Yokohama Geolander review.

[Dave2000]

So an update.

The Yokohama Iberia tyre tech turned up promptly this morning, I had already removed the wheel to save time faffing around. First I must say the guy did apologise for dropping the ball with the earlier appointment, so that was a good start. Inspection of the tyre showed no obvious manufacturing defect, and so the discussion became about Yokohama's policy and procedures about warranty claims and so forth.

Initially the guy was adamant about there being no possibility of a new tyre, I then run past him a few of my thoughts for example not being happy using a (sidewall) repaired tyre at motorway speeds, and I would have to do this for many miles before I had some usage and could replace the tyres. Also I felt the 'AT' label was stretching it a bit, given that I could have bought an 'ordinary' non AT tyre and taken a chance going off road but no, I chose to purchase four new 'AT' tyres as I often go off road, this touches on @Mblinko comments about being fit for purpose. Whilst the conversation is going on the rep was looking at my 'camping panel', the shower, solar connections and other odds and ends. It turns out he is a keen off roader and also has a LC, and before long we were both flicking through our phones showing each others mods, it was all very amicable.

Eventually he conceded that I was not someone out to make some big claim and the workmanship on my car was of a professional nature, and eventually he agreed to change the tyre, again this is not to admit a problem with the tyre, but more of a goodwill gesture. He contacted the warehouse and it turns out that there are none available. But on the way to Spain is the new GO15 version of this tyre, and because you cannot have mismatched tyres across the axle he has agreed to send me two of the new style FOC. Unfortunately these will not arrive until the 17th of January however, he has agreed I can keep the repaired tyre and also the soon to be redundant other on the same axle as spares, so in effect an element of compensation if you like, there was a shake of hands and he left.

None of this is in writing as of now, but he did seem to be a straight up guy so he has given me some faith that he will come through, so for now I guess it is a case of watch this space.

EDIT: Sorry Mark no wine or chocs.

regards

Dave

 

[Rodger]

Hi Dave,
Assuming the rep is good for his promise, I think you have a good result.
What model of LC does he have?

Regards,

 

[Michael Montgomery]

Good news I'm so happy for you Dave roll on 17th January.
Be interesting to see how you find new version.
Was given a quote for the GO12's but the GO15 look better.

 

[Mblinko]

Great news Dave. What's the difference between old and new versions.

 

[Dave2000]

I did reply @Rodger to your post, but it appears to have disappeared into the ether? To answer your question he has a LC 95, all tricked out and looks great, he did not have any side shots so that I could which tyres he was using.

It is early but could have sworn there was a 'which model car does he have?' question from Mark but that has disappeared as well. Don't start looking for them @Crispin as I have had some late Xmas party nights, so it could be me, blame the sugar!

@Mblinko and @Dervis Garip I did ask him what the differences were between the '12' and '15' and apart from the tyre pattern, he said it varied between tyre sizes and types. If I understood him correctly, it seems that different size tyres have had different modifications, and is not just related to tyre strength, but also emissions i.e. fuel economy, and materials used during construction. so the 'GO15' is a sort of all encompassing upgrade code. I could not pin him down as to whether the 15 had stronger sidewalls on my particular tyre size.

I did do my own Google search and it seems the '15' is still relatively new to the market, so 'real world' reviews are limited.

EDIT: Email has been received from Iberia Technical confirming the claim is being processed and all should be good for January the 17th.

regards

Dave

 

[Mblinko]

I got the usual email saying you replied, so a gremlin is lurking somewhere

 

[clivehorridge]

It's my view that what you experienced was somewhat of a freak event that may never reoccur.

In that sense, I think the rep has done the right thing offering a replacement, benefit of the doubt and all that.

Good result IMO, well done (if it all comes off that is)

 

[Animal Mother]

I'm still stunned that there's been a sidewall repair. They aren't permitted in the UK.

 

[Dave2000]

I'm still stunned that there's been a sidewall repair. They aren't permitted in the UK.

I see sidewall repairs here quite often, they are not recommended by the tyre manufacturers (wonder why ) but not illegal.

Call me suspicious but this ties in nicely with the 'new tyres should always be fitted to the rear theory', bearing in mind the best tyres have always been fitted to the front for the last....oh 30 years?

regards

Dave

 

[Dave2000]

Good result IMO, well done (if it all comes off that is)

Clive, don't be so negative! You are upsetting my karma.....now where was I.....om.....om......om.......ah that's better

regards

Dave

 

[Dave2000]

I sent an email to the rep explaining my OCD problem with having different brands of tyres front and rear, and also how it may make it difficult to rotate to even out wear, so not wanting to push my luck I have requested he sends me two additional tyres with the FOC two in January at my expense, he will get back to me as he seems to think it is a good idea, I am hoping for a favourable price, if you don't ask....you don't get!

regards

Dave

 

[Dave2000]

I'm still stunned that there's been a sidewall repair. They aren't permitted in the UK.

Whilst looking for more information with regards to sidewall repairs I came across this.

http://www.robstyreandwheelcare.co.uk/page001.html

If that is current legislation then a tyre sidewall can be repaired in the UK, but only by a specialised repair company.

Take the contents of the link with a pinch of salt, but there are a few about if you look for them.

regards

Dave

 

[Dave2000]

Just a quick update.

The Geolander GO15's have reached shore, so very soon there will be four new ones on the way to me.

Two FOC and two at cost, so this appears to be moving in the right direction.

regards

Dave

 

[Shayne]

Good for you Dave

I still think somebody dropped the ball at yokohama especially with the new edition being sent instead , the 4x4 set remains very much a word of mouth world and without meaning to you offered them a great opportunity to plug both their PR and their new product for virtually no cost at all .

 

[Dave2000]

Good for you Dave

I still think somebody dropped the ball at yokohama especially with the new edition being sent instead , the 4x4 set remains very much a word of mouth world and without meaning to you offered them a great opportunity to plug both their PR and their new product for virtually no cost at all .

Agreed Shayne. I also believe if they did not think the '15' was a worthwhile upgrade that they would have hunted down a '12' , sent me that and hope for the best. But having seen my reviews/comments are genuine without any BS, then perhaps it is a good PR move?

They clearly know by now that I speak how I find whether 'please or offend', if the tyre turns out as a genuine upgrade/improvement then I will say.

It will be good to have the 12 and 15 side by side for comparison, get back to ya all.

regards

Dave

 

[Dave2000]

Tyres have been in the workshop for a couple of days now and I plan to get all four mounted today. Yokohama Iberia have been good to their word.

regards

Dave

 

[Rodger]

Result, glad to hear it.

Regards,

 

[clivehorridge]

 

[Michael Montgomery]

Great..... finally you can be happy.

 

[Dave2000]

Thanks for replies, tyres fitted and can now call it done.


regards

Dave