2009 Prius 2 the original Goodyear OEMs look about ready to evaporate (37.5K miles) so went to friendly local tire dealer here in Oak View, CA (Fred's Tire). From previous reading was inclined to Bridgestone Ecopias and Michelin Ax-4 (?). He steered me to Yokohama Avid Ascend 86T. With a $75 rebate through month of March I can get out the door for a little less that $400 Bridgestones would run $613. Comments?
Let us know how you like those tires. I normally would buy tires from Costco or Discount Tire, looked on both companies' websites, and was surprised to see that the Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 tire was not listed at either place in the 185/65-15 size. Tire Rack currently sells that tire for $85 plus shipping. Bridgestone Ecopia EP422
Given that it would cost about the same to buy the Yokohamas locally and have them installed I am as of right now inclined to go that way. The promotion doesn't officially begin till tomorrow, March 1, and I am leaving the country for a month on March 6. But I think I will go ahead and schedule this before I leave, hoping he has the tires in stock, which I should have asked when I was there yesterday. Thanks for your reply and I will try to remember to post my experience with them
I have been running the Avid Ascend T-Rated for 6k miles. in the 195/65/15 on my Gen 3. I tried them at various PSI from 48/46 and am currently at 38/36 and have been getting the same MPG as the OEM Avid S33D @ 42/40 but with a comfortable ride. I did notice they are a bit shaky at 65-70mph on grooved roads but goes away with higher PSI and am assuming that is due to the deep tread, (12/32" new). I am going to be trying them out today on wet roads, finally! The ride is comfortable and they are wearing nice and evenly. Reason I got them was $60 mail in rebate and wholesale pricing from Tirerack...$268 for tires was too hard to pass up and mounting/balance was free at work.
Bought the Yokohamas yesterday. Forgot to ask what pressure dealer set them to. First impressions: Ride is OK. MPG for first 100 miles or so is down to 43-44 compared to 47 for original Goodyear OEM. Been raining heavily in my area for first time in many moons. Haven't had the "Enhanced VSC" light come on once, which is the main reason motivating me to get a new set after it came on quite a few times on a drive over a curvy mountain road right after/during the first heavy rain here a few days ago. As they say in Mexico- "Safety Last!"
