Michelin X-Ice Xi2 vs Toyo Observe G-02 Plus

[mmorriso]

Hi all

I have been shopping around for a set of winter tires for my 2004 Toyota Sienna XLE that has stock size 225/60/17.  Based on the list form the APA (http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=297) and other reviews I have narrowed it down to the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 and Toyo Observe G-02 Plus.  As far as I know I can downsize to 16" rims and run 215/65/16 tires.  The winter tires will have dedicated rims and I am comtemplating buying a set of pre-owned Toyota alloys (2004 Toyota Sienna LX rims for $100 each - excellent condition, stored each winter) or new hubcentric steelies ($70 each, would require new lugs too).  The following quotes include tires, installation, taxes etc. and reflect the $60 rebates that both manufacurers are offering.

COSTCO:
Michelin X-Ice Xi2 $825
$44 + tax each season to changeover (not covered by the "Costco Advantage Plan")

Trusted Independant Mechanic that services both of my vehicles:
Toyo Observe G-02 Plus $752
$20-30 + tax each season to changeover

Opinions on tires, rims and service would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

M

[TheMAN]

Hi all

I have been shopping around for a set of winter tires for my 2004 Toyota Sienna XLE that has stock size 225/60/17.  Based on the list form the APA (http://www.apa.ca/template.asp?DocID=297) and other reviews I have narrowed it down to the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 and Toyo Observe G-02 Plus.  As far as I know I can downsize to 16" rims and run 215/65/16 tires.  The winter tires will have dedicated rims and I am comtemplating buying a set of pre-owned Toyota alloys (2004 Toyota Sienna LX rims for $100 each - excellent condition, stored each winter) or new hubcentric steelies ($70 each, would require new lugs too).  The following quotes include tires, installation, taxes etc. and reflect the $60 rebates that both manufacurers are offering.

COSTCO:
Michelin X-Ice Xi2 $825
$44 + tax each season to changeover (not covered by the "Costco Advantage Plan")

Trusted Independant Mechanic that services both of my vehicles:
Toyo Observe G-02 Plus $752
$20-30 + tax each season to changeover

Opinions on tires, rims and service would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

M

That sounds very expensive.
At 1010tires, the Xi2 would run you $700 plus GST only and free shipping. And that is before any rebate.

I would also check out the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60 at $620 for the set.

[mmorriso]

^
1010tires Xi2 = 703.96 + 37.95 gst + 5.40 shipping insurance

add installation and disposal of old tires (-$60 rebate) and it looks pretty darn close to the $825 quote so I would not regard it as "very expensive".

thanks for your input

[TheMAN]

^
1010tires Xi2 = 703.96 + 37.95 gst + 5.40 shipping insurance

add installation and disposal of old tires (-$60 rebate) and it looks pretty darn close to the $825 quote so I would not regard it as "very expensive".

thanks for your input

OK so the cost with the rebate to your door is $687CDN.  That leaves $198CDN remaining for install. I would say that is a Huge Savings!

[mmorriso]

^when is the rebate applied?

when i set up an order online it looks like i will still be charged for shipping?

[weebl]

I see that TheMAN been banned.

[mmorriso]

it seems there is potential savings in avoiding the OST $5.84 per tire and PST by ordering online.

any other opinions out there?

[weebl]

How far are you from the border?  If it's a reasonable drive, you could go south and find a tire dealer with the tires you are looking for.  Try calling ahead first, to save an unnecessary trip.

[mmorriso]

How far are you from the border?  If it's a reasonable drive, you could go south and find a tire dealer with the tires you are looking for.  Try calling ahead first, to save an unnecessary trip.

I'm about an hour drive from the Niagra Falls or Bufallo border, although ordering from TireRack would be much more convenient.

[Art]

I have the Toyo Observe G02+ in size 215/65R17 (summer tires are 225/60R17) on my rear drive car.  Performance on ice and all winter conditions is excellent. Very quiet tires with no negative aspects.  They came with 13/32 of tread and are now 12/32 after 9,000 kilometers in one full winter and a month of a previous winter.

The tires were $185 each mounted and balanced on my aftermarket alloy wheels.  I just bought a replacement due to pot hole damage for $175 mounted and balanced.

I have used the Michelin X-ice on another rear wheel drive car.  They were good compared to all-season's previously on the car but had touble on ice and slush.  The Toyo's are very much better.  I have used the Motomaster ice-trac on a front driver and they are very good too.

The Michelin X-ice-xi2 is supposed to be better than the X-ice, but I have not driven on them.  The tread grooves look the same as the X-ice and are too narrow for effective operation in snow and slush for me.   

