NOTE - read this entire thread if you want the whole story, but whatever you do, DON'T buy these tyres

After at least fifteen pairs of Toyo T1-R, I've taken a bit of a chance on a set of four Proxes4



Its always difficult to tell how good a tyre is after the first drive, simply because almost ANY new tyre is going to feel different from the well-worn tyres that came off.

However, first impressions are improved turn-in and MUCH improved road noise - they really are lots quieter than the T1-R

Anyone else tried them?

I wonder why they aren't shown on Toyo's website any longer

However, at less than £70 a corner (for 215/40-17) they had to be worth a punt

where did you get those from Nigel....I be needing a few new tyres soon

Elite direct

I had them delivered to Motormech, who fitted them for me while the car was in for service last week

would be interesting to see what the longer term look is on these tyres, especially as i'm looking at spending £125 per tyre (fitted, tracked etc) on some Continental Sport Contact 2s

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Toyo/Proxes-4.htm

Some mixed reviews there, be interested to hear how these are, Nigel, looking at some new shoes myself soon.

I must admit, having read those reviews, I'm beginning to wonder about a very loose feeling I'm getting from the rear end

I know my subframe bushes are getting tired, so I'm probably getting some movement from there, but there's a definite feeling of being disconnected at the rear end - this is possibly why they feel like they're turning in well - its not the front that's gripping, its the rear that's sliding

I tried a bit of fast weaving on a deseted bit of my daily commute and it just feels like there's 10psi in the rear tyres

However, I haven't checked the pressures - will do that this evening

UPDATE

These tyres are awful - AVOID

I've no idea what's going on, but my car is all over the road - braking, cornering, acceleration - its completely rubbish

Its just like I'm driving on very high profile tyres, with half the recommended pressure

Its washing out at the front when pushing through a corner, and its totally vague at the back.

The defining moment came when I lifted off halfway round a bend - I honestly thought I was going to lose it

Toyo will be getting a call tomorrow - I now know why they don't sell them any longer

2/10 (simply because they're very quiet and they look good)

Back to the T1-R's Nigel ?

Almost sounds like the sidewalls are flopping over!?

Hopefully you'll be able to get your money back.

yes, definitely back to the T1-R

I'm hoping that Toyo recognise the issue and have no problem refunding me or providing a set of T1-Rs

I reckon its the tread blocks that are causing the issue - its quite a blocky design and the tread depth is quite deep - I reckon the blocks are squirming

I even tried something unusual - get to 50mph and steer very quickly, side to side - almost shaking the wheel, rather than steering - on a trailing throttle, the front end of the car would jiggle side to side. However, as soon as I was accelerating, the steering wheel had zero effect for the same movement - basically, the tread blocks are so busy trying to handle the acceleration, they can't handle the steering input as well

I have a very similar issue with some Falkens (can't remember the model now) when I first got my coupe.

The tread was low and I asked the company who sold me the car to fit new tyres at the next service.

The car was awful ... exactly as you describe, Nigel. It felt like the back end was squirming around when cornering ... and I very nearly did the same as you (lost it on a corner).

A quick google check showed the particular Falken tyre was meant for 'light' off road use! Hence it was the deep tread causing all the problems.

When I pointedly noted this, I got a exchange for more appropriate tyres

Hopefully you'll get the same result How as these tyres classified by Toyo?

Just checked ....



From your description, Nigel, it doesn't sound like they give 'the ultimate in sports performance'!

Perhaps they're for drifting!

You are a good man Nigel for pointing that out and saving the rest of us grief.....Thanks.
Think I will go with T1-R's as well.
paul

Sounds like the comments I found on that review thread, better to know these things off here (sorry, Nigel...) Looks like the tried and tested T1-R route for me then.

I've contacted Toyo this morning and explained the problem to their customer services. I very politely suggested to them that I now knew the reason why they were only on sale for a short time.

They've suggested I call the retailer, which I've done, and they're now looking into it for me.

Watch this space, as I won't be fobbed off - I reckon these tyres will be off within a couple of weeks max

That's a slight under-statement from you Nigel

I bought TIRs at £60a corner +}£19 delivered to France from www.tyretraders.com
Very pleased

Very interesting.
I got a similar effect (loose end) from my new GoodYear F1 Assymetric's (225/35-18).
I thought they were good but now I read a new tiretest where this tire got quite low ratings except for the aquaplaning. It was not so stable on the testcar. Could be the same thing..?

Have just ordered a set of Toyo's from Hometyre, they are coming to fit them on friday while I am at work. Anyone else had any dealings with them?

I had the same problems with a mr2 mk2. I put a set of federal tyres on it, jesus! as soon as you hit the white line you found your self across the other side of the bloody road.
As soon as I changed them it was like night and day

Hometyre? cracking bunch. I know the bloke who runs the franchise, nothing is to much effort and I can trust them to do simple things, like jack the car up in the right place!

Well - this is proving a bit tougher than I thought

I originally thought that the PX4 tyre had been dropped from Toyo's range, because it wasn't on their website any more. However, it IS there, but its been moved from the "Ultra High Performance" section to the "Premium / Performance" section.

I spoke to Toyo and they said that the PX4 is not suitable for a high performance car like the 20vt - it is supposed to be for cars of modest output and weight - particularly where there has been a wheel upgrade (he quoted me a Citroen Saxo that had been ugraded to larger, wider wheels)

However, having done a lot of investigation, I've found that the tyre is still shown as "UHP" on several other Toyo websites, such as Europe and New Zealand

I challenged him and said that I beleived that Toyo had downgraded the tyre, following poor feedback on high performance cars - he didn't confirm or deny this.

I also said that whilst Toyo had changed the classification of the tyre, they had mistakenly left the original text from when it was categorised as UHP



When I pointed this out, he asked me to write all these points in an email and he would "see what he could do"

The email has been sent - I await their response....

wow they are putting up a fight then Nigel!

think you have them by the short and curleys!

fingers crossed for you mate!

hope you get it sorted Nigel.

try Vredstein Ultratec Sessanta's - wierd name, but very good!

Quick up-date, the Hometyre man came to my works and fitted two new tyres, while I got on with my work. Just had to give him locking wheel nut and key. 45 mins later job done, he had checked my tracking and cleaned my wheels as well.
Brilliant service, would recomment to anyone.

RESULT

Toyo head office have agreed to swap my Proxes PX4 for a set of T1-Rs

No argument, no haggling - just damn good customer service

I'm pretty pleased TBH, as they could have chosen to dig their heels in. However, they are aware that Toyos are highly regarded by the Fiat Coupe community (I guess they must ready the forum occasionally) so they clearly want to be seen to be providing good service.

I'm also pleased because if they'd refused, I would have voted with my feet, which would have left me having to find another tyre manufacturer

So - the outcome of all of this is that I would DEFINITELY stay clear of PX4s - they are not suitable for the Coupe.

However, I would DEFINITELY continue to recommend Toyo as a company - top service

Nice one Nigel!!

glad it worked out for you!!!

Good one Nigel!

update

had the T1-Rs fitted on Saturday and its transformed the car

I guess I'd got used to the vague handling with the PX4s, but the car is now back to its former tight, predictable cornering at any speed

I have to say that I'm chuffed with Toyo's customer service - no quibbles - the delay was caused by there being a shortage of T1-Rs in my size

So - lesson learned - stick with what you know