It's time to buy new set of tires! I got 29K out of my Pilot Sports. DAMN they are expensive. I've decided
to stick with Pilot Sports unless someone really convinces me that something else is as good and cheaper.
Where is the best place to buy these tires in So. Cali? It seems Costco will be about $1100 installed. Does anyone have better prices?
Thanks ahead!

 

I would order them online from tirerack.com. The shipping is slightly less than the tax you'd pay. (I think I paid ~$800 for mine last year.) Then a good tire place should do a mount/balance/alignment for about $100-150. Bottom line, you'll save a $100 or so by ordering. Also, if you're looking to get longer lasting tires that may handle slightly better, I've been thinking about getting BFG gForce KDWs for my car since they're supposed to last longer and are much cheaper (~$50 per tire or so.) Good luck with the decision!

-drew

 

Bridgestone SO-3's? A little cheaper, and a good performer. I think they are a tad heavier in terms of weight though.

 

Do you know if the BFG gForce is noiser? and how much handling you think it will give vs. pilot sports.
I thought the pilots were awesome in ever aspect except for price and wear (although I got 28k out of them). I hate to pay the price but I'm really hesitant to go with something else.

 

I've gone thru the first set (25k on 'em) and am starting to see definite wear on my "new" ones (at 48k). There are a few sources on the web that compare tread life and handling. I like the comparison on tirerack that is based on people's experience. It seems to be pretty accurate. I've bought three sets of tires for my wife's bimmer, and the ratings always seemed to be pretty right on. Here is a link comparing the pilot sports with the bridgestones with the BFGs. . .
I like the fact that the BFGs have better road handling, and better tread wear. . .while still being much cheaper overall. Yes unfortunately the BFG is a little noisier.

-drew

edit: i don't know if the link is working correctly. . .

 

Is that true that the generally original tires that come with cars have less rubber on them vs. the same ones you buy afterwards? I don't believe this but since I have heard, I thought to ask.

 

FALSE not true.tires wear base on brand,model,road condition and driving habbit.

i'm running BFgoodrich G-Force KWD2 and this is the comparison with stock Pilot.with 10 being excellent.
-road noise) pilot = 10,bf = 8 (not a big deal if you're not TOO picky,most of us driving with music on anyway)
-wet traction) bf = 10,pilot = 8 (due to the thread design?)
-dry traction) bf = 10,pilot = 7 (maybe because of wider sizes 245/285 vs 225/245)
-handling) bf =10,pilot = 9 (could be from the cusco sways)
-price) bf = 10,pilot = 9 (for some reason bf are actually cheaper)
i didn't know what i'm get into when i decided to buy those bfgoodrich.but after about a month of driving,i'm very happy with them consider i've been in sunny day,rain and track.

 

Tinman, you have different rims tho with your BFGs, right?

-drewer

 

yes sir. 19x8.5/19x10

 

Thanks guys for all the info! I ended up buying very slightly used pilot spots for good price!!! So I guess I don't have to worry about this for another 20-25K.
Tinman that was lots of good info on BFG gForces. I think when the time comes to get new tires for my FX that's what i'm going to get!!!

 

Seems to me like you recommend the BFgoodrich G-Force KWD2 over the stock Pilots anyday. Now I know what tires to get when I need to replace mine.

 

I thought I'd revive this---

Costco is running another deal on tires. They offer $60 off a set of 4 Michelins...

Michelin® Pilot Sport 225/45ZR18 $217 ea
Michelin® Pilot Sport 245/45ZR18 $272 ea

Add tire disposal in CA and Installation at any Costco:

TOTAL: $976 - 60 = $916

This should be a great deal for most people. Of course they have the 17s much cheaper. I got the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S in 17" a few months ago and as long as you watch them do the install, they do a pretty good job. I would recommend waiting for a bit after you buy them (online) to have them installed because this deal is very popular.

 

I think you meant $916+TAX = $992 ? no?

 

oops, forgot to mention tax wasn't added. you completely right. I figured tax was different for everyone (like 8.25% here in LA but less elsewhere). Still, it is a good no hassle price I think. You can order online and they'll just call when they come in.