Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

Initial Review, 100 Miles on Tires
March 29, 2011

This is an initial review based solely on the Tire Rack ordering process and local installation at "Mr. Tire" - Springfield, Va. I have noticed that too many buyers submit reviews without allowing suffcient time to properly break in the tires and evaluate them.



I own a 2005/06 VW Jetta 2.5L with factory 16" alloys. I had 37k mis. on the OEM Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 and was generally satisfied with them except for mediocre wet handling performance. I narrowed my replacement choices to Conti Extreme Contact DWS and Michelin Primacy MXM4. After reading the Tire Rack road test results and customer survey results, I opted for the Michelins. The Contis are a best seller and priced $25 lower ($100/set) but the current Michelin $70 rebate program largely offset that.



Cy, the Tire Rack consultant, was personable and helpful. I phoned in the order at 4:30 Thur. afternoon. "Mr. Tire" called the next morning at 11:30 to say the tires had arrived. I dropped by at 6:00 pm that evening and an hour later I was on my way. The total installation charge including taxes abd disposal fees came to $72, a reasonable amount. The entire Tire Rack experience was prompt and painless. So far, so good!



So far I haven't enough miles on the tires to adaquately evaluate handling and tire wear. I do notice that the Primacy MXM4 is generally quieter and has better ride quality that the original equipment Energy MXV4 S8. Based on the Tire Rack tests, and the more open tread pattern, I would also expect improved wet traction. Since I only drive 7k mis./yr., I expect to easily get 5-6 years of wear from the set.



I contacted DC area dealers (national chains) and the local VW dealer to get total out-the-door price for both the Michelins and Conti DWS. None could get within $75 of Tire Rack price after installation. Shipping charges from Del. were largely offset by the lack of Va. sales tax. Download the Michelin warranty PDF file for the 30-day return gty. and towing policy!!