C6Silver

We are due for 4 new tires. I planned to get the Firestone Destination ST, however, they have now been discontinued. I was able to find a dealer across the country who has 4 but I am slightly concerned for ordering that way. another option is the Yokohama Spec-X. I saw some reviews many years ago complaining about rim protection but I noticed the OEM tires don't fully cover other. Are there any folks running these now that can comment? I do have the S-line.

Thanks!

flynavy

I have 2 sets of wheels 1 set mounted with the spec x and one 1 set mounted with pirelli scorpions. The Yoko tires are quieter than the Pirelli scorpions but they have a squishy feel to them. The Pirellis give you great feedback from the road which in turn gives you more confidence in pushing them, but they require "pushing" to get the max effort out of them. The Yokos do not have the feedback BUT they seem to do everything that the others do as far as handling goes. Both seem about the same in wet conditions but I have not used the Yokos off road at all. The Pirelli tires work really well for street tires. I took my Q& prestige s line up a mtn. road that had both rocky rough spots and deep soft dirt. At one point I didn't think it was a wise move but the Audi just crawled up the hill with no muss or fuss. I am not a big off road guy but was impressed with what I did.

C6Silver

Thanks for your report! Do they cover the entire wheel or do you feel the rim sticks out more than with OEM?

osmack

I can confirm they offer zero curb protection. Wife has the yoko prada spec-x on our '09 4.2 S-Line and wheels are pretty curb-rashed from her parallel parking events. Bang for buck tho, they can't be beat and handle good across all seasons. I'll buy them again for her on the next round.

chingwodapigu

I had the Spec-X and they were a good bargain that lasted 27k and offered no rim protection. Much happier with my Pirelli Verde Plus, and they have a 65k mile treadwear warranty...they're wearing quite well so far.

iconoclast

vredestein is a very good alternative to dunlop if you are shopping for better pricing but hoping to retain performance. if you contact phil over at detailer's domain he can get you very good pricing.

C6Silver

Outside of warranty, what do you like much better about them?

C6Silver

How does it compare to OEM? I noticed there some edge that shows on those.

chingwodapigu

I'm in Seattle too, and they're great in the rain. Hasn't snowed since I got them, so I can't say how they compare in that, but I never liked the Spec-X in the snow.

As for rim protection, it actually has some verses the Yokos that had none whatsoever. Almost seemed like the Yokos are a narrower tire despite the same tire size.

As for treadwear, they're MUCH better so far in the 10k I've put on them. My OEM Conti 4x4 I got 19k, Scorpion Asyms got 18k, the Spec-x I got 27k, and based on the wear so far, I might get double that with the Verde Plus.

C6Silver

Great info. Thanks!