Need help in deciding tires and the more I read online, the more I'm confused. Some facts: 1. We live in NE IL 2. 2007 Prius Touring with 16" wheels. 195/55R16 Stock (205/50R16 option). 3. I'm currently running the Ecopia EP100's and have almost 50k on them. They gave me better MPG over the stock Turanza's. 4. I have winter tire/wheels so winter performance is NOT a consideration 5. Michelin EnergySaver A/S is not available in my size or compatible sizes. Michelin EnergySaver Summer I've heard are not that great in the MPG as the A/S? Any info on this? 6. MPG is very important as is noise. Wear and "feel" is secondary. 7. I WILL be purchasing my tires at Discount Tires. My cousins are managers and absolutely get great deals on the tires/install/service Some choices I've narrowed it down to: 1. Ecopia EP422 (makes sense since i've had good results with the EP100's. But a part of me wants to try something else. Plus, if I try another tire and don't like it, I can exchange them in 30 days for no penalty for these) 2. Yokohama YK580 (DT exclusive. Read good reviews. Just wasn't sure if I'll loose MPGs? 1 or 2 I can deal with) 3. Pirelli Cinturato P7 ecoimpact (Good handling and ride characteristics, but read 3-8 mpg loss? If so, unacceptable. Then read the newest P7s are different then old P7s and are more MPG friendly) 4. Michelin EnergySaver Summer (Don't need A/S, but I hear the summers are not as good at the MPG)
In my opinion from your list of choices, I would recommend the Ecopia 422 for your Touring Model. IF you drove NON touring, THEN I WOULD recommend the Michelin Energy Saver A/S.
Replaced the OEM (Turanza EL400) on our 2008 Touring with Michelin Energy Saver (Summer) and ride comfort and noise (in particular) are noticeably worse. Will switch to Ecopia 422 next time around.
Thanks for the info. Kinda bummed about the Energy Saver (summer) since I don't need them for winter. Especially with how popular they are with the 15" wheels. You'd think the difference was minimal. Thanks. I'm leaning towards the EP422s, but also heard some good info for the YK580's. Just wanted to hear if any other Prius owners had +/- experience.
I always check them for the largest selection and for price comparison. Before my cousins started working at Discount Tire, they were my go to shop for purchasing tires.
I used to buy tires at Costco, but have gotten better service at Discount/America's Tire. Also, Discount Tire will match Tirerack's prices, but Costco won't.
