Stories from the Sales Frontlines

driver100

I'm not too worried about snow or wear at this point.

You may want to come up here next winter to get your Beggon Strips. If it is November or December you may need winter tires.

jmonroe

I'm not too worried about snow or wear at this point.

I realize that you aren’t concerned about snow in southern Florida but I’m surprised that you are nonchalant about wear. Why would you not care about wear when another brand that cost about the same as Dunlop’s provide much better wear? FWIW, the Bridgestone Serenity’s I put on the Genny cost a little more than the Dunlop’s (maybe $20 each tops) but there is no question that the Serenity’s are gobs better for wear and nothing else was sacrificed.

I haven't heard any complaints about Dunlop's in the past.

The Dunlop’s were OEM on the Genny. That’s the only way I would have them on any car I owned. Many years ago I had a set on a car. It’s been so long that I can’t even remember now which car it was and they wore bad on that car too. Around 2002 I had two put on a ‘95 Bonneville and they were gone in 9800 miles. I am not exaggerating about that and they were not inexpensive tires. Got them at NTB and when I went back a year and a half later for the adjustment, because of the terrible wear they provided, the guy said, “I’m going to give you a very good adjustment on these but I’m sorry that I can’t replace them with another pair of Dunlop’s because we don’t carry that tire anymore”. I said, “gee, the tire gods must be with me today because I would have fought you tooth and nail if you tried to put 2 more on that car”.

jmonroe

driver100

Beggo’s, for dessert. I’m assuming that’s OK with ‘driver’ as long as he doesn’t think it will ruin her girly dog figure

That's OK with me. Gigi's figure is not too bad considering she gets about 25% human food as treats. Her favorites are chicken, cheese and hamburger but only if cooked or barbequed.
Maybe Mike would like chicken jerky for dessert, Gigi likes those too! And she loves those Denta Bone things.....and they are good for keeping your teeth nice and white!

driver100

Around 2002 I had two put on a ‘95 Bonneville and they were gone in 9800 miles.

We just replaced 4 tires on my wife's 335 and even they got 40k miles on them. They were warn on the sides so I think they would have lasted longer if they had been watched more closely....like if we did an alignment earlier.

But, here is a question. Do you think when you order a new car, you could specify which tires you do want or which ones you definitely don't want? I sure wouldn't want those Dunlops.

You would think the manufacturers would try to get reasonably good original tires, instead of just buying from the lowest bidder. Makes me wonder if that is a good way to see which manufacturers take pride in what equipment they use.

abacomike

I'm not too concerned about snow or wear at this point

I think you misunderstand what I was trying to say! I probably said it incorrectly! All I want to do is get the vibration out of the car and the steering. Once that has been accomplished, I'll probably start worrying about other things like wear, etc.

Sorry about the confusion. We all are concerned about tread life of tires, but unfortunately, right now, I am concerned with something more pressing.

Again, my apologies!

jmonroe

But, here is a question. Do you think when you order a new car, you could specify which tires you do want or which ones you definitely don't want? I sure wouldn't want those Dunlops.

I’ve heard of people not buying a car because they didn’t like the OEM tire brand. And I’ve heard of people that were able to convince their dealer that to make the sale the change had to be made. Knowing what I think I know about car sales, I’d say that if a dealer was willing to swap out tires they weren’t staring at a mini.

Maybe Mike can shed some info about this.

jmonroe

abacomike

Maybe Mike can shed some light on this

Well, I can try. If I knew that Dunlop tires, this specific type of tire, was not a good tire, I would've insisted that the tires be switched. I've bought a lot of cars in the last 15 years, but I've never had problems with tires on any car I purchased except for this one. Usually, OEM tires are fairly good since it's the manufacturer that provides the specifications for the tires and delivers those specs to the tire manufacturer. So one would suspect that the tires delivered on a new car meet all specs, which they do. The problem arises when the tires and the materials used to make those tires are not performing as they should.

