Michelin LXT M/S2 or (store brand) X LT2

[Roadking]

Hi all,

I was at Costco last night inquiring about new tires for the 4Runner. They quoted the Michelin X LT2 (store brand) radial and the Michelin LTX M/S2. They said they are virtually the same tire, with the X LT2 being $15 less. So what’s the catch…why do they have a generic that’s almost the same as the original? Both guys said it’s up to me, but why spend $15 more a tire. I did compare them side by side and to my untrained eye, they look pretty similar. Anyone own a set of these Costco house brand Michelin's or any comments? Should I just bite the bullet and go with the time tested M/S2’s?

 

[ryanbt]

What kind of mileage warranty do the store brand tires come with? I have the Michelin LTX M/S2 and they came with a 70,000 mile warranty.

 

[Asmara]

Hi all,

I was at Costco last night inquiring about new tires for the 4Runner. They quoted the Michelin X LT2 (store brand) radial and the Michelin LTX M/S2. They said they are virtually the same tire, with the X LT2 being $15 less. So what’s the catch…why do they have a generic that’s almost the same as the original? Both guys said it’s up to me, but why spend $15 more a tire. I did compare them side by side and to my untrained eye, they look pretty similar. Anyone own a set of these Costco house brand Michelin's or any comments? Should I just bite the bullet and go with the time tested M/S2’s?

I have the Michelin LTX M/S2s. Great tires and as advertised they perform well in snow. That being said, Costco's Kirkland brand products are typically from a major manufacturer and may in fact be made by Michelin. I'll bet that they are Michelin LTX M/S tire molds. That tire looks really close to the M/S2.

 

[Sungod]

They are virtually the same tire. The difference is advertising money. The LTX is supported by Michelin advertising and is sold through tire retailers. Costco buys direct and in bulk and gets a better price. You will be getting nothing more than a different name for an extra $60.

 

[jimithing]

Have you ever purchased tires from Costco? I'm a member there and was thinking of buying my next set there but do they offer free flat fixes, balancing, etc like Discount Tire does?

 

[MICA4R]

Hi all,

I was at Costco last night inquiring about new tires for the 4Runner. They quoted the Michelin X LT2 (store brand) radial and the Michelin LTX M/S2. They said they are virtually the same tire, with the X LT2 being $15 less. So what’s the catch…why do they have a generic that’s almost the same as the original? Both guys said it’s up to me, but why spend $15 more a tire. I did compare them side by side and to my untrained eye, they look pretty similar. Anyone own a set of these Costco house brand Michelin's or any comments? Should I just bite the bullet and go with the time tested M/S2’s?

Costco.com - Shop for Tires

I am going to go with the M/S2 it has a little deeper tread.
Also I am going with 265/70*/17's 31.7 INCH DIAMETER vs. 265/65/17's 30.6 INCH DIAMETER

Several people have used this setup and are happy with it. No rubbing was noted on trim.

Have you ever purchased tires from Costco? I'm a member there and was thinking of buying my next set there but do they offer free flat fixes, balancing, etc like Discount Tire does?

Do it. They have:
Excellent service
Excellent price
"Fresh" tire inventory
Nitrogen fill for what that's worth
Free lifetime rotations
If you use your amex you get 2% back

 

[Roadking]

Thanks for the information.

Both tires carry a 70,000 mile warranty and are manufactured by Michelin. I did purchase my last set of Michelin Cross Terrains from Costco. They do have a great rotate and balance policy (every 5K or so), along with free flat repair, nitrogen fill and all the usual tire warranty options.

The Cross Terrains were good, but one was always slightly out of balance (for the last 80K), I thought I'd try a different style and I keep reading all the great reviews about the M/S2's. I'm just on the fence about the Kirkland/Michelin look-alike.

 

[Sungod]

One other slight difference is the warranty. The house brand tire warranty is only honored by costco. The LTX has a Michelin warranty that means if you have an issue any authorized Michelin dealer can take care of the tire. With the costco tire you have to take the tire to them. That isn't a big deal if you will always have one close by, but if you were planning on moving to a place that did not have one close, it may be worth the extra $60 for peace of mind.

 

[MikeInNH]

I was at Costco last night inquiring about new tires for the 4Runner. They quoted the Michelin X LT2 (store brand) radial and the Michelin LTX M/S2. They said they are virtually the same tire, with the X LT2 being $15 less.

This is nothing new. This has been going on for over 30 years. Probably longer.

