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Run-flat, self-sealing, PAX tires for Minivans

1399 messages,  Last post on Jun 27, 2009 at 7:04 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey, Tires, Wheels, Van


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#1335 of 1399
Re: didn't you buy odyssey touring knowing that [krzyss] by vinnyny
Jan 02, 2009 (8:33 am)
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Replying to: krzyss (Jan 01, 2009 7:32 pm)

When I bought my first PAX-equipped Ody in 2006, the problems with PAX were not yet known. PAX was heralded as a safety feature based on its ability to run flat for 125 miles. Dealers touted the safety aspects of RFTs at the same time they advertised that the incremental costs would only be 10-15% above the cost of normal tires. They also cited a wide dealer network including all Honda dealerships.
 
RFTs were not new, untested, technology--BMWs were equipped with them for several years prior to my purchasing PAX. However, my dealer didn't share the fact that the PAX system is not analogous to the RFTs on my BMW. Specifically, shorter tread life, replacement costs as high as $2400, lack of qualified service centers and a shortage of supply were some of the undisclosed issues.
 
I bought my 2006 PAX-equipped Odyssey Touring because I wanted all the Touring's features and that was the only way it was available anyway. I lived in the desert Southwest at the time and traveled between Tucson and Phoenix regularly. RFTs made good sense in the desert--who wants to stop to repair a flat in 120 degree heat? However, my dealer made it sound as though virtually every Honda dealer and most good tire shops would be able to service my PAX tires--not true.
 
When I moved to the East Coast, we drove my BMW and Ody cross-country. The BMW had a blowout and we couldn't find an exact replacement tire for about 200 miles. That was bad and it caused me to question how far I'd have to go on the PAX tire if it had failed. Answer: no PAX dealers for over 500 miles along our route and that dealer told me it would take several days to get all the parts. (Not to mention the fact that they would have been closed for the weekend long before I made it there).
 
Since I moved to VA, most of the main PAX detractors are no longer factors. There are more PAX-qualified dealers, so I don't have to worry so much about getting stranded (at least during normal business hours). Costs have come down signficantly, but they still cost more than twice what regular tires cost. As to the tread wear issue, I'm hoping that Honda will do something like offer one free set of replacement tires to each PAX owner. Otherwise, I'll trade in my 2007 Ody when the tires wear out at about 35k miles. (As I said earlier, I won't buy another Honda if they don't do the right thing here).
#1336 of 1399
Negotiating w dealer by skap2
Jan 03, 2009 (5:23 pm)
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we just passed 20K miles on first set of Pax, down to bet 4-6/32 tread depth. Won't go past 25K if that. I just started negotiating on dePax w my dealer. Initially he said can't switch to regular tires, then I conferenced in a Honda dealer in OH that does them and he explained how easy it is and no effect on Honda warranty. My dealer then agreed to do it. I told him I want it done at actual dealer cost for everything, which should be around $7-800. Waiting to hear back.
 
IMHO litigation will yield about $1-2 million in legal fees for plaintiffs class counsel, and probably a modest discount (25%) for Pax customers to replace or dePax. Strongly doubt anything more.
#1337 of 1399
Re: Negotiating w dealer [skap2] by vinnyny
Jan 04, 2009 (7:29 pm)
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Replying to: skap2 (Jan 03, 2009 5:23 pm)

I don't have any confidence that the lawyers can/will do anything to help us. Hopefully, Honda will value its reputation enough to do something on its own. If not, they are sure to lose many loyal customers. As I said earlier, this is my fourth Ody. If Honda doesn't rectify the situation, I simply won't buy another Honda.
#1338 of 1399
PAX suit settled- hearing Jan14 by 05toering
Jan 06, 2009 (3:25 pm)
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Honda and Michelin settled on Dec 29 08; terms not disclosed yet. Hearing w/ judge on Jan 14 09 to approve terms at which time we should find out what we get.
#1339 of 1399
Re: PAX Swap-Out Experience [fnx] by kevbels
Jan 08, 2009 (8:15 pm)
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Replying to: fnx (Nov 24, 2007 4:07 pm)

I've never seen a more blatant attempt to cover up a SNAFU (by any company not just an automotive manufacturer). I actually called Honda Customer Relations. They recommended that I swap the tire and wheel combo out. I called Tirerack to do just that and they said they couldn't help me.
 