Now, back to your original question. All dealerships are more than happy to switch tires from one car to another if the costs are reasonable! In the case of this Lexus, remember they have tire pressure monitors. The easiest way to switch tires, is to switch the wheels and the tires at one time. But the wheels have the sensors for the tire pressure monitors inside the valve stems or on another area of the wheel. It would require reprogramming the entire system and computer to adapt to the new wheels. In some cases, this cannot be done easily.

The next time I buy a car, I will be more careful and insist on higher quality tires. I've never had to do that because I have been happy, or satisfied, with the tires that come with the car.

I sure learned my lesson!

houdini1

Put me down as another one who does not like the Dunlop Sport 5000's. They came as OEM tires on my 2006 Lexus LS. I had to replace them at 20,000 miles, and yes, they were awful in snow or when wet.

Just to show you how smart I am, I replaced them with Dunlop Sport 5000's. The reason for this is because I had a $1200. credit at the dealer. Some sort of class action lawsuit over them claiming it was a law that they had to charge a certain doc fee, and I had purchased 3 cars there during the period that the lawsuit covered.

So, the only tires they stocked was the Sport 5000...and basically they were free. Now after another 20,000 miles, I need to replace them again, and barring another windfall, they definitely will not be Sport 5000's.

abacomike

Put me down as another one who doesn't like Dunlop tires

It's really a shame that Goodyear, who merged with or purchased Dunlop, is being dragged down into the mud by us - consumers who have big problems with their products. When I looked up Dunlop on google and opened their website, it was a Goodyear/Dunlop website. So far, I haven't heard one good thing mentioned on this site or other sites about Dunlop tires. I guess that says something.

Like I said, if I have an opportunity to replace these tires if Lexus steps up to the plate, I will put Michelin's on.

Thanks everyone for all the information!

explorerx4

Mako,
Don't if this will help but here is a link with some comments about using your turntable. I only read a few of them. Fezo might be able to find something to help you out in them.
PS-LX300USB

robr2

It's really a shame that Goodyear, who merged with or purchased Dunlop, is being dragged down into the mud by us - consumers who have big problems with their products.

Now I'm the opposite. I will never buy Goodyear tires ever again and will hesitate to buy a car with OEM Goodyears. My one experience with Goodyear tires and their branded stores have turned me off the brand forever.

OTOH, I used Dunlop tires before they were bought by Goodyear and had a great experience with them and would recommend them. Now that they are owned by Goodyear I couldn't.

mako1a

They should rename this site: You have problems...We have answers.

driver100

Well, I wrote back to my salesman and I told him the alarm hasn't gone off in the last 2 weeks. The only changes were, my wife didn't have her keys for my car with her (we didn't think that could be a cause, but we did it just in case), and Gigi hasn't been left in the car.

He wrote back ( and remember once before he said it couldn't be the dog);

Hey Steve,

Hope all is well. After speaking to a few people, I think its the dog being in the car.


Best Regards,

XXX

explorerx4

What matters is 'Is it the right answer?'

oldfarmer50

Interesting discussion on tires. I have Goodyear Eagles as OEM on the Eclipse and if the car sits for awhile I get a bumpy ride for the first mile until they warm up. Good tread wear, 33k with plenty of tread left but so-so handling (terrible according to the car mags). I wanted to get a set of summer tires since I rarely drive that car in the winter and never in snow. I was thinking of getting those P-zeros when the time came but 18k seems pretty bad tread life. May have to rethink things.

On vibrations, the Corvette has some cheap BF Goodrich tires which came with the car. I notice a vibration above 65 which I thought might be some steering gear defect but after reading these tire stories I think might be a balance problem. Thanks for saving me a bunch of money.

oldfarmer50

Not much by the standards of today's cars but it intrigued me.

