Ordered Michelin's today, should I switch?

[jeepman]

The wife's 2006 Saturn Vue has a set of 215/70R16 Bridgestones that are shot at 20k

. I did about 6 hours of research here, on TR and a few other sites, and I am down to two I am considering. The first is the Michelin LTX M/S which is kind of what I had decided on before doing any looking around, based on reputation. The second choice is the General Grabber HTS which my research has shown to be a good tire, but seems to not last quite as long. Unfortunately, the Firestone Destinations are not available in my area, which is why I am settled on these two. My criteria (in order) for the tires are:

1. Great wet/snow traction (gotta keep Mommy and the kiddo's safe)
2. Long Lasting (I would like to get 4/5 years. She drives about 13k per year)
3. $750 or less for a set of 4 installed.

Out the door pricing locally is Michelins at $771, but they have a $70 rebate until the end of the month. The Generals are at $626. I have an appointment Sat morning for the install, but they are just putting the Michelins on hold, so I can switch if I want.

Any opinions on these tire choices, or real world experience you can relate? I did search some topics here, but was more looking for a comparison or more recent experiences than the older posts I found via search.

Thanks for your help!

 

[tomcat27]

I've had the LTX's on my pickup for several years and over 50k miles. plenty of tread left. very nice tires. pricey? yes. worth it? absolutely IMHO

 

[HWEaton]

The UTQG on that Grabber is a 640. The LTX is 500. Both Traction A and Temp B. The Michelin comes with a 6 yr workmanship/material only warranty. The General checks in with a 60k treadwear warranty.

I'd go General. Every General I have sold balances out nicely, and I've never had a complaint about them yet. For the money, go with it.

 

[MNgopher]

No experience with the Generals. The Michelins will serve you very well. A very highly regarded tire and most people get excellent wear out of them. I'd also not worry about the Firestones not being availible - I have a set of Destination LE's and wish I didn't. They'll be shot before 40,000 miles on my explorer... They will be the first set of tires on any vehicle I've owned that didn't hit 60,000 miles to give you a frame of reference on how I treat my tires...

 

[HTSS_TR]

On the paper, General Grabber HTS with UTQG of 640 and $75 less than Michelin LTX M/S (after $70 rebate) and very positive reviews on TR, is the better choice. My personal experiences with Michelin tires (but not LTX M/S) is they lasted a long long time, as much as twice the other tires with similar UTQG. Michelin performance/ride as well when at 3-4/32" as when new.

For $75 more than General Grabber, I would go with Michelin.

 

[Nick R]

The LTX M/S are a fantastic tire. That is what is on our expedition, and they are wearing well with 40,000 miles. I'd say probably at least another 15, 20k useful life out of them. Quite on the highway, extremely smooth riding, and they have great grip. Dry and wet braking/grip is very good. Snow is decent, but not quite as good as the Goodyear TTs on my FWD cav. Big thumbs up from me.

 

[tenderloin]

I have the General HTS on a couple of my Explorers. They are a very good tire..but even with good alignment and 5000 mile rotation, will we get around 40-45,000 miles.

 

[The Critic]

LTX M/S, without a doubt.

UTQG numbers are only comparable within brands, so comparing the value for the Michelin to the General is pointless.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Michelins all the way here.

Well worth the difference.

 

[CharBaby]

I would agree with others here and say Michelin LTX. I have never bought Michelins' as a replacement tire but, I have purchaced many a vehcile with them and they are a nice tire to say the least.

 

[rshaw125]

Originally Posted By: tenderloin
I have the General HTS on a couple of my Explorers. They are a very good tire..but even with good alignment and 5000 mile rotation, will we get around 40-45,000 miles.


You should do better than that. My 06 Explorer got 45,000 miles out of the factory BF Goodrich Rugged Trails. That's with one rotation. And the factory tires are not known for good mileage.

 

[Smoky14]

Michelins, no doubt

 

[daves87rs]

Either will be fine...

 

[bepperb]

The Michelins LTX's get fantastic reviews all the time on Highlander forums. I've only seen one for the Grabber, it was quite positive, but with so many people happy with the Michelins I'd probably pay the extra.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I've had the Michelin LTXs before and they're the best light truck tire I've owned. I'd, without a DOUBT, install the Michelins.

 

[mrsilv04]

I believe the UTOG rating on the LTX M/S2 is now at 720, and the traction and temperature rating is now at A and A.

My 2007 LTX's are 500 A/B.

Which makes the LTX2 an even better tire for the money.

I'd replace the set of LTX's on my Silverado with another set, no question about it.

 

[OVERKILL]

LTX's for sure. I've got them on our Expedition, my parents are on their third set, I ran them on my Explorer, my sister has them on the Explorer.... Just an overall excellent tire that will serve you well.

 

[jeepman]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. Once again, based on the real world opinion of the BITOG faithful, we went with the Michelins. Expensive, yes, but thanks to my brethren I expect to get great use out of these tires.

Thanks again guys, you gave me confidence in our purchase!

 

[glazer1972]

Michelin was the right choice.

 

[fdcg27]

I'd buy the Michelins, myself.
When the difference between top shelf and bartender's choice is so little, why not go with the better stuff?
I have bought many tires over the years, and have found Michelins to be the most satifactory overall.
You get what you pay for.
Heck, the Michelins I put on the van last summer probably cost half the vehicle's current value, but they will last without any problems through the 200K I expect from the Aero.