New tires for the Boxster

[Hildyva]

I just came from the dealers, since my warranty on my 01 Boxster is about to expire. They told me I need four new tires, at a cost of $1000 to $1200. any recommendations out there on where else I can go to get new tires, since I know the dealer is going to charge top dollar? Would a place like NTW be ok?

I live in the Wash, DC area. TIA.

[Brucelee]

Discount Tires will sell you a set of Yokohamas installed for maybe $600.

[YellowJacket]

Yes, any respectable tire shop should be fine.

Just make sure whatever place you go to does a good job of balancing. Added bonus if they include tire balances for the life of the tire (most national tire shops do).

Also go with a decent tire: PZero, PilotSport, S02, Continentals, something like this. Please don't put Kuhmos, Goodyears, or bottom-of-the-line Yokos on a Boxster! You will notice the difference in handling, wear, ride, and road noise.

[Brucelee]

Yokihama AVS ES-100 is a very nice tire for the buck.

[YellowJacket]

Yokihama AVS ES-100 is a very nice tire for the buck.

Not familiar with them, but I will take your word on it! :) I have to admit, I don't know a lot about Yokos, though. I will have to read up on those.

[QporscheQ]

I have the AVS-Sports. They seem alright to me, however I will admit I have nothing to campare against. They seem to wear pretty fast though. If nothing else they look cool

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/yokohama/yo_avs_sport.jpg

[YellowJacket]

I have the AVS-Sports. They seem alright to me, however I will admit I have nothing to campare against. They seem to wear pretty fast though. If nothing else they look cool



Funny story -- I bought an M3 that had those on the rear wheels, and Pilot Sports on the front. They were almost worn out when I bought it, but one day on mountain roads, and I destroyed them beyond imagination. I have never seen a tire look like this before. I'll have to post a picture later! :) I think the guy who owned the car before me just didn't take care of his tires because the Pilots on the front wheels were out-of-round and the loudest tires I've ever had. What a pain that whole ordeal was!

[Thumper]

You should check out Tirerack.com and look at the feedback on the different tires. It will help you get an idea as to different experiences/opinions people have had with the respective brands of tires. You have to take some of it with a grain of salt, as you will always run across someone who hates a specific tire, while twenty think it's the best thing you can put on your car.

I'm currently running Kumho's, which replaced the PilotSports that were on it. I personally can't tell the difference between the two. I probably could if I were autocrossing, but the Boxster is just a fun car for around town to me. If you are just going to drive yours for fun and not compete, I'd seriously look at saving a few dollars and look at the various offerings that a major tire chain can show you.

I have Goodyears on my Vette that have served me very well, and Michelin's on my truck that I'm equally pleased with. My wife's Touareg has Continentals. They are all good tires. Do a little research and you'll pick a good set. Trust me, people will be too busy looking at the car and not the brand of tire you run.

[PeterJoyce]

I live in Chevy Chase about a block from Chevy Chase Circle. I took my Lexus to a place like a block short of the Lexus of Rockville dealership on Rockville Pike. It's called Tries plus I think. After the dealer told me it would be $1200 for all four, I drove over there, while I waited they put on four Pirelli P7000's for like $600. They were very profecialnal.

[socratic]

Just one data point:

I tried 2 different Boxsters, one with Kumhos and one with Continentals.

The Conti's were possibly grippier. But the Kumhos were a bit quieter and a LOT smoother in ride. I double-checked by taking the cars out again a second time.

My other car is a Lexus and since I'm used to the plush ride of that, the Kumhos were the one I chose.

[craig f.]

Just one data point:

I tried 2 different Boxsters, one with Kumhos and one with Continentals.

The Conti's were possibly grippier. But the Kumhos were a bit quieter and a LOT smoother in ride. I double-checked by taking the cars out again a second time.

My other car is a Lexus and since I'm used to the plush ride of that, the Kumhos were the one I chose.


-- GETTING READY FOR NEW TIRES AND LOCAL MECHANIC HAS RECOMMENDED KUMHO'S (17" SPORT WHEELS ON 97_BOXSTER. BALANCED, INSTALLED FOR $700. WONDERING WHAT THE STORY IS WITH KUMHO'S -- WILL USE CAR FOR EVERYDAY DRIVING (NO RACING) BUT DON'T WANT TO SACRIFICE TOO MUCH IN THE WAY OF HANDLING/WEARABILITY ALONG THE WAY. WHAT'S OUT THERE FOR COMPARABALE PRICE ??

[craig f.]

I'm currently running Kumho's, which replaced the PilotSports that were on it. I personally can't tell the difference between the two. I probably could if I were autocrossing, but the Boxster is just a fun car for around town to me. If you are just going to drive yours for fun and not compete, I'd seriously look at saving a few dollars and look at the various offerings that a major tire chain can show you.



-- thinking about kumho's as local shop has recommended then but wondering if better tires are available for the money... ? '97 boxster has original tires on it (bridgestone S02's) well worn at 12k miles and looking for something that will last a bit longer -- any suggestions? thanks.

[Bushwhacker]

I have had good service from www.tirerack.com. Bought both wheels and tires and had them shipped (already mounted) to my dealer for installation and final balancing. Dealer actually recommended them.

[limoncello]

My 2001 came with mismatched tires - 1/2 worn OEM Michelins on the front and nearly new Sumitomos on the rear. After searching this site, I went ahead and put Sumitomos on the front as well. Tirerack prices $75 each front or $97 each rear. Had them drop shipped to the local installer, who does most of the Porsches according to other club members, and had them installed for $20 each including balancing. Planning on doing my first driver's ed in June, will report on how they do on the track. One of the inspectors for the track says they will do fine. If the Sumos don't work I'll go back to Michelin or some other. First thing I noticed was the Sumos were quieter at highway speeds.
Separate item: the installer, who seemed knowledgeable on Boxsters specifically, recommended against the 29 lb. pressure in the front - says most of his Boxster customers go higher, 34-36 psi, as it gives better turn in, and reduces shoulder wear. Open for comments on front tire pressures for street use. thanks. Rears stayed at 36.