I just checked tire prices for our Prius,currently we have Michelin Energy Saver tires, 195x65x15 with over 57,000 miles and looks like I have another 10,000 miles before they need to be replaced, which will be buy August or September 2012. I just got off the phone with local price quotes, remember there is NO sales tax in Oregon. Costco, Michelin Defender tires, 195x65x15, total all 4 mounted balanced etc out the door with the 70.00 discount coupon is $450.00 total. Nokian tires, OK Tire Shop, Nokian EnTyre 195x65x15, all 4 mounted and balanced total $650.00 Look like I will go with the Defender... alfon
A friend of mine bought non-LRR tires to replace the original tires on his HCH. He's down about 6 mpg with the new tires - he didn't think he would take such a big hit. But they were cheap - under $400 installed. Assuming 40k life of the tires, that's nearly $400 more in gas spent. Hmmm, I would spend a bit more for the LRR tires!
Personally I would avoid the Defender tires until sOmeone else tries them out. The FuelMax, EP422, and ProContac EcoPlus tires are a safer choice and probably cheaper.
Price is about the same and the Defender should deliver the same mpg's and has a much longer tread life.
Or that it will get better mpg than the Energy Saver A/S" Joking aside I bet it will be a good tire and will likely be Green X labeled but it will also likely be expensive if it does everything well.
