New tire recommendations - quiet, smooth riding, paved roads focussed

[superman3043]

I loved the Yokohama Geolander HTS's as well. Best tires I owned in the stock size among these, factory Bridgestone Duelers (Ok, but not a fan), and factory Dunlop Grandtek AT20 I think (hated these).

The Yoko's had a long life, rode quite, looked good, and provided great grip in all road conditions. The others were pretty sketchy on wet roads, but the Yoko's were pretty sure footed everywhere.

Running Coopers now... They're ok. I was on a budget.

I'm sure if you decide on a Michelin, BFG, or Goodyear, you won't be disappointed though. I've owned all these brands and they're all top notch, but pricey. You'll get what you pay for though.

Hope that helps; good luck man!

 

[MikeInNH]

I did some searching on the Michelin's and I see a bit of feedback from owners regarding dry rot afflicting these tires. Anyone of you that bought them experience this as well?

Dry rot only effects tires after a long period of time. Since I average about 40k miles a year...my tires are never on there long enough to experience dry-rot. Usually dry-rot may start to occur on MOST tires after 5+ years. Michelin tires do seem to last longer then other tires...so if you drive only 12k miles a year...you may have the Michelin's on the vehicle 6+ years (which is about the time dry-rot starts). Every Bridgestone tires I've ever owned I never got more then 35k miles...so that would only be 3 years for someone who only drive 12k miles a year (so the tires wouldn't be old enough to experience dry-rotting).

 

[blaniac22]

Thanks everyone for your input and feedback! :thumb3:

I did some searching on the Michelin's and I see a bit of feedback from owners regarding dry rot afflicting these tires. Anyone of you that bought them experience this as well?

I've never had a dry rot problem on Michelin tires, and they are all I've had on my cars for the last 12 years. I've had two sets of X-Radials from Costco go about 5 years (about 60K miles each) before being worn out (treadwise) and no dry rot at all.

As Mike in NH said, most dry rot occurs because the tires are getting old in terms of age. In that sense, depending on the circumstances, you can almost consider experiencing dry rot a good thing....:driving: On the surface, to hear someone say "My tires are dry rotting and I still have a lot of tread left" isn't really a valid complaint if the tires are 5-6 years old. The only exception that I've experienced in my life was on a set of General XP2000 passenger car tires about 15 years ago. They started showing signs of dry rot at about 3 years old. But they were el cheapo tires on a vehicle stored outside in the HOT California desert.

For the 4R, I replaced my OEM Dunflops with Michelin LTX M/S-2's about 9 months ago. I've got about 10K miles on them now, including two trips to California and back. They are great tires for the application described.

 

[SilverGs]

Thanks for the clarifications guys! Prices I've seen are about $218 each for the OEM size 265/65/17 .

 

[MikeInNH]

Thanks for the clarifications guys! Prices I've seen are about $218 each for the OEM size 265/65/17 .

And that's why I've been buying Coopers. The Discovery HT's sell for about $140..while the comparable Michelins well over $200.

 

[blaniac22]

Thanks for the clarifications guys! Prices I've seen are about $218 each for the OEM size 265/65/17 .

If you decide to go with Michelin, Costco currently has a $70 rebate when you buy 4. If you're not a Costco member, float that by where you intend to purchase your tires and see if they'll honor it. Often times they do. The offer expires on Feb 1.

But there is a possible catch. It's a little something I caught on to when I was shopping around, and I'm not sure if this is a Michelin or dealer thing.

It SEEMS when that $70 rebate comes around, tire prices go up at Costco, Discount and other places around town.

For example, 10 months or so ago, I was looking long and hard at the MS2's and was getting prices of around $203 each. I knew that the rebate was coming up, and when it did the prices jumped to around $217-218, which is what you were quoted apparently.

Makes one wonder.......either way, you should be able to get them around $200-205 if not a little less if you negotiate some. Or, if you can afford to risk it, wait until the rebate expires, see if the price comes down and try to negotiate from there.

Just some thoughts....

 

[415runner562]

I recommend the Michelin LTX M/S2's.

I was able to get them for about $198.00/tire in August '11, with the $70 rebate. However, the next day, the prices started to jump up to $220/tire.

 

[John Galt]

These are really nice tires. I had just bought my second set of them in July, but then decided to lift and up-size to an A/T tire. I have the full set, practically brand new sitting in my garage 265/60 18, if you know anybody needs some good tires.....will make a good deal on them.

Two things. First, what do you think of the Rugged Terrains? I am tempted to buy, but their newness is limiting feedback on their winter weather performance.

Second, I would love to buy your tires but can't find anyone selling a set of 18"s.

 

[blaniac22]

I recommend the Michelin LTX M/S2's.

I was able to get them for about $198.00/tire in August '11, with the $70 rebate. However, the next day, the prices started to jump up to $220/tire.

Out of curiousity, was that early in the rebate cycle? Like the first couple of days? I think after I made the purchase they came in at about $201 each. Unless the prices have jumped that much in the last year, that would be my target price: $200 +/- a couple of dollars.

