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Old 09-19-2012, 11:53 AM   #1
nookandcrannycar
 
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I agree with you shastaylb re the auto-dimmer, but I like the fuel gauge! I also agree that new tires do change what you hear. If one picks the right new tires, the road feel will be preserved.

I replaced my tires on 9-12-12. I had 225,562 miles on the car and 85,009 miles on a set of Firestone FR710s. I probably could have squeezed another 3-5,000 miles out of these tires, but I will be doing quite a bit of driving in the next 7 weeks and I wanted to replace them and put this issue to rest. A month or so ago, my local Firestone factory store told me they could accommodate me (and the price would be slightly lower than Tire Rack with a more accessible comprehensive guarantee), but would need a 2 day lead time. I returned and requested the tires on 9-10-12 and made an installation appointment for 9-12-12.

I showed up for my appointment on 9-12-12. The next thing I did, I feel, was very important and I'd recommend nearly every consumer do this -- Get the quote you've been given in writing, specifying the price and the product.

The price I was quoted when I brought the car in for the appointment was actually 6 or 9 dollars less than the quote a month or so ago. I waited while the tires were installed and checked the total amount before signing the receipt. I walked out to get in my car and noticed the wrong tires were on the car!

I returned to the showroom and told the service writer trhe wrong tires were on the car. He said one of the employees screwed up my order, so they had to upgrade me to the next level of tire at the same cost (nice that I wasn't informed about this). I wasn't sure I believed him, but he said I had 30 days to bring them back if I didn't like them.

They put Firestone Affinity Touring 70,000 mile tires on the car instead of the 65,000 mile Firestone FR710s. I drove around for a bit and then pulled in to a Starbucks to boot up my laptop and check this tire out a bit. The pricing on the national Firestone Tire Store site did reflect what the rep asserted --- that for the price of the FR710 (67.84) they gave me a tire (the Affinity Touring) priced on the website (and on my receipt before adjustment) at 124.99. I read all the reviews I could find and the ones I found didn't vault one of the two above the other. I decided to live with the tires for a bit and reserve judgement.

I finished out that tank of gas and it was still above 40 MPG combined. I filled the tank and days (and a couple hundred miles) later I checked the air in the tires. The recommended PSI is 32. The PSI was between 27 and 31 on the tires on the car! I have a Craftsman 12v air compressor that I keep in my car. The previous tires over the 225k + miles = the OEMs plus 2 other sets. The 2nd and third sets each had 44 PSI max stated on the sidewall but I could easily pump them (and the OEMs as well) up to 50 PSI with my portable compressor. The rep at the store mentioned that these tires have more belts than the FR710s. The sidewall on each Affinity Touring tire warns not to inflate above 40 PSI.....lower than I am accustomed to and a stern warning in comparison. I used my compressor on each tire and I could see why the different approach from Firestone. These tires (at the same size level) are a bit over 10% heavier than the 710s -- more rubber (thicker?). My compressor got the PSI up to 34 -- the level wasn't going any higher with my compressor. The feel after that seemed similar to the 38 I ran on the 44 PSI max FR710s.

I calculated the first 'all Affinity' tank after refueling and the combined City/Hwy MPG was 40.77 -- so I thing these tires are acceptable re MPG. I was worried there might be a big drop. I'm driving to Kansas City on Saturday, so I essentially have until then to change my mind. I'm pretty sure I'll keep them. I'm impressed with the handling, stopping ability, general stability....just the way they feel overall.

My receipt shows that $271.36 was adjusted off to bring the price in line with the quote I received on the lower rung (in their line-up) FR710s. My final price out the door (including the Lifetime (Balance/Rotation/Valve Stem/and Road Hazzard) 'package' and tax) was $407.77 --- This was more than the $333.xx I paid for the FR710s on 9-26-09 in Pennsylvania --- but about the SAME as all the competition here in Houston IN 2009 -- NOT 2012. The size on the old Firestone FR710s, the 2 previous sets (including the OEMs), and these Firestone Affinity Touring = 185/60 15. Some internet marketers have the Affinity for as low as 85.00-87.00 for this size.

