Need advice on new tire purchase

Low Rolling Resistance replacement tires: Current List | PriusChat

 

You don't mention what size tires you have, there are 15, 16 and 17" tires on different models. The 15-16" tires are less expensive, but $700 isn't a bad price for 4 decent tires either. If need be, you could get 2 now and save the 2 best ones you have for the rear. I wouldn't suggest anything that's not rated as "low rolling resistance".

If you add your location to your profile maybe someone here has a couple tires they'll sell cheap. But you'll certainly pay a premium at any tire shop if you buy less than 4. Michelin has a $70 MIR now if you buy 4 tires.

The last set of tires I put on my Tacoma 4x4 cost over $1K. $700 seems cheap to me. But if you have a good tire shop close by you can trust, they'll work with you finding the best value.

 

195/65 15's michelin energy savers 480$ delivered from discounttire 100$ to mount, local might give a deal when you ask, might match for the tires and give a break on mounting, worth it, with a 70$ gift card

 

The OEM EP20 tires can be had for about $83. Add installation and tax to cost $500 for 4. Wait until Labor Day for $100 off at America's Tires.

 

Why would you put the two better tires in the rear on a front wheel drive vehicle?

I just put a set of 4 15" Bridgestone Ecopia EP422's on my 2010 IV from Costco and my out the door price was $396. There is an $80 coupon for Bridgestone at Costco through the first part of August as I recall. Probably hard to beat that price, and you don't have to dork around with the stupid prepaid visa rebate cards.

Good luck.

 

I'd second these. We've got 17", but if it were the 15" I was shopping for, Bridgestone Ecopia EP20 would be high on the list: readily available (we got a set at Costco for a previous vehicle), LRR, relatively cheap. They wear well, get a little noisy over time, and are terrible in snow, once worn. Other than that...

 

Bridgstone Ecopias for sure.

 

Do you have a Costco near by? If so, most tire shops will match their out the door price.


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Costco membership is only $50 I think so it is probably worth joining...

 

Bridgestone Ecopias are LRR tires. Buy them and thank me later.

 

Just keep mind that the Ecopia EP422 are budget-friendly LRR tires. Their performance is lackluster in just about every possible area. For a few dollars more, you are much better off with the Continental ProContact EcoPlus. Either Walmart or Sears should be able to order these.


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You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but my experience so far (just a few days in) have been almost exactly the same as F8L. Great ride, noticeable mpg improvement immediately, quiet, and very comfortable ride. Would I use them as a street racer, no. But if I were looking to race I wouldn't be in my Prius anyway.

Feel free to read up on the EP422 below.

Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Review - 17" Tire | PriusChat
Review: Bridgestone Ecopia EP422
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422

 

This is not a question of opinion - I am simply restating the facts. One should always weigh instrumented testing more heavily than reviews with many uncontrolled variables.

Tire Test Results : Eco-Focused All-Season Tires: Do They Deliver on the Promise?

Consumer Reports also rated the EP422, dead last, amongst the 20+ tires that it tested in its category.



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I gave up on Consumer Reports as an authority on pretty much anything more than a decade ago, but whatever floats your boat. The tire rack link you posted shows very little difference tween the 4 tires in wet dry traction (.3) between the Ecopia and the highest rated continental. 6.41 vs 6.71. The Ecopia also came out on top above the other three in snow handling, which is nice for the occasional snow days here in the NW.

I would also point out that the tire rack testing was done in a BMW. Having owned multiple BMW's I can personally attest that you don't drive a Prius like you would a BMW... Ever. After a few days driving I can absolutely confirm the squish mentioned when taking turns at higher speeds. If the testing above had been done in a Prius it would have been much more interesting IMO.

I'm sure the Continental is a great tire, but I've always had a good experience with buying my tires at Costco, so I usually stick with brands they offer, and the constantly rolling Michelin/Bridgestone coupons don't hurt either.

 

This is exactly what the OP needs given her situation. If money was no object then yes. The important thing is it's LRR and fits the OP's budget.

Check the aforementioned link and do your research. There will be some kind of stamp on the tire like Green-X, etc.

 

Which area? I drive both sets of mine like crazy. Performs well, as far as a Prius is able.

 

As a single mother on a budget, you can't go wrong with the E422's if you can get a good price. Joining Costco and getting a set of these is a good way to go.

 

Actually, if she is after maximum value, she is much better off with a set of Michelin Defender or Defender XT tires with the 90,000 mi warranty. They are only about $20/tire more than the Ecopia EP422. The fuel economy difference will only be 5% (or less), and the Defender is a much safer tire due to the better handling and traction. I'm not even sure that the EP422 delivers the same efficiency as the original tires, so the Defenders (which are somewhat LRR) cannot possibly be that much worse.

Also, consumer reports has the Defenders rated #1, and it has similarly high ratings on Tirerack.

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