 

[Sungod]

Dry rot only effects tires after a long period of time. Since I average about 40k miles a year...my tires are never on there long enough to experience dry-rot. Usually dry-rot may start to occur on MOST tires after 5+ years. Michelin tires do seem to last longer then other tires...so if you drive only 12k miles a year...you may have the Michelin's on the vehicle 6+ years (which is about the time dry-rot starts). Every Bridgestone tires I've ever owned I never got more then 35k miles...so that would only be 3 years for someone who only drive 12k miles a year (so the tires wouldn't be old enough to experience dry-rotting).

As usual, I agree 100%

 

[M1911]

Thanks everyone for your input and feedback! :thumb3:

I did some searching on the Michelin's and I see a bit of feedback from owners regarding dry rot afflicting these tires. Anyone of you that bought them experience this as well?

None at all, and I've had mine for about 6 years.

 

[zimdba]

Michelin Cross Terrain

I had the Michelin Cross Terrain (costco) for 5+ years and 56K miles (miles 38K-94K). They were perfect for the first 20K miles. However, after that they started to "hunt" on the freeway - they wouldn't track straight and I felt that I had to do a lot of corrections. They did provide a lot of feedback through the wheel, however, which I liked. I take every corner as fast as possible, and still got 56K plus miles - a testimony to their longevity. However, they squealed like a little girl on most corners, letting you know they didn't like it. M&S traction was so-so, but not a concern to you.

My .02.

 

[M1911]

I had the Michelin Cross Terrain (costco) for 5+ years and 56K miles (miles 38K-94K). They were perfect for the first 20K miles. However, after that they started to "hunt" on the freeway - they wouldn't track straight and I felt that I had to do a lot of corrections.

Did you get your alignment checked?

 

[PaulB-2006 T4R]

Khumo Road Venture APT. I have them now and they are great. Gonna be getting some A/T tires soon though.

I completely agree with the Road Venture APTs. They are a very good priced tire, extremely quiet, good road manners with adequate side walls for a nice ride but not too squishy. The APTs came with my 2006 SR5 but after 2 snow filled winters in MPLS I had some AT tires installed before this winter. Of course now we have had less than 10' of snow this winter but I am not complaining.

I replaced the APTs with 40k miles on them but there was still 7/13" tread depth remaining. I kept the tires and sold them on Craigslist for $80.

 

[PJS]

I've been running the Geolander HT/S GO51's for two years (& two winters) now and I have to warn you - these are the worst tires I have ever owned on any vehicle in the last 29 years. Grip is horrible in anything less than bone dry conditions, they flat spot & hydroplane, and they are worse than skates on snow. Can't wait to replace them. I'd sell you mine cheap (still have 90% tread left - the only positive trait) - but I couldn't resell these to anyone and still sleep at night. They're that bad.

My next tires will be Michelin, Firestone, or Bridgestone. After all the research I did before I bought the Geo's - evidently I forgot that you get what you pay for! Good luck.

 

[missslucrew]

:lookout:

Hard to make a solid recommendation without more info. If you're looking for an all terrain tire, check out the Bridgestone Revo 2, very solid tire.

These are on our Duramax diesel...very nice...quiet, great in any terrain...

 

[zimdba]

Did you get your alignment checked?

Yup. Right after I got the new tires. Still had the same problems. I haven't gotten an alignment since I got the Hanooks (2K miles ago), but it tracks straight & true.

I drove my wife's car today (2006 Maxima SE) with the Costco Michelins - same issue. It requires constant corrections to keep the car tracking straight. I hated those tires the day I got them and still hate them 45K miles later. Granted, I only have 2 data points here, but I'm pretty sure I'm done with the Michelin brand.

 

[ErikU]

I love my new Michelin LTX M/S 2 tires. All of the qualities you are looking for in a highway tire.

Also, they just happen to do great in rain, snow and off-road.

 

[aerostat]

Michelin AT2's

After driving my AT 2's for over 5,000 miles summer through present / Upstate NY / Adirondack winters I highly recommend them. I give them a 9+ for highway and a 8-9 for snow. Excellent highway handling tire. Quiet. Great mileage. Highway up to 25 MPG at 60-65 MPH. I'm running 36 Lbs in them. Had them in up to 6 inches deep snow so far including hard packed snow / ice back roads ..... walks right through the snow with ease. I'm a fairly aggressive driver and these tires inspire confidence in handling. I do have 4 bags of wood pellets in the back for the winter. 40lbs ea. 160 lbs. Makes a difference as I think the 4runner is a tad light in the a$$ end to begin with and the added weight grounds it a little more.

 

[scottm]

I've run Michelins, Coopers, Goodyears, Yokohamas, most of the major brands. I've run a couple dedicated Winter tires, loved them. This Fall I put Nokian WRG2 tires on both my trucks, highly recommend them. On dry pavement they are smooth, quiet, track well, and respond crisply in maneuvering, they are marketed as high-performance tires. In the snow and ice, I'm amazed at how well they do, I don't remember my dedicated Winter tires doing better. These are so far the best tires I've driven.

~$1000 at Discount Tire.