Note to all who purchase tires at a retail location --- Get the quote in writing.
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Old 09-20-2012, 02:02 PM   #2
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2010 liftback s, 15K miles, 3 oil changes, torn passenger CV boot fixed under warranty,42 mpg stck tires, 38 mpg 15x7, 205/50 tires, great car! Only wish is that Toyota would have been able to design the car to use camber plates, the current suspension design is a flaw, using crash bolts sucks
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Old 09-26-2012, 11:16 PM   #3
nookandcrannycar
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar View Post
I agree with you shastaylb re the auto-dimmer, but I like the fuel gauge! I also agree that new tires do change what you hear. If one picks the right new tires, the road feel will be preserved.

I replaced my tires on 9-12-12. I had 225,562 miles on the car and 85,009 miles on a set of Firestone FR710s. I probably could have squeezed another 3-5,000 miles out of these tires, but I will be doing quite a bit of driving in the next 7 weeks and I wanted to replace them and put this issue to rest. A month or so ago, my local Firestone factory store told me they could accommodate me (and the price would be slightly lower than Tire Rack with a more accessible comprehensive guarantee), but would need a 2 day lead time. I returned and requested the tires on 9-10-12 and made an installation appointment for 9-12-12.

I showed up for my appointment on 9-12-12. The next thing I did, I feel, was very important and I'd recommend nearly every consumer do this -- Get the quote you've been given in writing, specifying the price and the product.

The price I was quoted when I brought the car in for the appointment was actually 6 or 9 dollars less than the quote a month or so ago. I waited while the tires were installed and checked the total amount before signing the receipt. I walked out to get in my car and noticed the wrong tires were on the car!

I returned to the showroom and told the service writer trhe wrong tires were on the car. He said one of the employees screwed up my order, so they had to upgrade me to the next level of tire at the same cost (nice that I wasn't informed about this). I wasn't sure I believed him, but he said I had 30 days to bring them back if I didn't like them.

They put Firestone Affinity Touring 70,000 mile tires on the car instead of the 65,000 mile Firestone FR710s. I drove around for a bit and then pulled in to a Starbucks to boot up my laptop and check this tire out a bit. The pricing on the national Firestone Tire Store site did reflect what the rep asserted --- that for the price of the FR710 (67.84) they gave me a tire (the Affinity Touring) priced on the website (and on my receipt before adjustment) at 124.99. I read all the reviews I could find and the ones I found didn't vault one of the two above the other. I decided to live with the tires for a bit and reserve judgement.

I finished out that tank of gas and it was still above 40 MPG combined. I filled the tank and days (and a couple hundred miles) later I checked the air in the tires. The recommended PSI is 32. The PSI was between 27 and 31 on the tires on the car! I have a Craftsman 12v air compressor that I keep in my car. The previous tires over the 225k + miles = the OEMs plus 2 other sets. The 2nd and third sets each had 44 PSI max stated on the sidewall but I could easily pump them (and the OEMs as well) up to 50 PSI with my portable compressor. The rep at the store mentioned that these tires have more belts than the FR710s. The sidewall on each Affinity Touring tire warns not to inflate above 40 PSI.....lower than I am accustomed to and a stern warning in comparison. I used my compressor on each tire and I could see why the different approach from Firestone. These tires (at the same size level) are a bit over 10% heavier than the 710s -- more rubber (thicker?). My compressor got the PSI up to 34 -- the level wasn't going any higher with my compressor. The feel after that seemed similar to the 38 I ran on the 44 PSI max FR710s.

I calculated the first 'all Affinity' tank after refueling and the combined City/Hwy MPG was 40.77 -- so I thing these tires are acceptable re MPG. I was worried there might be a big drop. I'm driving to Kansas City on Saturday, so I essentially have until then to change my mind. I'm pretty sure I'll keep them. I'm impressed with the handling, stopping ability, general stability....just the way they feel overall.

My receipt shows that $271.36 was adjusted off to bring the price in line with the quote I received on the lower rung (in their line-up) FR710s. My final price out the door (including the Lifetime (Balance/Rotation/Valve Stem/and Road Hazzard) 'package' and tax) was $407.77 --- This was more than the $333.xx I paid for the FR710s on 9-26-09 in Pennsylvania --- but about the SAME as all the competition here in Houston IN 2009 -- NOT 2012. The size on the old Firestone FR710s, the 2 previous sets (including the OEMs), and these Firestone Affinity Touring = 185/60 15. Some internet marketers have the Affinity for as low as 85.00-87.00 for this size.

