run flat tires a huge problem

[Lisabeth]

Purchased our Sienna XLE Ltd. AWD in Dec. '03 and have 16,000 miles on the vehicle. Loved it until a few months back when the ride was getting rougher and rougher - lots of road noise. Discovered the Dunlap run flat tires were wearing unevenly, causing cupping and chattering. This was at about 14,500 miles. Toyota claimed they had never seen this problem and completly replaced my tires with brand new Bridgestone (still run flat). They did tell us however, these new tires will only last about another 15,000 miles and will cost us 200+ per tire ..... also, tires very hard to find - no one has them in stock in Metro Detroit area. We bought this vehicle thinking it would worth the money - high quality, low depreciation. Now that we're going to have to replace all tires (expensive tires) on a yearly basis, or even sooner, where is the savings of buying a Toyota. We can't put on regular tires - no room for a spare. We are seriously considering selling this vehicle because of this tire issue. This is a minivan, Toyota...not a Ferrari. Minivan tires should not only last but be reasonably priced and easy to find. You blew it on this one. I want my money back.

[KathyEarnshaw]

We had the same problem, only the tires virtually disintegrated after 10,000 miles. Toyota replaced them, but it took 10 days to locate replacement tires and a dealer that had equipment to change a run-flat tire (the Toyota dealer did not have the equipment). I feel very unsafe with these tires on trips to Las Vegas---you are supposed to drive 100 miles if you get a flat to a service station AND THEN WAIT TWO WEEKS FOR A REPLACEMENT TIRE :-) IF YOU CAN FIND A STATION THAT CAN CHANGE A RUN-FLAT TIRE.

WE'RE DUMPING THIS VEHICLE ASAP !

[jzchen]

There is a way to mount a spare behind the third row seat. There is information in the manual regarding this and if you insist at a parts department they can find it for you. (A jack and wrench was included in my Sienna even though it comes with runflats, so I'm guessing everyone's does.) You will lose the ability to fold down the third row, I'm not sure if both sides or just one side, but you would be able to buy normal tires after doing so. I've thought about getting one myself but have instead turned to buying one of those quick tire repair kits that include plugs you insert from the outside without having to dismount the tire, (available at Walmart.) I believe the Dunlop runflats are better than the Bridgestone ones by looking at the specs., (traction and treadwear rating, specifically.) I have the Bridgestones as original equipment but only have 1380 miles so far, so wish me luck!

[thomasturner]

have you tried tirerack.com. my wifes audi eats tires and i have found excellent prices and service through them