Well, I've had my '8 for a whole week now, and I am sooo ready to get new tires!! (Note: it's an '05, with just under 15k miles, and it has the stock Bridgestone Potenza RE040's). They are noisy and annoying; no newsflash there. I did a search on the forum to see if anyone had an opinion on the Yokohama Avids.....and I didn't find anything. So, hopefully I will get some responses to this thread.

I had Avid V4s on my last car and I really liked them (low road noise, great traction, and a bargain @ $125/ea). I did some research on tirerack.com (where else?) and found the W4s would probably be a good choice. There was even a positive review there from an RX8 owner in IL.

This car is my daily, I don't plan on using it extensively in the snow and ice, and I really don't exceed 80-85 mph during my commutes. Does anyone have any thoughts to add?

Thanksomuch!!

One last inquiry: I feel as though the ride is very stiff; I am feeling like every little bump in the road- is that normal for an 8? (or should i spend the $$ to get the suspension checked out??)

 

The stiff ride is normal for the RX8... it's a sports car! A real sports car...

As for the W4s I have heard good thigns about them... in the stock size I would recommend the Avon Tech M500 for a smooth ride. I've used them on another car and they are nice and quiet for the amount of performance they offer.

 

thanks for the input, aliveoutofhabit. guess no one else wants to chime in!!

 

the RX-8 suspension shouldn't feel really stiff. Did the previous owner upgrade the struts or the springs? Get under the car and take a look at the 'shocks'.
Also, if the springs are not black, they're most likely aftermarket.

 

I was just looking at the Yohohama W4S. This was what a service place near me recommended. They seem like real nice tires. I ended up going for Goodyear Eagle F1 All Seasons. Their more expensive, but probably the better tire. They service guy agreed even though at that point he assumed I'd be getting the job done at the Goodyear shop down the street. Net, I'm pretty sure he was being honest.

So, bottom line: they're great tires for the price point. Maybe stupid, but since I would only be replacing tires every few years (I only have 18K on my car and it's 4 years old); I might as well spring for the more expensive set. Total bill was only $80 more so I figured what the hell.

KF

 

Yokohama is a good choice.

 

Thank Y'all!!!!

 

lol...i like how you called your Mitsu Eclipse "sexycar".

My wife calls our rx8 - sexy rexy haha

Anyway, on to more important stuff, it is a very stiff car, but your absolutely right, the stocker tires do suck. . Can't hep you much with the avids as I dont have much experience with them. But yoko's are usually great tires. If you have good experience with them previously, go for them ! Good luck
kc