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/3027839715.html

driver100

This is a very reliable car that has never let us down. In November the car had a full brake job - front/rear calipers and pads. The car runs good and has no rust on the body. I have a 50 mile commute one way and this car got me to work every day but I decided to get something that has better fuel economy. This car is a tank, drives well in snow and any other bad weather I encountered.

Lots to be suspicious of here. Like first, 53k miles and what is with those front wheels....they are all black. Reliable car that has never let us down - that's doublespeak for, "I don't know how, but the car somehow got us to where we were going....I remember one time it stalled but we all jumped out and gave it a push and we got to where we were going.

Why does it need a full brake job after 50k miles?

53K Original Miles... Yes thats right, Original!!
Something going on here, a trick...how many unoriginal miles?

He has a 100 mile commute, about 5 gallons of gas a day and he wants a more economical car. Say it uses 3 gallons of gas a day, that will save him about $8 a day....does that make it worth it to buy a newer car that will cost $1000s more?

This car is a tank, drives well in snow and any other bad weather I encountered. That doesn't mean it is strong like a tank, it means there is absolutely no "feel of the road" and no suspension system left.

Cars with 53k miles usually have the original wheels still on the car! I say, "Buyer Beware".

snakeweasel

What's intriguing is that he claims this car got him to work each day on a 50 mile one way commute and in 18 years only 53 thousand miles have been put on it.

driver100

a 50 mile one way commute and in 18 years only 53 thousand miles have been put on it.

Good detective work...that's 20k miles a year right there. He may have used it for 2 years to get to work, but I doubt if buying a car that gets better gas mileage is the real reason for selling this "Classic".

mako1a

cheap BF Goodrich tires oldfarmer, Until the P-Zero, ZR rated and other hi speed/new suspension tires came out, the Goodrich T/As were very good at filling the gap between bias ply and the (then new) radial design. Your Vette should run fine on those (not so cheap) and great handling for the year Goodrich T/A tires.

I had a 71 Olds Cutlass Supreme convertible and a wild and crazy girlfriend. One night she said "turn here quick". I did and took out a stop sign. She called my tires baloney skins and recommended I update my car. I got the dent fixed, car repainted and T/As installed. It was like a new car looks and handling wise. ps She was the first gearhead chick for me and I thanked her for setting me straight. (even though she drove a Dodge Charger at the time).

snakeweasel

Why does it need a full brake job after 50k miles?

Well I would think that the car being 18 years old has something to do with it. Age will take its toll on things as much as wear and tear, especially if that item is exposed to the elements. I would not be surprised that if after 18 years of exposure to the elements major brake components (such as calipers) needed replacement or major work.

Cars with 53k miles usually have the original wheels still on the car!

Cars with 53K miles are usually only 3 or 4 years old not 18. Again age is a factor here, if the owner was smart they would have changed the tires at least once regardless of the mileage. 18 year old tires are unsafe even with a lot of tread life left.

Not saying that there is nothing wrong, just explaining that over time things will need to be done even though the wear and tear isn't there.

tjc78

I've done brakes in as little as 20K miles. It all depends on the type of driving you do. I know my 06 Avalon got turned in with 35K on the clock and needed front pads badly (I pulled the wheel and checked myself). The dealer had been wanting to replace them since around 25K.

snakeweasel

but I doubt if buying a car that gets better gas mileage is the real reason for selling this "Classic".

I doubt it too, however you have to remember that many people don't look at the whole picture while making decisions. He may just be looking at the gas savings and not what it will cost him to get those savings. Remember when gas prices were shooting up and people were dumping SUV's for high mileage cars? They really didn't save much then.

snakeweasel

Thats true too, it all depends on the car and what type of driving you do. I knew a guy that got about 200K on his brakes. Of course it was a car that he drove almost always to and from work. His daily commute was 30 miles of rural interstate and maybe 2 or 3 miles of rural surface roads one way. I doubt if he used his brakes more than 5 times each way. Basically I use my brakes more in one day of commutting than he did in a month.

mako1a

Here's the Cutlass and my girl after the wild one had me do the upgrades.

driver100

Here's the Cutlass and my girl after the wild one had me do the upgrades.