[TheMAN]

^when is the rebate applied?

when i set up an order online it looks like i will still be charged for shipping?

I would assume it is a mail in rebate from Toyo. BTW the shipping is deducted when you checkout. It shows the shipping cost, then subtracts it when you finally checkout.

[mmorriso]

^
thanks for clarifying the shipping charge, however, i don't think online dealers would qualify for the rebate (Toyo).

AUTHORIZED TOYO DEALER – Clarification
Clarification of an “Authorized” dealer eligible to offer the rebate campaign.


A.  Listed on the dealer search engine located on the corporate Toyo web site (www.toyotires.ca)
B. Or must be able to provide ALL of the following services to a TOYO customer:
 1. Be able to display and sell Toyo Tires at their location in a professional manner. 
 2. Install and balance the Toyo Tires in a professional manner. 
 3. Troubleshoot any service issue via test drive, adjustments etc. 
  4. Service Toyo Tires purchased as outlined in the warranty manual, including inspecting and diagnosing the warranty issue. Reissuing, installing, and balancing products if necessary. 
C. Must be a Canadian retail location carrying Toyo Tires intended for the Canadian market.

[TheMAN]

^
thanks for clarifying the shipping charge, however, i don't think online dealers would qualify for the rebate (Toyo).

AUTHORIZED TOYO DEALER – Clarification
Clarification of an “Authorized” dealer eligible to offer the rebate campaign.


A.  Listed on the dealer search engine located on the corporate Toyo web site (www.toyotires.ca)
B. Or must be able to provide ALL of the following services to a TOYO customer:
 1. Be able to display and sell Toyo Tires at their location in a professional manner. 
 2. Install and balance the Toyo Tires in a professional manner. 
 3. Troubleshoot any service issue via test drive, adjustments etc. 
  4. Service Toyo Tires purchased as outlined in the warranty manual, including inspecting and diagnosing the warranty issue. Reissuing, installing, and balancing products if necessary. 
C. Must be a Canadian retail location carrying Toyo Tires intended for the Canadian market.

They qualify.....trust me 

[weebl]

I'm about an hour drive from the Niagra Falls or Bufallo border, although ordering from TireRack would be much more convenient.

I believe you can have them shipped to one of their recommened installers in the USA, so you can cut down on the high shipping charges to Canada.

I have never ordered from them, but hopefully some on here who have can share their experience.

[rrocket]

I'm about an hour drive from the Niagra Falls or Bufallo border, although ordering from TireRack would be much more convenient.

I believe you can have them shipped to one of their recommened installers in the USA, so you can cut down on the high shipping charges to Canada.

I have never ordered from them, but hopefully some on here who have can share their experience.

Yes, you can do exactly that.  Have done it a few times.  Did something similar with tires purchased from Discount Tire Direct...sent it to their retail store for installation.

BTW, we LOVE our X-Ice 2.  The wear thus far is excellent.

[TheMAN]

I see that TheMAN been banned.

LOL 

[RabidRabbit]

Both are good product.

Keep in mind the Michelin will have a rebate of $50 starting October 12, and will apply for online sales. Perhaps 1010 will still have their free shipping promo going on at that time.  

[safristi]

were there not some unhappy XIiCE OWNERS ON HERE LATELY..............OR..perchance they got the previous version XIce's.................see this happening a LOT.....new and IMPROVED still use almost the same name....e.g the Nordic Ice's from Crappy Tyre....big improvement on ice handling on the new version but the Stores were FULL of the old stuff.............trying to get the perfect tyre is somewaht like trying to get the perfect  (name your poison here)...there is'nt one ...just an approximation of goodness..........seeing as there are so many cars..sizes..driving styles..and weather patterns where U live.......Michelin makes good sh*t IMHO...pleased with my all season Pilot Altos...even in a blizzard....

[mmorriso]

I'm about an hour drive from the Niagra Falls or Bufallo border, although ordering from TireRack would be much more convenient.

I believe you can have them shipped to one of their recommened installers in the USA, so you can cut down on the high shipping charges to Canada.

I have never ordered from them, but hopefully some on here who have can share their experience.

Yes, you can do exactly that.  Have done it a few times.  Did something similar with tires purchased from Discount Tire Direct...sent it to their retail store for installation.

BTW, we LOVE our X-Ice 2.  The wear thus far is excellent.

did you have them installed down there or did you just pick them up?

[initial_D]

I really like the Toyo G02+. Have them on the CX-7 and 325ix currently.