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Needing new tires

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Pug Mom, Sep 26, 2019.

  1. Pug Mom

    Pug Mom Junior Member

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    I have a 2012 two Prius that needs new tires, I currently have Michelin Defenders and have been very happy with them. I'm considering buying them again, just want to see what other Prius owners are buying. My main concern is a quiet, smooth ride and how many miles I will get out of them. Well also the best tire for the money. Currently live in NC. Only occasionally dealing with ice and snow.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i have the energy savers, very quiet and smooth, but i have read they don't last as long as defenders.

    i only have about 20,000 miles on them so far, and they look fine.
     
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  3. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    How many miles on your current Defenders? If you are happy with the performance, mileage, price, and longevity, you should stick with them. I have read a lot of good reviews here on Defenders. Only thing is that they are priced premium even with some discount and rebates. I also have hard time believing 80K miles tread life they advertise.

    I need a new set of all-season tires for my PRIME soon, and watching for sales on tires. I will have to put my winter tires soon, so I do have time to shop around to get the best deal until next spring. I have read good reports on Yokohama Avid Ascend GT. They cost 2/3 of Defenders but may have better wet road handling and mileage. It is on the top of my short list currently.
     
    #3 Salamander_King, Sep 26, 2019
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2019
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  4. Pug Mom

    Pug Mom Junior Member

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  5. Pug Mom

    Pug Mom Junior Member

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    thanks for your response. I've decided to repurchase another set of defenders.
     
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  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I suspect it's all smoke-and-mirrors, but Michelin has (slightly) renamed the Defenders, to Defender T+H, revised the rolling resistance description from "Green-X" to "Total Performance", and reduced the treadwear guarantee, by maybe 10K miles?

    Again, I'd suspect it's more--or-less the same tire, they're just messin' with us, lol.

    Oh, and Costco has a Michelin iteration, the X-Tour, that is supposedly the same tire, just rebadged, and maybe $10 cheaper.
     
  7. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Good for you. Getting 65K out of warranted 80K, you got about 80%. I assume you received ~20% discount from your next purchase? Yeah, the tread warranty is mainly a marketing gimmick, but sometimes it pays to make a claim.
     
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  8. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I'm going to say if you are happy with the tires you have had? Go ahead and get them again.
    A lot of times people make a change, just for the "fun" of making a change.
    There are a lot of good tires, and good options. But if you make a change, then there is a chance you'll end up with a tire you don't like as well.
    If you're happy with what you've had? Then I'd buy again.
    Also Michelin Defenders do have a good reputation, so it would be keeping a tire brand and tire that is reviewed well.
     
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  9. Pug Mom

    Pug Mom Junior Member

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    My thoughts exactly!!!
     
  10. Pug Mom

    Pug Mom Junior Member

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    Yes! And that discount helps along with them being on sale!!
     
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