Michelin Primacy MXM4 Review

Is there a middle ground tyre -- say, 16 inch diameter and 205 mm width that people like ?
Averaging less than 50 mpg in my new car that comes with 17 inchers is going to put me into denial

 

The local Lexus dealership offered me a car while waiting for my CT to arrive, but they did not have a CT to loan out so I politely declined. LOL

If it is not *at least* 40 mpg and a hatch, I'll drive the Prius

 

yeah you are making me jealous too. I came this close to blowing off the pip and ordering a ct instead. love those f sport trident wheels...

 

Gee, I'm sorry, Justin

Ggood, I hear ya. The f-sport has it's own color -- a blue-grey, that along with the wheels and whatever else comes in the package looks tremendous. All kinds of superlatives come to mind. I didn't know Lexus had it in themselves to design a car that causes deep emotion from the likes of me -- a car culture hating, rational to a fault old fart.

I didn't buy it, but I stared a lot.

 

I went back for a test drive this morning. Drove the f sport and the regular model back to back. The f sport does have a noticeably stiffer and more precise feel to it, especially when you dial up the sport mode. Seemed like a lot more road feel, not always in the good way. More jiggles being transmitted into the cabin. I still liked it, but I suspect I and most people would prefer the more dampened ride of the regular model. I also prefer the perforated leather seats I sat in last spring to the nuluxe.

Speaking of the seats, they are just heaven. FYI, it's possible to order either version of the the fsport wheels.

 

F8L,
I agree with Brick on the toe issue. Would have been creating a lot of "scrub" and would have (only a guess) a 2-4 mpg difference over correct toe settings. In your list of upgrades I couldn't find the actual tire size (may have just missed it). On my '04, package 9, I have Koenig Theory 17x7 with Yokohama Avid H4s 215/40 R17 87H UTOG: 500-AA-A. I put them on at 15,637 mi. and now have 91,265 on the car. I am replacing them in the next week or so just haven't made a final decision on which tire yet since the H4s is discontinued, so I will update what tire I decide on once done. For the life of the Yokohama's I have averaged 45.7 mpg, on the highway here in AZ. (75 mph speed limit +10 before the cops look at you) on cruise with a/c on at 80 mph I get between 41/43 depending on wind. In town, I have seen 60+ mpg on a regular basis. The Yokohama's were quiet, extremely good in wet weather, good in snow/slush and outstanding on track days (yes, I open track and autocross the car). I have the same sway bar combo as you and the BT stiffeners but did not lower mine and no ScanGuageII. Having been a racer for the better part of 50 yrs I caught hell from all my buddies for buying the prius...............until some of them actually rode with me at the track (or on our Sunday morning back road runs) or drove the car. They were all impressed with the handling and braking (not so impressed with acceleration) and finally understood why I have so much fun with the car.

 

The current price for the Primacy MXM4 in the 215/45-17 87W size is $189!

The OE compound Primacy MXM4 in the 215/45-17 87V for the CT200h is $153.

Those are huge price increases compared to 10 months ago.

Just today, I had a set of Primacy MXM4s installed onto my boss's car. On the 15 mile drive home from the tire shop, brand new, these tires stuck like glue to the road. They definitely grip better than my previous set of well broken in Primacy MXV4.

Also, there is a driveway that I turn into at 15-20 mph that will cause my current set of Energy Saver A/S to screech and scream loudly. These Primacy MXM4 made the same turn with no drama at all, and did so as though it was nothing.

 

Still amazed at how good the grip was despite only having 15 miles on them. They're going to be fantastic once the mold release compound wears off.

MB860 ? 2

 

got them.. a bit pricy but like them

 

New tires stick, period. I've taken several extreme corners and turnarounds 45+ mph with my week old Michelin Energy Savers A/S and they do not make a sound.

 

F8L, your tire posts are great. I am getting a headache though. I have only 2500 miles on OE tires, and due to your posts am trying to discern what tires I will buy next.

Ideal tire: same or better mpg; QUIETER; same or better handling. I guess I am thinking more about tire characteristics then ever before. Once about 15-18 yrs ago I had bought Michelins for whatever car we were driving then and was amazed about quiet and what seemed like "better rolling" and just bought whatever Michelin's Costco had since.

So what is the best 15" tire?

 

Hey F8L, thanks for the review on the Michelin Primacy MXM4. I was due for new tires and pulled the trigger on these 215 45 17. Tire rack has a special on them today for $87/tire plus a $70 rebate from Michelin. Great deal! Thanks!

 

I too just pulled the trigger on these tires in the V rating. Found them for $95 a piece through Amazon Prime with free two day shipping. Current tire rack price is $164 each!

Amazon.com: Michelin Primacy MXM4 Touring Radial Tire - P215/45R17 87V: Automotive

Michelin Primacy MXM4