Costco, Sams Club and even Sears has special deals with several tire manufacturers. From what I've read with the Michelin tires..they are the EXACT SAME TIRE..only different branding. Buy which ever is cheaper.

 

[Roadking]

That’s a great point (regarding the warranty). I wasn’t aware that an authorized Michelin dealer won’t honor the warranty on a store brand tire.
It’s not worth the $60 to me to start looking for a Costco when I need to get one of my look-alike tires replaced.

 

[MICA4R]

One other slight difference is the warranty. The house brand tire warranty is only honored by costco. The LTX has a Michelin warranty that means if you have an issue any authorized Michelin dealer can take care of the tire. With the costco tire you have to take the tire to them. That isn't a big deal if you will always have one close by, but if you were planning on moving to a place that did not have one close, it may be worth the extra $60 for peace of mind.

This is a bit mis-leading. I looked into this. Michellin will stand behind the costco bought tire. FYI. You can get the same tire at Discount Tire or TIRERACK.com

 

[MICA4R]

Hi all,

I was at Costco last night inquiring about new tires for the 4Runner. They quoted the Michelin X LT2 (store brand) radial and the Michelin LTX M/S2. They said they are virtually the same tire, with the X LT2 being $15 less. So what’s the catch…why do they have a generic that’s almost the same as the original? Both guys said it’s up to me, but why spend $15 more a tire. I did compare them side by side and to my untrained eye, they look pretty similar. Anyone own a set of these Costco house brand Michelin's or any comments? Should I just bite the bullet and go with the time tested M/S2’s?

Michelin LTX M/S2

Tire Details - Discount Tire

Costco.com - Shop for Tires

 

[ridefast]

Costco is offering a $70 rebate on michelin tires right now, will you get the rebate on the store brand?

ltx ms2 tires are awesome in all conditions and byfar the best tire i have ever had on a truck/suv!!! I got 90k out of this tire before i hit the ware indicators! This is the onl;y tire ill put on my wife on.

The looks are not all that aggressive but they ride like butter, perform awesome in rain and snow and hold their own off road!!!

If you consider any other tire look at the geolander ats if you want to save $200 and get near the same ride quality as the ltx ms2.

 

[MICA4R]

Costco is offering a $70 rebate on michelin tires right now, will you get the rebate on the store brand?

There is no such thing as costco store brand. They only carry michellin BFgoodrich and bridgestone.

 

[ridefast]

There is no such thing as costco store brand. They only carry michellin BFgoodrich and bridgestone.

I am very aware of that bro, the op said michelin x lt2 (store brand). I am just speaking of the ltx ms2 not the x lt2. No harm done.



Costco stands beside their products!!! Discount will beat their price guaranteed! I have done business with discount in the past and long story short discount tire=discount service! You will find this out after returning several times to rebalance tires time after time. All they care about is customers walking into the door so the sales people (who are all assistant managers??????) make commission. The "techs" in the shop work like they are on pit road in daytona. My friends wheel got scratched to hell in their bay and they ended up having to fight them on replacing the wheel.

Stand and watch the techs at costco they are gentle and respectful of peoples trucks and cars. Heck, they know what they are doing! To me that means a lot!!!

 

[kimboy]

Can you spot the differences between these two tires?

The one on the left is a 265/65/17 LT2 x-Radial and the one on the right is the M/S2. The LT2, it looks like, is not limited to a 'store brand' per se, but maybe a costco specific brand?!

 

[Dominic]

I got the X Radial lt2's from Sams Club, good price, been 2 years now and no wear that I could see. These tires have been super good so far, and really quiet. I'd totally buy this tire again.

 

[RollTide12]

Please help..

Hi. I'm in a tire buying delima. This is my wife's ride and it never goes off road or to the snow. I have been looking at Michelin Latitude Tour, LTX ms2 and the Costco version X Radial Lt2. Can anyone give me some good insight for which tire would be best overall for freeway and city driving. Durability is also important.. Thanks

 

[zumogo]

Costco is great, I wish they had wheel alighment.

 

[ChaosStarter]

Can you spot the differences between these two tires?

The one on the left is a 265/65/17 LT2 x-Radial and the one on the right is the M/S2. The LT2, it looks like, is not limited to a 'store brand' per se, but maybe a costco specific brand?!

I can spot a few differences from the tread cut and thickness, to the 'spires' cut into the tread. Probably not a huge deal, but different nonetheless.