Skoda RS replacement tyres - interesting

[woofy]

Sorry I meant the PS3s in that size...I didn't see them there last time I looked, they did have the PE2s for about $170 last year which I'm really happy with, but they seem to be gone now.

I really would be happy just with the PE2s again, but the PS3s have been very good on our 6, I could ask them about if they could get either in.

[Diesel_vert]

Quotes from two Tire Rack representatives re: Michelin PS3 availability in North America...

"I do know that Michelin is not going to bring the PS3 here except in a couple of sizes for replacement tires that were used as original equipment (for Aston and MBZ if I remember correctly). The Pilot Super Sport will replace the PS2 (and the PS3 in Europe) eventually but as to when, and as for pricing reductions or closeouts on the PS2 is anyone's guess at this point.

I have been told that Michelin will be pricing the new Pilot Super Sport a bit below the 'normal' selling price of the PS2."

and also...

"In the North American market, the PS3 will be available in limited sizes for certain original equipment applications."

which would explain why there aren't a lot of sizes available for the PS3 from Tire Rack (or America for that matter). But anyway, if I were after a performance road tyre from Michelin, I would seriously consider getting the new PSS if purchasing from Tire Rack, especially since the smaller sizes like 225/45 R17 and 225/40 R18 aren't available in Australia or even Europe (no idea why).

[woofy]

How do they compare to the Pilot Exalto 2s.....thats what mine came with, and they have been perfect for the car. Lots of grip, good wear, quiet and none of the weird wear issues others have seen. They stopped selling them here and Tire rack had the exact size for a time, but no longer. I'd be happy to go PS3s here but they are very pricey still.

[brad]

PS2 aren't much different from PS3 (PS2 are the more sporting tyre but there is <10% variance between them IMO). USD183 (the USD249 are Mercedes OEM)
Or the PSS for USD223. PSS is 300 wear rating & 10/32 of tread; PS2 is 220 wear & 9.5/32 so the overall life will be similar - maybe slightly in the PSS favour but the cost saving of the PS2 tips the scale in that direction. A mate runs PS2 on his 325 with Msport suspension & loves them - he drives quite hard though & generally gets 25,000km from the front & 30,000km from the rears (different sizes, cant be rotated, fronts get bad edge wear).

[woofy]

What are PS2s going for locally, the PE2s were around $550 here when I first bought the car. The PS3s in the right size only came out around Nov last year and were about $420. I'd hope they have dropped slightly since then. Seeing as Tirerack charge more for freight to Aus now (maybe cause they can), last time I checked they were about $300 odd for 4 tyres, at 1200 with shipping plus other customs bits, its almost not worth it. Does tax come in if the price is below $1000 ex shipping or including?

My PE2s have done about 37k and have plenty of tread left yet....

[brad]

PS2 in your size, i have no idea.
Shipping is more like $380 these days.
The $1000 limit is for product+freight (AFAIK). If it's over $1k then add 20% for your landed price.

On my other forum at least 4 guys have imported from tirerack & thought it worthwhile. The guy with the 325 is about to buy a 2nd lot off them.

When he bought his last set early last year local price was $2388 for PS2 in 225/45x17 & 255/40x17. Tirerack price was USD1532. fit/balance was about $20 a corner. He split his order over 2 shipments & still saved substantially over Australian prices.

[Diesel_vert]

How do they compare to the Pilot Exalto 2s.....thats what mine came with, and they have been perfect for the car. Lots of grip, good wear, quiet and none of the weird wear issues others have seen. They stopped selling them here and Tire rack had the exact size for a time, but no longer.

Compared to the PE2, you should expect even more grip, better handling, shorter braking distances and similar wear rates from the PSS. Noise should be similar to the PS2/PS3, which aren't known for being excessively loud anyway.

I'd be happy to go PS3s here but they are very pricey still.

If you are dead set on getting the PS3, you should seriously consider getting the PSS from Tire Rack - worst case scenario, they may end up being the same price as the PS3 locally, but you'll end up with a better tyre (in terms of performance).

[woofy]

I've found the grip and wear on the PE2s better than I would have thought, at 36k and still plenty left...so would prefer something closer in wear without losing performance more than performance at a cost to wear.

[Diesel_vert]

Like I said, I would expect the PSS (and the PS3 for that matter) to achieve similar wear rates as the PE2, while still providing more grip - such is the progress being made by the leading tyre manufacturers these days.

The catch? As it stands, both will end up being more expensive to purchase than the PE2.

In any case, I reckon Michelin's Pilot series have a pretty good balance between dry grip/performance, wear and noise in their respective categories.

[woofy]

I dunno the PE2s were about $550 when I got the RS in 2008, the PS3s are $410, so already winning there. Don't know what the PSS are here.

[Diesel_vert]

I dunno the PE2s were about $550 when I got the RS in 2008, the PS3s are $410, so already winning there. Don't know what the PSS are here.

Ah, I meant in comparison to the price you bought the PE2s for ($170 IIRC <- but is that what it cost all up per tyre?).

As for the PSS, the smaller sizes are only available in America for the time being, and 225/40 R18 (92Y) XL costs USD 223.00 from Tire Rack.

Now, duty and GST is only payable on imported goods valued at or below AUD 1000.00 (except alcohol and tobacco), and since USD 892.00 (223.00 x 4) = AUD 840.16 (as of 14/06/2011) you should be exempt. And if my understanding is correct, postage costs aren't including when determining duty, i.e. the AUD 1000.00 threshold excludes postage costs (can someone with experience verify this?).

See the Australian Customs Service website for further information.

[Antiplastix]

Just to resurect this thread, due to a puncture near the sidewall I had to replace 2 tyres on the RS. The origional Dunlops have 20 K kms and are just about shagged anyway. The "best" tyre Blairs had in stock was the Falken ZE912 at a very reasonable $170 each. They are not a directional tyre, and so are much quieter than the blocky, noisey Dunlops. I will report back on a wear and wet weather report,as in the dry there is no differance in handling.

[VRS-Vic]

Update on my FALKENS.

Took my car in for a service and they called me telling my tyres are bald in the insides.
I couldn't believe it as i thought i had just changed my tyres 6 months ago.

Went back to Bob jane to complain, but to my surprise, turns out it's been a year since i changed them and i've managed to do 30,000kms!!
AND i didn't get an alignment done during that time.

so the time has come again to buy tyres.
The Falkens weren't too bad. They probably would have lasted another 20k , but they started to lose grip in the wet so i've decided to try something different.

But i have no idea what....Budget around 250 each...

thoughts?

[pologti18t]

But i have no idea what....Budget around 250 each...

thoughts?

Costco do tyres. See if they have Michelin PS3 in your size. I know the 205/45x16 are $200 each.
If you like Falken then get some more. They have updated their top models I think

[Tigger]

Dont scrimp on tyres!!

I have done so in the past and regretted it everyday.

Remember the saying:
"price is forgotten long after quality is remembered"!!!

If you cant stretch the budget, buy them on 12 months interest free and pay it off...you will be happier every time you drive.