Hello, I am rather new in this area, so please excuse me if it sounds too simple. My 2009 Prius has almost 39K miles, and the tires are almost worn out. I usually do all maintenance in our local Toyota dealership, and they suggest to replace the tires either with Michelin Energy Saver A/S or Yokohama AS530 tires. I read a few threads here in PriusChat and see that Michelin Energy Saver A/S tires is a good choice. However, dealership charges $154/tire for Michelin, which is quite expensive (for example, TireTrack charges $114/tire + shipping + $70 rebate). What is interesting, they claim that they provide 150% Price Match Guarantee. But next week, they have a sale - buy 3 tires, get 1 free, so average price for tire is ~$115. What do you think, should I buy tires ONLY at Toyota dealership, since they provide all service and warranty, or I can buy them anywhere (like on TireTrack). If I go with the second option, where I can install them? I doubt that Toyota dealership will be happy to install new tires that I purchased in different place. Or may be to force them to apply their 150% Price Match Guarantee? My last question - is it a really good choice - Michelin Energy Saver A/S tires? I live in FL, if it matters. My current MPG is 44-46, and I have factory installed GoodYear Integrity tires. I read here that BridgeStone is good choice, but service manager at Toyota said (I don't know, if I can trust him) that Bridgestone is not a good choice.
I was planning on EP100 being my next set of tires until I read on here recently that they've been discontinued. I'm still looking for confirmation, but in my experience trying to find discontinued replacement tires is not fun!
Get the Energy Saver A/S. Make sure they say A/S! The Ecopia Ep100 is a great tire but doesn't last as long. Both tires will boost your mpg by a few compared to a brand New Integrity.
maybe ok for him, discontinued here and replaced with Michelin Energy XM2 its a weird and wonderful world with tyres isnt it
Thanks. It seems that I am settled for Michelin Energy Saver A/S. The only problem - where to buy them - in the Toyota dealerhsip or in some tire shop?
Do you have an America's Tire Company near you? They price match and usually offer good service. Discount Tire, Custom Wheels, Truck & Car Rims | Discount Tire You can also purchase/set up installation through TireRack.com and one of their local friendly companies near you.
Is that $154 fitted ? If you buy from tire rack you will still have to pay someone for mount balance and alignment (if needed). My local Costco has the Bridgestone Ecopias for $83 , plus only $15 for mount/balance/road hazard. You do have to take somewhere else for alignment check - but they had deal on referral for that. Then there is $70 rebate on 4 tires plus $30 rebate on mounting - so don't think you can beat that deal. You definitely don't need to go to the dealer for tires ...
The best price will not be the dealer. What ever you do get (I have the Energy Saver A/S) inflate to the side wall rating of the tire. 44 psi in front. It makes a difference.
The Costco deal on the Ecopia EP422 is a smokin deal. They are a great tire too. I still lean towards the Energy Saver A/S but...
