I know this is an old topic, but Consumer Reports monthly safety alert has a section on run flat tires. Lots and lots of negatives and no positives. This is based on input they have received from customers. Appears they have a high failure rate compared to regular tires as well as other problems.

 

After CR being absolute shills for Toyota and run flat tires, the info would have to come from customer reviews.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/n...r-us/index.htm

We were part of the debacle that was the ownership of a 2007 Sienna AWD, their RF tire fiasco (hint:only CR got even close to 1/2 the milage theat CR reported), and too late to matter to owners class action lawsuits for numerous other vehicle defects in one of CR's "top picks".

 

Marginally suitable for those who never drive out of town, as long as you don't mind the stiff ride, poor performance, and high cost.

 

I hate them - when I had a BMW i would get loaners with them and they all road like crap.

 

That about sums up my experience with run flats. Simply horrible tires!

 

My winter tires (blizzak) are run flats - they have been good during the snow when I am generally less interested in the ride quality and just making it home. Driving a V8 rear wheel in the Massachusetts snow is tough.

I have had a couple of winter punctures where I've been glad of the run flats and I think they make a decent case in winter.

Wouldn't buy run flats for other weather conditions though...

 

My experience with Continental run-flat tires on my 2009 BMW335d was very positive.
When I traded it in for the E350BT in 2013, the tires were still good for the summer and by then I had traveled around 71,000 miles with probably 50,000 miles on run-flats and the balance on Winter tires.
I guess the lighter weight of the vehicle and the fact that I do more highway miles helps.

 

I suspect most RFT users don't check their tire pressure as often as the tire never "look" flat.
Once RFT sidewalls are compromised then they are weaken and prone to failure.

Yes they have TPMS but most drivers ignore those Christmas tree lights on dash too.