My wife was recently driving her 2004 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited AWD van with 16,000 miles which is equipped with run-flat Bridgestone B380 P225/60 R17 tires. When she hit a pothole, the sidewall of the run-flat tire blew out. No sidewall meant no running flat on your run-flat tires. No spare tire meant flatbed. My Toyota dealer was no help and referred me to my local tire dealer. I called my local tire dealer and he quoted me $296 for the replacement installed. Oh yeah, it would take at least 3 days since no one stocks the tire locally. When my local tire dealer saw the flat run-flat tire he politely pointed out the practically exposed steel belts and recommended that all 4 tires be replaced. These tires were touted as a great feature when we were prospective Toyota Sienna buyers. Can someone now remind me what was supposed to be great about these tires? Price? Performance? Durability? Run-flat capability? Any tire recalls out there?
I am probabley going to replace the stock 17' wheels with 16' wheels and conventional tires. Run-flats.....never again!
Also considered:
2004 Chrysler Town and Country
2004 Chrysler Pacifica
Vehicle purchased:
2004 Toyota Sienna
About This Reviewer...
Name:
Bruce Goff
Email address:
brucegoff@taconic.net
Location:
Stephentown, New York
Other vehicles owned:
2004 GMC Sierra Crew Cab
Review submitted:
February 04, 2005
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