Hmmmm, 1971! So you must have been about 10 years old when you owned that car! :P

nyccarguy

my 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH was an actual Sales Story. Today it is featured on inside line's READERS RIDES BLOG

mako1a

you must have been about 10 years old

Born 1950. You do the math. Bought Cutlass used (3 yrs old).

tjc78

That is a great write-up. Car still looks great!

mako1a

Nice article on the Prelude. I'm 6' tall and can't bend down far enough to get in. I have to ask, how tall are you that you can still get in and out of that car?

driver100

Born 1950. You do the math. Bought Cutlass used (3 yrs old).

I thought you were 52!

jmonroe

I've done brakes in as little as 20K miles. It all depends on the type of driving you do.

Once again, another coincidence with this site.

It depends a LOT on the car too.

Just last night I was talking to Son #1 and he was telling me he was going to do a front brake job on his ’08 Town and Country after he had dinner. He can’t get more than 20K miles out of a set of pads on that thing no matter what brand of pads he puts on. The first time was at around 18K miles. He did a pre-check before he took his van in for PA state inspection and had to replace them or it would have failed inspection. The mechanic he goes to when he doesn’t want to do some things is the same guy that does the state inspection. He mentions that he had to put brakes on before he brought it in and asked the guy to check to see if there was something wrong with the calipers, etc. although he knows how to check them and he couldn’t find a problem when he did the brake job. He just wanted another opinion. The guy told him, “get used to it. These vans and its twin, the Dodge Caravan, have been in here at 15K miles, regularly, to have a brake job done all the time”. He had an ’02 Grand Caravan before this van and while he thought that van was not too good with brakes this ’08 is even worse.

The van has a little over 90K miles on it and I’m pretty sure he said this is the fifth time he’s doing it. He said he could almost do the job blind folded and although it’s a very easy job to do, it’s still a PITA to have to do it that often. He also said he’s glad he knows how to do it because you could go broke taking it to a garage to have it done all the time.

jmonroe

driver100

my 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH was an actual Sales Story.

Nice article. Beautiful looking car. I can see why it is a keeper...nicer than most of the new cars on the market today.

Too bad they don't make new Preludes, ah but then they just wouldn't be the same...by now it would be larger, have generic rounded styling, lose all it's character.

That is a car that will always be geat to own and drive.

oldfarmer50

LOL! All I can say is I hope I never have a used car to sell to you guys! What a suspicious bunch.

I wondered about those tires too but I figured they were the winter snows. Seller probably didn't want to replace them on a car he was selling soon.

Brakes? Not a red flag to me. 53k on a set of pads is pretty good. On a car that old I would be worried if he said the brake LINES had been replaced as that might indicate extensive rust underneath.

Gas milage, that sounds like BS. The 3.8L or even the 3.4L motor that came in that car would get 30 mpg.

Low miles but 100 mile daily commute probably means this is second owner bought from the typical Buick grandma who only drove it 3k miles a year. That might account for lack of visible rust on a car that is now driven in NY winters.

If I were to look at this car I'd be more concerned about like how the transmission shifted hidden rust and leaking seals due to infrequent use.

oldfarmer50

...cheap BF Goodrich tires..."

If you look up replacement tires for that car on Tire Rack the BF Goodrich tires are $130 each. The next tire listed is about double that as are most of the other recommended brands. I have to assume that there is a reason for that.

"... She drove a Charger..."

I knew a girl who drove a Charger too. Pretty wild. She didn't know squat about tires but she was a good cook.

The Charger lasted 13 years, the wild girl has lasted 38 years so far.

stickguy

I have spent enough time in Amsterdam to know that in that area, the typical GM car of that vintage should have rust everywhere. rockers, trunk lid, up and over the roof. Some cars there I honestly don't know how come they don't break in half going over a bump.

oldfarmer50

"...2001 Honda Prelude Type SH..."

It's nice to see a car like that so well maintained. 146k on the car is nothing.

It would be nice to pick one up on Craigslist but most Preludes and cars like it have long been abused by the boi racer types who beat them to death or modify them beyond recognition. By the time they hit the want ads they need so many repairs that it's sad to witness.

See what I mean?

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/2983541950.html

oldfarmer50

"...I have spent enough time in Amsterdam..."

Any time spent in Amsterdam is too much.

Seriously, you are spot on with that observation. I tend to drive my cars into the ground and almost every one of them rusted to death long before it broke down. When you drive in upstate NY in winter the crackling of the salt against your car will bring tears to your eyes.

Lack of rust on any old car around here means it was either not driven in winter or it is a rolling bucket of Bondo. I always bring a magnet with me when I look at a car. Buicks like that one tended to rot at the rockers first.

It may just be wishful thinking on my part but I can envision a senario where grandma only drove in the summer and parked it during the car cancer season. That assumption may be why I have an affinity for these old fsrt cars.

abacomike

Just got a call from Lexus in Torrance California. They have already spoken to my dealership and want the car brought back to the dealership for several days of tests. At least they are responsive to the needs of their owners. They are giving me a loaner GS 350 until my car has been completed!

Let's hope they find the problem, or replace the tires, or hopefully both.

tjc78

Look at this wiring job. I saw this on another forum I read. The OP was wondering why the car won't start. :surprise:



Abacomike, glad Lexus is stepping up to the plate and doing what they can to satisfy you.

oldfarmer50

"...why car won't start..."

Ha ha that looks like the engine compartment of my old F-150.

nyccarguy

I'm 5'10". Remember, I'm only 36 so I fit fine and have no problems getting in an out of the car.

jmonroe

Look at this wiring job. I saw this on another forum I read. The OP was wondering why the car won't start.

I found the problem. It’s that red thingy. All those little snakes jumped out of it because it's been poisoned. :sick:

jmonroe

nyccarguy

Thank-you my friends for your kind words about my car.

oldfarmer50

"...Buicks like that tended to rot at the rockers..."

See what I mean?

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/3037692335.html

driver100

Sounds like the friendly folks at Lexus are really trying to please you. Maybe they know how many people you are in touch with on Edmunds, and they don't want to get into a disagreement with someone who was in the business.

btw...I also asked my salesperson what to do to cancel the alarm. This is the reply;
Hey Steve,

If you press the lock button once it locks the car and turns the alarm on. If you press the lock button the second time it disables the alarm and keeps the car locked.


Best Regards,

Will you be buying your own dog food, or should I...........

driver100

I'm 5'10". Remember, I'm only 36 so I fit fine and have no problems getting in an out of the car.

You're only 3 feet tall??????????

driver100

I found the problem. It’s that red thingy. All those little snakes jumped out of it because it's been poisoned.

Count on the engineer guy to actually try to solve the problem.

mako1a

I have a buddy that is positive all electronic components have smoke in them.

Every time he hooks one up wrong and the smoke comes out he says "that one's never gonna work again-the smoke got out".

abacomike

Will you be buying your own dog food or should I…

I will be BMODF (bringing my own dog food) for Gigi and me. Beggo's of course for our appetizer and filet mignonette and baked potato for our entree. As for dessert, I'll let you surprise me!

Looks like you learned something new about your BMW that you didn't know before! A double click - go figure!

Yes, Lexus called me this evening and told me to bring the car to the dealer on Tuesday afternoon and they will give me a loaner. They said to expect the car to be at the dealer for a minimum of 4 to 5 days so they can complete testing the tires, the wheels, the alignment, etc. Let's hope they find the solution to the problem.

So when are you going to order the Passat? If you won't be down here until November or December, it's going to be a difficult unless the dealer will hold the car for you. Do you get Florida registration and title or you use Canadian registration and title?