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Michelin Tire fiasco = DISCOUNT!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by mwc716, Jul 1, 2008.

  1. mwc716

    mwc716 New Member

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    My stock Integritys have been due for a change for a few thousand miles now (50k on them) and after much research I decided to go with the Michelin Primacy MXV4 in the stock size. They have good reviews on tirerack too. A Ford dealer that I have some loose connections with had the best price so I ordered them from him. Got a call this morning from my "connection" saying the stock 185/65R/15 in the MXV4's was RECALLED for a sidewall problem but they have some nice 195's in stock ready to go. Being suspicious, I called Michelin corp to ask them about this "recall." The info I got from them was that there is NOT a recall and the reason the dealer was saying this is probably because these tires are so popular in this size that they are out of stock in the SE distribution center (South Carolina). He did say they are in production for the entire month of July so expect to see them on the shelves in the next 3-4 weeks. After inquiring as to what car these are going on, he went through a few more models that would fit the Prius...said the Harmony would work - 90k mile tire - but wouldn't be a great choice for me because of loss of MPG and noise. Said the Hydroedge - 80k mile - would work as well but the same is true - loss of MPG...noise.

    I was impressed - the rep was so polite and knowledgeable, definitely worth the call. Turns out Michelin is running some kind of insider "Friends & Family" promotion that yields a $60 rebate with the purchase of any 4 Michelin tires on top of any promotions you get locally! :D All you have to give is your address so they can mail you the rebate form. Send in a copy of your invoice with the rebate form - get a check!

    I called and informed the dealer that he was mistaken about the "recall" and an hour later he miraculously had my size in stock ready to go, today. :rolleyes: I'll let you know how they are!

    BTW: the rebate is valid now though October so combine that with a great local deal and get them while you can!
     
    #1 mwc716, Jul 1, 2008
  2. jrmgkia

    jrmgkia Wish I was cycling

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    So what did the 4 tires cost? I am in need of replacements and I was going to get the Goodyear Comfortread, but this might be a better option, since my shop heavily pushes Michelin Tires. Thanks for the info.
     
    #2 jrmgkia, Jul 1, 2008
  3. mwc716

    mwc716 New Member

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    I haven't heard many good things about Goodyear. My total installed price was $420 before the additional $60. I think this price is a little higher than other brands but boy, they feel great! Like a totally new car.
     
    #3 mwc716, Jul 1, 2008
  4. Devil's Advocate

    Devil's Advocate Member

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    Nice dealer ;-)
    Good price for a set of tires,I paid about that for a set of Pirelli 3000s with lifetime (80,000 miles) road hazard guarantee from America's Tire (Discount Tire).
    I haven't (and won't) use Michellin's due to their incredible screw up witht he U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis a couple of years ago.
     
    #4 Devil's Advocate, Jul 1, 2008
  5. Sheepdog

    Sheepdog C'Mere Sheepie!

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    what does a race have to do with you using the Michellins on a Prius?
     
    #5 Sheepdog, Jul 2, 2008
  6. LenS

    LenS New Member

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    Did the Michelin rep say what of their tire designs would NOT cause a loss in MPG on a Prius?

    The last 4 sets of tires I have purchased have been Michelin's and I have been impressed with all of them (two Chev. Prisms, one RAV4 and one Chev. Express van).
     
    #6 LenS, Jul 2, 2008
  7. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    I'm not a rep (just a customer), but any of the "energy saving" (green labels) should match the Prius OE GY Integrity tires in the summer and beat them in the winter due to the use of organo-silicates in the rubber compound. I have data (attached) to show this with their MXV4+ model (no longer available in 185/65HR15).

    I now have Nokian WR tires and they do even better than the Michelin tires for MPG.

    JeffD
     

    Attached Files:

    #7 jdenenberg, Jul 2, 2008
  8. mwc716

    mwc716 New Member

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    The rep didn't say if the MPG would change but said the Primacy MXV4 was the most energy efficient model they made and was perfect for the Prius.
     
    #8 mwc716, Jul 2, 2008
  9. LenS

    LenS New Member

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    Thanks mwc716

    LenS
     
    #9 LenS, Jul 2, 2008
  10. Highly ImPriused

    Highly ImPriused Impressive Member

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    I thought the Michelin Energy line (which also uses the MXV4 designation) was the most energy efficient they make. The Primacy line doesn't use the same silica compound that the Energy tires have according to TireRack. The Primacy line gets higher user ratings though for handling and traction, etc.
     
    #10 Highly ImPriused, Jul 3, 2008
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