So, since the professionals couldn't help I referred myself to Edmunds' as well as other forums and forced the swap myself.
 
I found MDX wheels 18' 5x120 bolt pattern with either 45 or 55 offset (can't remember) on Ebay for $400 shipping included. I called Tirerack and ordered Kuhmo tires for $600. I bought lug nuts from Acura for $85. I paid my tire guy (long-time friend of 25 years Matthews Tire Co. located in Indian Trail, NC owner's name is Jerry Rowell and Son Jason Rowell) $160 to mount, balance and perform a four wheel alignment. They re-used the TPMS sensors and valve stems by cutting a hole with a steak knife in the sidewall and removed them by hand.
 
Jerry and Jason (704) 821-1211 in North Carolina near Charlotte did a great job. They got one of the PAX tires and cut the rest of the rubber off. They spent the rest of the day marveling and admiring the craftsmanship of the PAX system. They couldn't believe Honda could get a plastic looking ring like that over a wheel then mount the rubber around it.
 
They both agreed that it was way ahead of its time and also that it was a total flop. The remembered Michelin wanted 5000 to upgrade their machines. Obviously they didn't buy it.
 
Honda if you're smart enough to read this.....You all are the ones that flubbed it up! Sure, Michelin made the worst wearing tire in their History but Honda had to charge excessive and absurd amounts to mount those P>O>S> and repair flats at a cost of $40 a pop. Honda, you even ran a buy 3 get one free tire sale with a PAX disclaimer caveat. Michelin was willing to give recompense to dissatisfied customers but I never had one Honda dealer offer to reimburse me for spending 400 a year to mount tires.
 
So now I have the greatest van ever made with a beautiful set of 18" Acura rims that are Poppin. My centercaps even fit. I'm PAX free. I feel better knowing that I'm not going to have to consider tire issues in my 05 odyssey for some time. I even got excited enough to give it a complete detail. I just wish I had the pictures to show everyone.
 
    For all you guys out there sitting on the fence not knowing whether to de-pax or not. Get it done, you'll sleep better knowing you did. I expect the quality and wear life of regular run-flats will get better and probably my next set (in 2.5 years) will be run-flats. Until then, I'll have a smile on my face everytime I drive by a Honda dealer!
 
Kevin
Indian Trail, NC
#1340 of 1399
WHY NOT USE NEW ODY TOURING RIMS/TIRES? by vinnyny
Jan 08, 2009 (8:26 pm)
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Now that Honda is offering the Touring model without the PAX system, it seems odd that nobody has posted about using the new 08 rims/tires for a swapout on an earlier model. Is this not possible for some reason?
#1341 of 1399
Re: Negotiating w dealer [skap2] by saelkins
Jan 16, 2009 (8:02 pm)
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Replying to: skap2 (Jan 03, 2009 5:23 pm)

You might want to check this out...
 
http://www.libertylaw.com/current-cases-and-investigations/
#1342 of 1399
Re: Negotiating w dealer [vinnyny] by saelkins
Jan 16, 2009 (8:08 pm)
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Replying to: vinnyny (Jan 04, 2009 7:29 pm)

http://www.libertylaw.com/current-cases-and-investigations/
#1343 of 1399
Re: PAX suit settled- hearing Jan14 [05toering] by gary_mag
Jan 16, 2009 (10:12 pm)
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Replying to: 05toering (Jan 06, 2009 3:25 pm)

Do you have any details as to what the judgment was this past Wednesday?
 
I am part of the Class Action Lawsuit.
#1344 of 1399
Re: Negotiating w dealer [skap2] by bukfan
Jan 19, 2009 (9:15 pm)
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Replying to: skap2 (Jan 03, 2009 5:23 pm)

I'm in Ohio and having a difficult time finding any Honda dealer who will help. Even the simple question "will the EX wheels fit my touring edition?" Blank look and an "I don't see why not." I would like to know which OH dealer knows how to dePax.

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