Just found out the Michelin Primacy MXV4 has been discontinued in my size, 215-60-16.

Looks like I better go ahead and order them now...

Yikes! I wonder why? The Primacy's are the newer model of the MXV4's no?

Yep. Here's the email from Michelin:



That includes the H rated tire too.

I think that particular size is whats found on the stock Accord and Camry, and they come with the S8's. Maybe that has a bearing on it?

The S8's have much lower treadwear and aren't as well regarded, plus they're more expensive! I let the Michelin rep know that too...

I also just realized I posted this in the wrong forum lol, oh well. Better moderate myself!

Re-read the e-mail that you received from Michelin and you'll find your answer....

All manufacturers of anything that pertains to automobiles are being hit hard by the recession, including the tire companies. Factories are being scaled back, shifts are being cancelled, workers are being laid off, and products are being shelved or discontinued. Profit margins are under the greatest scrutiny they've been exposed to since the 2001/2002 timeframe. Your Michelin e-mail states that this tire in your size is a "temporary" discontinuation - that may or may not prove to be the case and only time will tell....

But you're correct about the S8 version - it is definitely inferior. If you can't get the Primacy now, I would either continue to stretch your current tires or look for something other than the S8. Perhaps a Dunlop tire....

Yep, once I re read it I noticed that too, due to "market conditions". The materials used to make tires have become a lot more expensive (petroleum based). Since they make the S8's and have to in that size since its common and they're original equipmenton the Camry and Accord I'm sure you're right

I agree, I'm not going to buy the S8's. Wouldn't make sense to pay more for them and have lesser treadwear. I like my Bridgestone Turanza LS-Vs but the LS tire line has been discontinued and replaced with the Turanza Serenity tire which quess what...they don't make in my size!

I'm going to go ahead and order the Primacy's now. I've had experience several sets of Dunlop tires on my Dad's LSes, the Sp Sport 4000 is a nice quiet tire but very poor treadwear, the SP Sport 5000 is a little less quiet but with only a little better treadwear. Toyo makes a new grand touring tire called the Versado, but I was so displeased with how my Toyo Proxes TPT's aged I'm dubious.

There's not a whole lot else to buy for this car. I would probably order a set of old Michelin MXV4+ which you can still get on TireRack before I bought the S8s. Or I might try the Michelin Exaltos.

I went for the v-rated exaltos from costco.. .not a single complaint.. 50k later I'm about ready to get a second set. I'm very satisfied with the life and performance I got out of those tires.

I concur. They were particularly good in snow as well.

steviej

Yeah now that I think about it I would buy the exaltos if I couldnt get the Primacy's

Now they have another Primacy MXV4 out in that size for a few dollars more, but it has a treadwear rating of 500 vs 620. Weird...

I'm not sure whether I want the old 620 still on closeout or the new 500, the 500 is likely to have softer rubbers and be a little quieter & smoother...

Any decision yet Steve?

Yeah they're on the way. I ordered the new Primacy, the 500 treadwear 94H service load (vs 620 95H) figuring they'd ride softer, they also have a 60,000 mile warranty.

They should be here and on the car by late next week. I have a nail in one of my tires now and have to fill it up with air every couple days lol, its time.

I'm at the shop having the tires installed now (wi-fi, wahoo!).

I'll report back