Kumho ASX initial review

[sawdust123]

I finally got new tires after a long wait. I ended up with the Kumho ASX in the OE size 205/50/17. I must say that this is the most dramatic difference I have ever experienced between tire brands in my life. I immediately noticed a much quieter ride than with the Goodyear RSAs. I also notice that they soak up small bumps and cracks in the road much better. I can't comment on cornering because I really don't push the tires that hard. Given my sunny southern CA location, I won't be able to report on rain or snow performance for many months.

I initially ordered Avon M/S-550s from Tire Rack in March. They were supposed to be delivered in April, then May, then early June, then middle June, then late June... By early June I began to see the secondary rubber on the RSAs and I found I could get the Kumho's at a local America's Discount Tire for a decent price (+ free roadhazard coverage).

I can't begin to describe how pissed I am at Tire Rack. They never once notified me of a delay. I had to call each time to find out. One agent told me the tires were on a boat coming from England and on a later call a different agent told me the tires were actually manufactured in the US. In my last call, I learned that the tires had been in stock at a different warehouse for quite some time and if I wanted to pay the difference in shipping, I could get them. Had they informed me of that several weeks earlier, I may have done so. There was no way they deserved my business at this point. I will never buy a back-ordered product from them again.

In retrospect, the Kumho's may be the better choice. They weigh 20% less than the Avon's and that has got to make for a better ride and better mileage. I thought the Avon's tread looked better for wet traction but hey, I live in SoCal.

[hangtym3]

Hey, i was looking to purchase new tires, i live in CA too, from where did you purchase yours from?

[Jeff V]

Are you kidding?

I was in Anaheim two weeks ago and it rained every morning, and was damn cold until about 2 pm. I checked the weather back home in Wash.DC and DC was warmer every day.

And the traffic? I thought DC was bad.

And the damn ocean was so cold my kid wouldn't go in.

Not to mention the EARTHQUAKE, that was fun.

How can you people live there?

[bigdogdad]

Some people just like the sense/challange of adventure Jeff V[8D]

[Cal Cruzer]

quote:Originally posted by Jeff V

Are you kidding?

I was in Anaheim two weeks ago and it rained every morning, and was damn cold until about 2 pm. I checked the weather back home in Wash.DC and DC was warmer every day.

And the traffic? I thought DC was bad.

And the damn ocean was so cold my kid wouldn't go in.

Not to mention the EARTHQUAKE, that was fun.

How can you people live there?

We hate it here. Please do not move here. You will fall into the ocean in the earthquakes and the lack of snow for months out of the year at the beach will drive you nuts. Oh, and the lack of humidity, well that is hell too. I can't understand why we are being overrun by out-of-staters. It is miserable here. I wil keep an eye on the temp and humidity in DC over the next few months and wish I was sweltering there instead of enjoying the ocean breeze here. ( been to DC in the summer..phew!)(lived in snow in the midwest....ack!) Happy to be here.[^]

[Jeff V]

Aha, that's another thing, you guys don't have Dogfish Head Beer out there! [^]

[CREWZIN]

Back on subject: When I upgraded to the GT wheels, I bought the KUHMO Ecsta 712's in a 205/50-ZR17 size. They turned out to be great tires. Not rated for snow, but no worries where I am.

[TurboCruiser13]

Hey just wondering how much you paid for the ASXs? Or even the Ecsta Supras? Reason being I happen to know the western division manager for kumho tires and I have been able to get fairly good discounts in the past. When I put my ADR 17s on my neon I paid 206 for four 205 40ZR 17s plus another 25 for mounting and balancing. Add that to the 226 bucks I paid for the rims on ebay and I think I made out pretty well I've got a set of AT Italia 18s on the way and I can get my 225 40 18s in front and 245 35 18s in rear for less than 250, so if anybody's lookin for some tires no guarantees but I may be able to get a deal for ya

[CREWZIN]

I paid $109 each. Then I bought the road hazard warranty plus mounting/balancing and 7% Florida tax.

[sawdust123]

I was out the door for under $450 (mount, balance, tax, roadhazard, valve stems, wad of chewing gum, etc).