I want a one-stop-shopping "full service" place where I can go back and get the free balancing, etc., rather than ordering tires online and then going somewhere to get them installed. There is no guy at home to deal with this stuff <G> and I just want some peace of mind and to be treated fairly.
Advice please? Thanks!
I love the LTX tires, i run them and to me there worth the money, but I get mine at Costco's and save on the price.
I would give the Discount Tire guy the bum's rush - IMHO trying to get the most $ out of you. The Kumho tires are rated highly, I have not tried them but I intend to give them a try.
See if you can't find an independent tire shop, there must be some left in Houston. I think this is the best bet for finding an outfit that will "take care of you".
Another option is to go to Tire Rack's website, buy them there, and they'll recommend an installer, realize you posted you didn't want to do that, but, it's usually the best overall deal. Free re-balancing is overrated - generally tires don't need re-balancing in their service life - if on the odd chance they do, just pay for that. Road hazard is also over-rated. Better to self-insure for the occasional tire that's destroyed by a road hazard. IMHO.
I've had good luck with BFG, Bridgestone, and Michelin. I always seem to get flats in Goodyears.
To find a good price, go to tirerack on the internet to check on how much the tires would cost if you bought them online. You can use that to negotiate a better price at the tire shop.
I'd check the local Sam's Club or Costco too. Even if you don't buy a membership, they'll let you in to check the price. It may be worth it to buy the membership.
Oh, my head aches.......what to do, what to do.... I SWEAR I bought the goddam car in less than half an hour, and I have spent DAYS researching this tire purchase!!!!!!!!!
Sterlinggirl I have just gotten off the phone with Sam's Club (a small feat in itself)...the out-the-door cost for tires (Michelin LTX M/S) and installation and tax and fees (which includes the Road Hazard thingie) is $680. I'm not a member yet so add $40 membership fee to that for $720 total. They don't do alignment there, but the guy said you have to get the new tires on first, then go get them aligned. Sam's is just down Highway 6 from me in Sugar Land so there is a convenience factor there. I don't know their reputation there though; if anyone does please chime in! Obviously one drawback is they have to order tires and it takes 5 days to arrive.
For comparison, NTB has out-the-door for same in-stock tire of $771 with Road Hazard, and $711 without. (This is the one in Stafford on 59.) He told me he'd meet any competitor's price -- don't know if he considers Sam's in that category.
I'm going to cancel the Discount Tire appointment today because I'm just not ready to make a choice.... keep the advice coming!
A relative works at a car dealership and possibly could get a decent deal on Vogue tires....Ihad never heard of them but apparently the company has been around a century. Any opinions on those?? Their website may be malfunctioning but my car isn't included in their tire options.....
Vogue has indeed been around forever, mostly catered to the Cadillac crowd but apparently has branched out some lately.
Take a look at Kumho on the Tire Rack website. Their tires rate high in most categories and they are attractively priced. See if they don't have an installer in your area, probably they do. You may be able to buy them locally as well - but if you tell them to, Tire Rack will ship directly to your installer, you then go to the installer and pay only for the labor for mount and balance.
Seems to me this is no more and probably less hassle than Costco
If your tires are wearing normally you probably don't need any alignment work.
I just purchased 4 new General Altimax RT from a local place, they actually beat the Tire Rack price. $360 out the door for 205/70- R15. Drove thru several Thunderstorms this past weekend and they hugged the road beautifully. The vehicle is a CRV.
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...what to do, what to do.... I SWEAR I bought the goddam car in less than half an hour, and I have spent DAYS researching this tire purchase!!!!!!!!!