Note to all who purchase tires at a retail location --- Get the quote in writing.
The Affinity Touring aren't giving me better MPG (< FR710s, actually). I also don't like the lack of 'PSI flexibility', and I've uncovered more reviews re people unhappy with this choice. I'm within the 30 day trial period, so on Monday I ordered some FR710s and will have them put on tomorrow with no consequence re cost.
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Old 04-25-2013, 06:23 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar View Post
I agree with you shastaylb re the auto-dimmer, but I like the fuel gauge! I also agree that new tires do change what you hear. If one picks the right new tires, the road feel will be preserved.

I replaced my tires on 9-12-12. I had 225,562 miles on the car and 85,009 miles on a set of Firestone FR710s. I probably could have squeezed another 3-5,000 miles out of these tires, but I will be doing quite a bit of driving in the next 7 weeks and I wanted to replace them and put this issue to rest. A month or so ago, my local Firestone factory store told me they could accommodate me (and the price would be slightly lower than Tire Rack with a more accessible comprehensive guarantee), but would need a 2 day lead time. I returned and requested the tires on 9-10-12 and made an installation appointment for 9-12-12.

I showed up for my appointment on 9-12-12. The next thing I did, I feel, was very important and I'd recommend nearly every consumer do this -- Get the quote you've been given in writing, specifying the price and the product.

The price I was quoted when I brought the car in for the appointment was actually 6 or 9 dollars less than the quote a month or so ago. I waited while the tires were installed and checked the total amount before signing the receipt. I walked out to get in my car and noticed the wrong tires were on the car!

I returned to the showroom and told the service writer trhe wrong tires were on the car. He said one of the employees screwed up my order, so they had to upgrade me to the next level of tire at the same cost (nice that I wasn't informed about this). I wasn't sure I believed him, but he said I had 30 days to bring them back if I didn't like them.

They put Firestone Affinity Touring 70,000 mile tires on the car instead of the 65,000 mile Firestone FR710s. I drove around for a bit and then pulled in to a Starbucks to boot up my laptop and check this tire out a bit. The pricing on the national Firestone Tire Store site did reflect what the rep asserted --- that for the price of the FR710 (67.84) they gave me a tire (the Affinity Touring) priced on the website (and on my receipt before adjustment) at 124.99. I read all the reviews I could find and the ones I found didn't vault one of the two above the other. I decided to live with the tires for a bit and reserve judgement.

I finished out that tank of gas and it was still above 40 MPG combined. I filled the tank and days (and a couple hundred miles) later I checked the air in the tires. The recommended PSI is 32. The PSI was between 27 and 31 on the tires on the car! I have a Craftsman 12v air compressor that I keep in my car. The previous tires over the 225k + miles = the OEMs plus 2 other sets. The 2nd and third sets each had 44 PSI max stated on the sidewall but I could easily pump them (and the OEMs as well) up to 50 PSI with my portable compressor. The rep at the store mentioned that these tires have more belts than the FR710s. The sidewall on each Affinity Touring tire warns not to inflate above 40 PSI.....lower than I am accustomed to and a stern warning in comparison. I used my compressor on each tire and I could see why the different approach from Firestone. These tires (at the same size level) are a bit over 10% heavier than the 710s -- more rubber (thicker?). My compressor got the PSI up to 34 -- the level wasn't going any higher with my compressor. The feel after that seemed similar to the 38 I ran on the 44 PSI max FR710s.

I calculated the first 'all Affinity' tank after refueling and the combined City/Hwy MPG was 40.77 -- so I thing these tires are acceptable re MPG. I was worried there might be a big drop. I'm driving to Kansas City on Saturday, so I essentially have until then to change my mind. I'm pretty sure I'll keep them. I'm impressed with the handling, stopping ability, general stability....just the way they feel overall.

My receipt shows that $271.36 was adjusted off to bring the price in line with the quote I received on the lower rung (in their line-up) FR710s. My final price out the door (including the Lifetime (Balance/Rotation/Valve Stem/and Road Hazzard) 'package' and tax) was $407.77 --- This was more than the $333.xx I paid for the FR710s on 9-26-09 in Pennsylvania --- but about the SAME as all the competition here in Houston IN 2009 -- NOT 2012. The size on the old Firestone FR710s, the 2 previous sets (including the OEMs), and these Firestone Affinity Touring = 185/60 15. Some internet marketers have the Affinity for as low as 85.00-87.00 for this size.

