Hello,
I am in the market for new tires for my 2000 ES300. Currently I have the Mastercraft 205/60 R16 Avenger LSR's on the car. I drive a lot so I am looking for good quality tires, not necessarily ones that give a quiet ride, but durable long lasting ,that do well in the snow.
I spoke to the Lexus dealer who offers two brands (I did not get the specific model names) Bridgestone and Michelin. The Bridgestone are $128.00 a piece and Michelin are $173.00. According to the dealer the Bridgestone would be better for what I am looking for; they are more durable while the Michelin give a softer rider. The total for having the Michelins put on is $962.00, which is ridiculous.
I spoke to a local tire shop that I trust, in regards to the most durable they suggested the Goodyear Assurance tires which are rated for 80K miles. At $102.95 a piece, they would charge $484.69 to put the tires on. He also said that he could order the Mastercraft tires.
I would like to get everyone's expertise on the following questions: Are Goodyear tires good? What about Mastercraft? How about Bridgestone or Michelin?
I bought the car with 70K miles on it, Mastercraft were the tires that were on it. They do terrible in the snow, but no other complaints. Twice I have gotten nails stuck in them, one time the nail was not in the thread. But each time I have had them patched and they work great other than driving in snow or ice. Thanks.