Need to order new tires

I would have purchased a new set of the Michelin Energy Savers AS, but I want good MPGs.

 

Defenders...have put them on two cars now, with the third in waiting.

 

I have about 2000 miles on the Continental True Contacts 185R6515 size. Much better handling than the previous Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 tires. Have seen a 3 mpg drop with the True Contacts. Not sure if it's the LRR or just because they're new.

I really don't mind the mpg decrease because they are much better than the Ecopias. Waiting to see how the TCs handle in the cold and snow. Hopefully they'll be as good or better than the Ecopias.

 

I would go with another set of Michelin Energy Saver AS. Hard to beat on the Prius.

 

I second the defenders just purchse a set for my wifes prius.ride as nice if not nicer as the harmony on my prius.

 

Oh I don't think that's true. Who said that, someone at the tire store? I'm pretty sure you'll see a significant dip in mpg with the Defenders.

If you're having troubles finding the Energy Saver and are concerned about rolling resistance, you might try Bridgestone Ecopia EP422.

What size is it you need, btw? It'll help responders.

 

You want a good traction good energy saving long wear execlent ride. Go with the defender great all around

 

I have Energy Savers on my 2005, switched from Pirelli P4's, I think. I have about 15k miles on the Energy Savers, I feel like I can definitively say they do not offer better fuel economy than the Pirellis. I had no problem getting 48-52 with the Pirellis, and I STRUGGLE to get 47 with the Michelins.

I just got a 2007 with Firestone Affinity Tourings (they appear to be brand new), which have generally poor reviews on sites like tirerack and tirebuyer, but I'm getting 51 easy with a ride that is just as quiet and smooth as the Michelins.

Take this for what it's worth, but I've used a lot of tires in my days, and I'm convinced that the primary reason people think expensive tires are better is because the owners spent more coin to get them and they WANT to believe they're better.

As for the options you listed, I think the Premiers were a good choice.

 

This discussion about ES and Defenders has been played out well on PC. Bottom line...they are both excellent and Michelin's. Some folks prefer to see their mpg numbers higher with the sacrifice to tire longevity, others take the 2-3 mpg drop with the benefit of higher mileage. One's environmentals, miles per year, type of commute, driving style and other factors must be considered when deciding which would show the best cost per mile per time. Then there is what each tire is better at what and degradation effect as the tire wears and ages with the variables of care and environment. I found that the cost was about the same per mile..with the Defenders taking the edge on safety, ride quality and performance. I too have purchased more tires than I can remember (bargain and premium) and currently find Michelins the best as it applies here. YMMV so do your own math to determine for your needs.

 

I've got Ecopia 422 Pluses on my Prius and am getting great numbers. Where I used to be able to get 50-52 on the old worn out tires, the Ecopias are getting me 53-55. Even though they are only a 65k mile tire, they were on sale at Costco, which lowered the price of owning the tire over the lifetime of the tire.

 

I had the Defenders on my Honda CRV. Worst tire I ever had. Noisy and wet traction left a lot to be desired. I have the 195/65-15 Yokohama AVID Ascend tires on the Prius now. Better traction and handling but still a little noisy. Probably try the Premier AS next time.

 

Got good mpgs on my factory AVIDs too, but the tires just barely made 40,000 miles and direct replacements cost more than the alternatives offering better quality and longevity when it was time to re-shoe. Most distributors give a few days grace to rethink, although as we all know it takes longer than that to cut in new rubber. The biggest problem with the Energy Savers is availability.

 

Maybe divergent opinion is due, at least in part, to deteriorating quality control?

 

I just went through the exercise of "what tire to put on my Prius." Have a new set of Ecopia 422 Plus. Quiet ride and handling seems to be just fine. Too early to tell about gas mileage results as tires have not been broken in. Will receive a $70 prepaid Visa card in the mail from Bridgestone

Dealer originally put on Firestone Affinity Touring tires (non LRR). After three weeks went back and had the Ecopia's put on. Vehicle felt "heavy" with the Firestone tires. Dealer gave a 30 day "test drive."

 

I am surprised at people complain about Energy Saver A/S longevity. We have our Gen3 at 180k, and besides OEM ep20 which wore out fronts at 40k I put 3 pairs of ES. 140k on front, 100k on rear and still have another 20k left. 80k per tire isn't enough for you?