Note to all who purchase tires at a retail location --- Get the quote in writing.
I forgot to post that just before this post I replaced my battery at exactly 3 years of 'age' to the day (224,946 miles on the car and 86,891 miles on that battery) with an inexpensive Wal-Mart 1 year guarantee battery.

Re the tires, I had 30 days to change to new FR710s if I didn't like Affinity model. After 1247 miles on the 4 Affinity (and 226,809 miles on the car) I had Firestone change (at no cherge) to new FR710s.

15th oil change at 240,010 miles.

Tire rotation at 240,041 miles.

At 241,101 miles I installed the first cabin air filter in my Yaris.

At 242,962 miles replaced passenger side headlight bulb (OEM on that side lasted 150,207 miles, so the first replacement (from AutoZone) lasted 92,755 miles).

Last edited by nookandcrannycar; 04-26-2013 at 05:04 PM. Reason: forgot tire rotation
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Old 06-25-2013, 07:29 AM   #5
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Well, after a couple of years of a short commute, a new job location has me back at 100 miles a day. So here comes the mileage. No fears, I welcome the miles as it seems to have no effect on the Yaris.

Just rolled....
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Old 06-25-2013, 08:00 AM   #6
nookandcrannycar
 
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I had to call AAA on 4-25-13 (after post #214 (same day) on this thread --- this is post #216) at night re listening to my radio with the engine off (). Yesterday I finally wiped down the battery and took the car to Wal-Mart (recommended by AAA as he felt the battery needed to be replaced). Wal-Mart says the battery test = fine (my 6-24-13 post on the aftermarket battery thread) and it hasn't failed to produce a start since 4-25-13. No other issues in these last 5,000 + miles since post #214. Almost at 248,300 miles overall.
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Old 06-25-2013, 01:04 PM   #7
Kal-El
 
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To nookandcrannycar, nice mileage.

So how have you racked up your miles? Just a long commute / road trips? Sorry if you have already mentioned it.
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Old 06-25-2013, 11:59 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by Kal-El View Post
To nookandcrannycar, nice mileage.

So how have you racked up your miles? Just a long commute / road trips? Sorry if you have already mentioned it.
Scenic day trips around here (as well as errands) eat up mileage, but much of the earlier mileage (coincidentally up to just past the mileage where you are now) = road trips (45 states + DC + Ontario, Canada-----the remaining 20+ MLB parks I hadn't been to + Cooperstown, Canton, The Field of Dreams, the Basketball HOF, The Nationals new park, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans, lots of day trips (in California) with my little cousin (like a daughter to me....and she's only a little girl once) to the beach, hikes, visiting their horse once they dramatically changed the location of his pasture, to aquariums, to Golden Gate Park, to the Oakland Zoo, to other zoos, etc. while visiting family in California (SF Bay Area, Monterey Peninsula, Sacramento area, Lake Tahoe)...and during some of that time building a house here in Texas. Lots of driving between Montgomery County, TX and the SF Bay Area in 2008 and 2009...and it is 2k miles each way.

Since that early mileage ('zero' to just under 145k between October 2006 and October 2009).....not as many road trips ----- to Target Field in Minneapolis during opening week in 2010 and stayed in Arkansas on the way back (visited Fayetteville, Eureka Springs, and Fort Smith). To NYC in June of 2010 to see games at the new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, etc. To Florida end of March/April 2012 for the opening of Marlins Park and stayed to see sites I'd missed on previous trips
(5k miles on that trip). To Tampa/St. Pete and Orlando late September/early October 2012...........but more day trips ----- Huntsville, Lake Livingston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, (and NASA, etc. around our metro....I think the City of Houston alone = 600+ square miles).

P.S. oops, 2 errors above -- 44 states not 45 (as my Yaris didn't make it to Wisconsin until my Target Field trip in 2010) and...oops... 2006-2009 also included road trips from No. Cal to So. Cal to visit friends I've known since I lived in So. Cal.

Last edited by nookandcrannycar; 06-26-2013 at 12:53 AM. Reason: Added P.S.
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