jimenter

Interesting to know this SW. Well, I was told that they do not offer Toyos anymore (even the ones, they were offering me originally J33s). I think the price was $132 or $142 because of the the problems they have been having. The fact that they even took the brand new spare as a "trade", they were doing me a favor because the tire guy told my service rep. they are sitting on 12 of them and they stopped selling. But, even before I got the wind of recall or changing tires Toyos J33s on this forum, when I was shopping for tires, my service rep. told me they do not make much money on tires, they just do it as a convininece for the customers. I am also surprised to hear that car dealerships on purpose ask for the cheapest tires to be installed on a band new car and that too, a luxary car. Jim

It has been almost 3 weeks, I got the new tires (MXV4+) installed on my ES 300. They are performing satisfactorily. As far as going for Toyo Proxies, I would have gone for them if that was choice at the dealership. I wasn't necessarily happy to shell out $162.86 plus taxes for these tires if I could have gotten Proxies. The dealer paid for 2 and charged me for 2 plus I got the spare changed also so I paid the difference for that.

Thanks SW03Es. After putting it off for a few weeks. I kept my appot. today and brought the car to the dealership. I didn't see your post until now. However, I asked him to change the spare as well as it has 0 miles on it. He called the guy in parts and he said he will give me credit $116.30 for the toyo sitting in the trunk and charge me the diff $46 for the exchange to Michelin MXV4+. I agreeed. So I am going to get 5 new tires. He was going to charge me for Wheel Alignment which he said he will waive now since I am losing on the spare tire. I also am getting the oil change. I have brand new 2004 Rx330 loaner from them. The car will be ready by Monday. So, I am paying for 2 tires plus diff and getting 5 new MXV+. I could feel the difference in drving a new car with 4 new tires (Rx330) and felt what I have been putting up with. The RX330 has Goodyear V rates tires on it. I had Goodyear on my 1999 ES 300and I think I was preety happy with it. But I think Michelins would be even better. Will keep you posted once I have gotten my car back from Service. Thanks Jim

Thanks SW03Es for timely response. I was going to go with Michelin MXV4+ if I hadn't seen any response (to err on the side of caution). I think the service rep. was pushing for Bridgestone because they have to pay for 2 but now they will have to pay for MXV4+ ($162 or $163). The same tires when I was shopping he told me was $152. When I questioned him about that, he said the prices do change on tires like fuel prices. I didn't want to cry for $10 per tire especially if they are paying for 2. When I go there Sat. I will speak to him in person to see if he can replace the spare tire also as it is brand new and their policy he said ws change the tire upto 10K. This one has 0 K. Thanks Jim

After speaking with my Service Rep. at the dealership I have bought 3 cars (all Lexis Es 300), they are going to split 50/50. They will pay for 2 tires and I will for 2 tires since the mileage has gine upto 23000. They had programs where it was 10K or thereabours, they would change all. Upwards upto 20K was different formula. They made expection since I been their customer for a while. So I have choice of Bridgestone or MXV4+. I am going to go for MXV4+ $163 each plius 6% tax. I will also get wheel alignment. I asked about the 5th tire (spare), he said, I will have to keep that. I was busy with my work so didn;t get to talk much. I might hav Toyo take that tire (brand new) and replace it with something else. What are your thoughts. Which tires should I go for? Choice is limited Bridgestone or Michelins. Thanks Jim

Thanks, Lexusfreak for your input. Now, tell me, why Toyo J33 which are also Proxies are not as good as Toyo TPTs? Can you also send me a link to where I can read up about these? I am so glad I posted the message because, I thought when you were pitching Toyo Proxies, I thought it meant the OEM tires that came from the factory (J33s). So, I decided to go and buy 3 tires and use the Spare tire as the 4th tire. Thanks Jim

Thanks Steve for the info. The link you sent however, doesn't bring to the discussion from Fall 03 about Toyo tires. If you would be kind enough to either send the link or show me how to. I try typing in search buit I can't get. BTW, I called the dealership and tried to speak to my Service Rep. He wasn't in so I spoke to his assistant. He says he doesn't know of any such recall, etc. Howeve, sine it was end of the day, he will speak to Management and ge tback to me tomorrow. Thanks in advance. Jim

I am new to this forum. I am looking for 3 or 4 tires for my ES300. I have 22500 miles. 1 of the 4 tires has gone bald and upon bringing it to Sears, other 2 don't have much tread left. I was about to to Michelin MXV4s and a while back I saw some posts here and someone was pitching Toyo Tires. I wanted to hear from other Lexus 300 oweners their experience especially the ones who own 03 ES300. The original tires from factory came with Toyo J33 Proxies. I wanted to change all 4 and use my spare tire which is also J33. However, if I go with any other make, I will have to buy all 4 new tires. Any comments, ideas would be appreciated. BTW, I couldn't find the thread where the guy was pitching toyo proxies and don't have much time searching fir it. Jim