Michelin - Are they worth the premium?

[snapsnap]

Money is tight at the moment but new tyres will be needed shortly...

The Kumho's (KH31 I think) that were put on approx 10k ago (and rotated every 3k) were fine grip and price wise, but durabilty was shocking; all 4 are pretty much dead in 10k miles (all 4 show even wear, so it is not an alignment issue)

I here peole say that michelin are the best, but they seem to attract a premium price tag. Are they worth it? I am looking at the Primacy in a 225/45/17 on a signum 1.9

Outright grip is not important: Noise (lower the better!) durability and price are key for me. Happy to pay more if they actually last longer (as this will actually save ££ in the long run)

Opinions please (particulaly on the primacy's)

Thanks

[m8internet]

Kumho is a softer tyre compound
This will give excellent performance in wet weather, quieter, but will wear out faster

Michelin is a harder tyre compound
This will give poor performance in wet weather, noisier, but will last much longer

I tend to compare based on cost per mile
However you are going to have to compromise something whether you want cost, performance, noise level, and wear

I prefer the Michelin as this means less tyre changes with the high mileage, and they last longer
The compromise is the wet weather performance and noise at high speed

If I was fully rotating Goodyear Assymetric, then a tyre would last about 15K miles
If I was fully rotating Michelin HP, then a tyre would last about 18K miles
However I fit new to the rear, then swap to the front as they wear, and so I measure the life time based on this, and it means two new tyres every 10K miles (giving a tyre typical life of about 20K miles)

[Bigtee]

Yes they do the mileage.

Me im on Pirelli fourseasons they offer me excellent grip in wet & v good in the snow and good mileage all round and you can leave them on all year, as i don't want to get stuck in mud or snow.

Michelin Primacy will do the mileage but as you use your head and do tyre rotation you can improve the ones you have.

[Rebellion]

Look for them at discounted prices on ebay, I saved £200 on a pair of Bridgestones that way rather than buying them at high street prices.

[Craig1985]

I find buying 2 sets of kumhos last longer than 1 set of continentals. 2 sets of kumhos are cheaper than 1 set of contintals too ;0) probably same as the michelins ?????

Some people may disagree but I drive a mapped cdti (200bhp) and use lots of twisty A roads, and i also have a heavy foot.

[Craig1985]

I find buying 2 sets of kumhos last longer than 1 set of continentals. 2 sets of kumhos are cheaper than 1 set of contintals too ;0) probably same as the michelins ?????

Some people may disagree but I drive a mapped cdti (200bhp) and use lots of twisty A roads, and i also have a heavy foot.

[Grumpy1954]

Would you not consider the Neuton's? Most that have tried them (including me) think they're well worth the money. I fitted a full set last summer, they are wearing very little, and I push them quite hard.

[gtr1000]

Or a tyre between the Primacy and the Kumho, the Uniroyal Rainsport 2 @ around £100 a corner fitted. Would have got 18k+ when fitted to the fronts on my GSi auto. Very quiet and great wet grip.

[Barlow]

Just to throw a spanner in the debate, I'd wager you won't find a tyre that can beat a Bridgestone for durability. I used them on my Land Rover and the damn things just didn't rub out; on road or off.
They cost a lot, but all things being equal, they give you a lot.

[bowler]

Just to throw a spanner in the debate, I'd wager you won't find a tyre that can beat a Bridgestone for durability. I used them on my Land Rover and the damn things just didn't rub out; on road or off.
They cost a lot, but all things being equal, they give you a lot.

I am now on my 5th set of Bridgestones on my 2.8T Elite and have managed to get over 23K on every set the lowest being 23666 and the highest 29155 but as said they are costly a set for mine 225/45/18 were well over £600, that said I am considering a set of Neutons next time if i can verify they will do at least 12-15K before requiring replacement.