Best Michelin tire to replace the OEMs with?

FYI,

According to every place I've called, the Goodyear Tripletread is being discontinued in 195/60x15, and I could not find a full set anywhere. I was very happy with those, but mine are just about warn out. So the Michelin MXV4 seems to be one of the most popular tires for the Prius, I decided to check them out. I will let you all know how they compare to the Tripletread.

Through the end of August, NTB (Big O in other parts of the country) is selling Michelin's at $60 off for 4, and $10 per point traded in, so $100 off for the whole package.

With their package that gives lifetime balancing, rotation, roadside hazard, etc etc etc., It comes to about $660 for a full set of the MXV4 (h rated).

 

In my opinion you can't go wrong with the Primacy MXV4. They are so much quieter and smoother riding than the OEMs, and so far I've only taken a 2-3 MPG hit at the same 44 PSI that I ran the Goodyears.

 

Reviving an older thread because I have the same question, and hoping for any new insights and experiences. I've been reading a lot of tire threads on this site.

So...it's time to replace the original tires on my 2006. There are too many choices, so I've narrowed down to Michelin, because I can get those most easily, I have coupon, and I trust that they're all decent tires regardless.

The place that I'm going to get them will probably not put on 195s. Even after reading threads debating moving up from the 185s, I'm still not sure if that's the best thing to do regardless.

I'm in Western Oregon, so I'll definitely be driving in rain about 1/3 of the year, but not a lot of snow. I'm deciding between:

1) HydroEdge
I've read a number of complaints about the noise, and hit in MPG. But I think they're good in rain, and the tread is rated the highest at 90K.

2) X Radial
I haven't really read complaints about these other than the hit in MPG. Haven't read a lot of great things either, so they seem like a basic tire. I don't know if they're as good in rain as the HydroEdge. 80K mile warranty.

3) Energy Saver A/S
Obviously meant to give the best MPG. But my concern is that these don't even have a listed tread life warranty, which makes me think they won't last as long as the Radial Xs or HydroEdges, but I'm not sure how much less wear to expect. I have seen reviews, but I'm still not quite clear if they'll do as well as the others in rain; it may not matter much at first, but if they wear out a lot faster, then I'll probably be driving on less than ideal tires longer. I understand these ones are very quiet.

4) Primacy Mxv4
I think I can't get these ones as easily as the others. Rated at 60k. Having trouble knowing how to compare them to the others, might have been clear from other posts but the difference didn't stick with me. Are they so much better than the others that they're worth seeking out?

Anyone have any more experiences to share that might shed more light on the best of these to get? I will admit - I'm someone who's a bit overwhelmed by a lot of choice... Thanks for any responses.

 

I still love my Hydroedges... I just got home from Olympia, which is a 56 mile trip, in the oft-pouring rain (raining tonight)... There's about 50K on these tires, I think, and the car still clings to the road beautifully. :thumb:

 

At first the HydroEdges seemed the best, but I've been reading so many things about unacceptable road noise with them, whereas others love them. Wonder why people are having such a different experiences?

 

I replaced the stock Goodyear tires on my 2004 Prius with Michelin HydroEdge tires at under 30,000 miles.

Now I'm up around 105,000 miles. I've been trying to find HydroEdge tires in the 2004 Prius size since February - nothing.

I've contacted Michelin customer service a few times by email:

May 2010: "The P185/65R15 86T HydroEdge is on backorder. We estimate this tire will go back into production in the 3rd quarter 2010 but do not have a specific date at this time."

September 2010: "The Hydroedge production was delayed due
to other business obligations. We regret that this decision was made but it was deemed necessary at this time. We hope to see the Hydroedge go into production late 4th qtr or early 1st qtr 2011."

Clearly my next tires will not be made by Michelin. They've finally lost a customer.

 

I just ordered a set from disscounttires.com for only $102/ tire (195 60 15's) + shipping ($448 out the door) - $70 rebate last Fri and just got them shipped to my door on Wed. They are great so far. Mileage hit so far is minimal. Can't wait to test them in the rain .

 

I just ordered a set from disscounttires.com for only $102/ tire (195 60 15's) + shipping ($448 out the door) - $70 rebate last Fri and just got them shipped to my door on Wed. They are great so far. Mileage hit so far is minimal. Can't wait to test them in the rain .

 

Different size though?
Stock was P185/65R15 86T.

/G

 

Last time I checked the 185's are in stock as well. The 195's are a plus size option I am happy with. Slightly wider with a lower profile gives it great handling. Just drove it tonight in the rain and performed like a champ. I don't have any issues with noise unlike some folks that have complained about. They are actually quieter than the OEM tires.