MWR

I put the Primacy MXV4 H rated tires on about 3K miles ago on my 2008 ES350. They replaced the OEM Michelins (MXM4s, I think) which were almost out of tread at 12K miles (which seems pretty typical for OEMs with just 7/32s of depth when new).

I much prefer them to the OEMs: they're smoother and quiter and I have had no issues with rain traction here in the Pacific Northwest. I haven't driven them in snow. I don't drive agressively in the ES (I leave that for the NSX). I highly recommend them if you want the full luxury car experieince out of the ES.

garsarno

Had the same low miles tread wear when my '07 was new. Michelin did the same thing for me / crediting out the OEM tires against replacements. Those lasted a little more / Michelin dealer told me that Lexus specifies a soft tire for their famous ride factor. Replaced with Kumho tires and getting much better tread wear mileage. For the ride, I think it is slightly harder but I wanted a better performing tire anyway.

Macklin

12K is certainly NOT typical. Can you confirm if you did have the MXM4s? This is a new tire and I'm betting you had the Energy MXV4s, which I have. If so, I'm definitely going with the Primacy MXV4s that are getting such good reviews.

I am still looking for real world experience or knowledge of the MXM4s. Michelin has 'outsourced' their customer support and all the woman could tell me was what I have already read on their web site.

MWR

I checked the spare, which I didn't replace, and it is an Energy MXV4 S8. So not the MXM4; my bad. The spare, which has never been used, has about 7/32's tread depth while the new Primacy MXV4s, which have been on for about 4K miles, have 9/32's depth. The Energys have a 400 teadwear rating; the Primacys have a 620 rating.

garsarno

That would help explain the poor tread life. Starting out at 7/32" is cost saving for Lexus.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

The stock tire is advertised to have 9/32" if tread depth

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....4ES8&tab=Specs

The Primacy MXV4 11/32"

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....XV4P&tab=Specs

Lou

Akachan LS

I decided to go with the Primacy MXV4 H rated tires. I will be getting them installed tomorrow. I heard good reviews of these tires both here and at Tire Rack. Good to know Consumer Reports rated them very highly as well. I currently have only 37K miles on the OEM Michelin Energy S8s and the tread is closely worn down to the wear indicators. Other than the disappointing treadwear, the OEM tires have been great.

Macklin

Decided to go with the Primacy MXV's. Just returned from a 900 mile round trip and am very happy with my decision. Got 30.5 mpg heading into the highlands. (Computer showed 32.) Have not gased up yet from the return trip, but computer showed 33.9 when we got home, so quessing about 32.5. Very smooth and quiet tires.

Now if we could just get the tailgaters to back off it would make for much more enjoyable driving.

And the ultimate prize goes to the chick in the black Dodge Ram heading south on I95, weaving in and out of traffic at 75 mph while texting...

LexBob2

An accident waiting to happen!

Nice gas mileage...

garsarno

If your going to weave in and out, keep both hands on the steering wheel and drive without distractions. As a traveling salesman, here are the things that I see out there the most:

Inattentive left lane drivers at the exact speed limit or below: all of the driver's manuals outline that the left lane is for passing. Please pull over and let the speeders pass you. It is dangerous passing a car in the right lane because they are oblivious that they are in the left passing lane.

Texting while driving - you might as well take a word processor, keep in your lap and type letters too. If you really must, then keep in the right lane and drive at below the speed limit.

The best yet - seeing people smoke, text / talk on their cell phone and trying to steer.

SteadyEddy

iTrader: (1)

The best yet - seeing people smoke, text / talk on their cell phone and trying to steer.
__________________
I guess they must have finished their coffee before you saw them. Good thing that these fine folks drive automatics rather than sticks. They would have to give something up. I've also seen people reading their newspapers and paper backs, while going down the interstate. Weaving down the road, talking on their cells and trying to make a point with their other hand off the wheel. Just couldn't keep it between the lines.

Macklin

Woohoo! Decided to fuel up before washing the road schmoogle off the car. Got 33 mpg on the trip home. Matches my personal best from the same trip a couple years ago. Beautiful driving conditions and a nice tail wind does the trick.

But ya just gotta love it! Definitely recommend these tires.

Akachan LS

I love the ride with these tires. I think they are a tad bit quieter/ smoother than the Michelien Energy S8's they replaced. I'm hoping the treadwear will be better as well.

garsarno

In the state of PA, you can still drive / talk on the cell phone without a bluetooth. I was always an advocate for the freedom to do this because I thought most people could multi task. Well, no more. The sooner my state government can ban this, the better.