Low Rolling Resistance replacement tires: Current List

Understood. Even with the rebate, it looks like the Contis may be less expensive. I need to find out the out-the-door price for the installation if I buy through TireRack.com, but most places around here are going to be roughly $80-$100 for the four. TireRack is offering the Contis at just under $600, including shipping. I don't think I can get the Primacys installed for less than $700, even with the rebate.

As to comparing the new Contis to the Michelins in FE, I think it is fair to say they should be slightly better in that department than have been the ProContacts vs. the Primacys. If they come out the same, then perhaps the Michelins win because they are a known quantity (and quality!). I believe I calculated that every 1 MPG drop for me, across 60,000 miles, equates to about $50. That will be part of my calculations, also.

 

Wow! A better rating than the Primacys.

TireBuyer.com and TireRack.com both show them as available in the 205/50R17 size. Discount Tire is supposed to be calling me back today to let me know if they can get the tires, also. TireBuyer's free shipping is a nice incentive, so that even with a higher tire price, the total cost is a few dollars less ($576 vs $593 delivered). For the moment, TireBuyer offers another $25 gift card, dropping the cost to $551. After discounts, I can get the Primacys installed for $609. I doubt I can get the PureContacts installed at that price, but we'll see what Discount Tire says! I'm very intrigued by these new Contis.

Is there any reason to suspect they would offer any better or worse LRR/FE than the Michelins?

 

There I go again! I didn't read closely enough and just assumed you referred to the MXM4.

 

Will be having my Ecopia EP422's removed at Costco today and
replaced with the Energy Saver Tires AS. For only $74.00 more
in my opinion its well worth it.

 

Hope it goes well. I'm sure you'll let us know!

I stopped by Discount Tire today, and they can have the new Conti PureContacts delivered early next week and are willing to match the best price I've found. If so, it is even a better price than the Primacy MXM4s with the $70 credit. I'll report back if they really do this.

 

Wonder if my Toyos had a positive number.

 

I don't know that it is taking one for the team just because it is a new product. It is coming out of a pretty proven line of tires. Still, I'm very intrigued by it. The guy at Discount Tire thought it was a cool looking tread, and he really was hoping I'd order it right away. I told him he'd have to meet my quotes, so I'll get that together and challenge him to make good on the promise. If so, I'm your guinea pig!

 

Only cost $48.00 more total out the door for the Michelin Energy Saver AS tires.

 

Thanks for this thread F8L. Was going to buy a set of Energy Saver A/S' today, but none available anywhere except TireRack. Studied your info and decided to give the Defenders a try today. Even if I do loose a tic or two on mpg based on limited reviews, I like the 90K mileage. Will give you my honest Cost/Mileage/MPG/Performance evaluation over time to use as you see fit.

 

Had tires installed 42F/40R, wheels balanced with tape weights, alignment checked good and oil/filter changed (1k miles late ). Initial impression was as expected with any new tires, heavier and more solid feel. Drive home along a known 24 mile route indicated no difference in MPG, however several tanks are needed to compare. Will keep you updated.

 

Like others, my 2010's Yoko's are getting pretty smooth and noisy with about 55k. I was all set to get the Michelin Energy Saver A/S, but as others have pointed out they don't seem to exist anymore. (I actually joined Costco just to buy tires and then learned that they only had the summer Energy Save models available.) I was then going to try the Defender, but noticed that Michelin's site gives them an 8/10 in Fuel Efficiency, a 9 in Comfort, and 10s in Wear Life, Handling, and Braking. Michelin rates their Primacy MXV4 as a 10 in Wear, Fuel Efficiency, and Comfort and 9 in Handling and Braking.

Consumer reports has them both about equal with an overall score of 70, but the Primacy is better (Excellent v. Very Good) in Noise, Ride Comfort and Rolling Resistance and (very good v. average) in snow traction. The Defender is better in Tread Life (excellent v. very good) and Hydroplaning (very good v. average).

Unfortunately Tirerack doesn't seem to have any customer survey data for the Defender yet.

Of course the Defenders look like they'll last longer, but I'm not sure the difference 90,000 v. 60,000 is worth seemingly worse noise and mileage. Noise and mileage are my first two considerations in that order. I don't drive that aggressively to worry too much about handling. We usually get a few good snows each year, so better traction in those conditions are helpful.

I think I'm leaning toward the Primacy MXV4, but I guess I'm also looking for somebody to confirm they're a good choice.