I've sold probably every brand of tire under the sun and it has been my experience that Michelin tires are indeed good tires, however we pay a steep price for the name. I feel there are other tires, like Bridgestone, that provide more bang-for-the-buck.
Selling- Its not the same as buying and using.
Since you sold tires you must admit that Michelin have the least complaints by far.
Bridgestone/Firestone are good tires.
BF Goodrich (Michelin Owns) are good as well. (Ran a set of Longtrails on my wifes Element for more than 2 years.)
They are good tires.
No one is denying that.
Even the 215/45/R17 Firestones I am running on the Rolla are good tires.
Way better than the other stuff out there that ARE really cheap.
So getting to your opinion specifically.
It is arguable.
Go to tirerack.com and put in your size and select major brand like Michelin, goodyear, BF, DUNLOP, bridgestone.
You will see the difference is always less than $150.00 for the full set.
Sometimes less than $100.00.
Divide that by 3 years and the cost over time is very small.
The real question comes is how the tire performs after 2+ years.
The BF will be good regarding long trails. (I used them before)
The same vehicle with Michelin Lattitudes is a completely different vehicle.
My wife admitted she could tell the difference in the tires.
It depends completely on the driver type and vehicle I believe to an extent.
If you have a pickup truck of any sort.
Run the LTX MS and see the truck will ride better than it ever has.
People have to experience it for themselves and make the decision.
I have found many people that pay attention to their vehicles and believe as I do it is absolutely worth the extra dough.
If you drive 10k a year and live in the sticks with no traffic.
I would say optional.
Kids in the car, live in the city, have a pickup or suv, drive a faster car, or like shorter braking distances, go with Michelin.
The Michelin lattitudes on a Light truck or small suv are phenominal.
Your vehicle will glide around corners and you will preach the gospel of Michelin.
Have a nice touring sedan.
Defender or Primacy.
All of those in the premium line are softer rubber, grip like crazy, and brake better than any. The BMW racers we have in ATL know what I am talking about.
I say you get a good deal for the money with the slightly lesser tires.
For what you get for a little more, to me it is worth it.
It really has to be a choice for the person to experience it themselves.
That is the only way they will be a believer.
No one has ever come back to me that bought Michelins and said I was wrong. They actually said they could tell a difference.
A camry with Michelin defender= 90k mile tires
Quickest way to become a believer.
:thumbup1::clap::rockon:
