Recommended replacement tires for Prius Touring 195/55R16?

195/55R16 87V Michelin® Energy™ Saver
@ Sams/$170 each before rebate.

 

How have the Ecopias been in the rain? I am about to purchase a set four my 2007 touring prius. Hated the Portenza's.... loud loud loud.

 

Here in southern AZ we have two rainy seasons, the winter as well as summer monsoons. No problems with traction.

 

Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 is an all season tire. What did you end up buying?

 

I just talked to Costco about getting a set of Ecopia EP422's for my 2008. They almost refused to install them saying they will practically "fall apart" and that the only way they will install them is with a written warning on my receipt. They say their policy is to not install them on any Prius, as the car's suspension is incompatible with the tires. (!?!?)

What a crock of s**t!

Of course, Bridgestone, who has to warranty these tires, recommends them as a "top pick" in their online configurator. I'm having Costco put them on anyway, complete with my stern "written warning". Cost out the door is $377 for 4 with the $70 discount.

I'd be interested in any long-term owner reports on the 422's. I will definitely report my experience. Even if they wear faster than some other brands, how can they be worse than the crap-tastic Goodyear's that are mostly gone at only 22k?! =)

 

I have them on my 2009 Prius and find them much better than OEM and would recommend them highly.
Tire rack info on them is
Bridgestone Ecopia EP422
I'm surprised that Costco would be so negative. I'd love to know where they get their info as I'm sure Bridgestone would as well...

 

As I learned from talking with tire sales people at Sears, the many retailers are motivated to recommend tires that provide them the most significant short-term benefits: the largest margins and least issues/ problems with manufacturers (such as tires that don't live up to warranty claims and manufacturers that exaggerate in their advertising/ marketing hype, so retailer has to "eat" bad product and risk the wrath of the customer / end user). Often the recommendations are dictated the management and reduce the sales people's ability to recommend outside the dicatates. Do I wonder if Costco is that type? Hum....
As it appears with you folks, if one seeks satisfaction, one has to do their own research and homework and arm themselves with facts! A good web site and distributer with great service is: The Tire Rack. You have to select an installer. Since I've been using them, my costs have been reduced and my satisfaction has risen. In Eastern MA, consider Sullivan Tire, too. Fine service, candid recommendations, and will work with you to make sure you are a satisfied customer. Good Luck, Ted

 

Are there such things as low profile LRR tires? I'll need a set when I get new feet...someday

 

Yes there are such things, some of the V/Five's have them as the OE tires. Mine is not equipped with the LRR's. I have Bridgestone Turanzas EL400-02 not the Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 LRR tires. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...Rating=S&minLoadRating=S&tab=OE&filterType=oe

 

Which model? There are now Ecopia EP100 and EP422.. not sure when the 422's came out though..

 

That's an awesome price! I am considering getting 2, what is this $70 discount you speak of? How much does costco charge for installation? Did you pay $377 for installation and everything? I am considering buying a costco membership.

 

Had the 422s for over a year and 13000 miles with no problems and excellent service. I did not use them in snow so I can not evaluate there but I'd buy them for less than $400 and consider it a STEAL ! 

 

Just had the Ecopia 422 replace the worn OEM tires on my 2007 Prius Touring. Found out that Toyota has been listening and starting with the 2012 (maybe 2011?) model, the Prius will now come standard with the Ecopia.

 

Hmm.. I live in MD and we've just had 2 "bad" winters for this area with moderate snow.. does anyone have experience with the 422s in snow?

Also, what does everyone typically pay to get tires installed? Firestone complete auto charges $25/ tire for mount, disposal, and 1 time balance. My father has a deal with a tire place where he gets lifetime balance, mount, disposal for about $15/tire. I live near Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD does anyone know a good place to get tires installed??

Thanks!

 

My Costco here is pushing them now. They also want $456 out the door so I guess the change in policy includes a change in price

EDIT: - Maybe yours is not the touring so that might explain the difference in price, but my Costco is still pushing them for the standard Prius as well...

Still the best deal I can find right now. I won't quite make it to 36K on the Turanza junk tires from the factory.

 

TireRack.com lists the tire for $101/ea. so your Costco price is not bad at all. I assume that is without the Bridgestone $70 rebate? With Costco you have to pick the right month to buy your tires because they alternate the Michelin $70 rebate and the one for Bridgestone each month.

 

Just ordeed 4 LRR 195/55R-16 Michelin Energy Saver from Tirerack as no one had them in stock locally.


In Stock$142.00 each

 

Costco online recommends the Michelin Energy Saver tires at $173 (less the $70 rebate, or 155 per tire).

They don't have the Ecopia EP422, just EP100, and those are out of stock.

I will have to look elsewhere, I guess.

 

Based on tirerack, it seems the Continentals are right at the top of the list (and the price is right too). Anyone pull the trigger on the Continentals? Anything wrong with these tires? (I personally don't care at all about snow, btw)

 

Getting my 4 installed today. They seem a lttle heavy but with the old ones not off the car it is too soon to tell. Nice looking tires BTW and I believe they got the best MPG at tire rack.com tests. Not cheap.