My '03 Mountaineer is going to need it's 3rd set of tires soon...probably at about 45,000 miles or maybe 48,000. They came with the Goodrich tires (lasted 23000 miles) and I replaced them with the same. Here in tough, hilly (stop hard and start hard) city driving of Pittsburgh 23000 isn't bad but
30,000 would be closer to average. I got 50,000 out of a set of Michelin LC XT4 (Sears/NTB version) tires on my old 1999 Explorer. That experience made me realize that cost-per-mile the Michelins were probably slightly cheaper, even though the cost per tire was about double (you save the labor and nusance fees for 1 cycle as you twice as long between cycles).
So I was at NTB again today for something else and was looking at tires. I noticed that there are TWO versions of Michelins for SUVs...the "Cross-Terrain" (which I think I also saw on some new Mountaineers on the dealer lot) and the LTX-MS. They no longer carry the LC XT4 tire because that was a Sears version and NTB got sold by Sears. I seem to recall, however, that LTX-MS and LC XT4 were essentially the same tire.
So my obvious question is: What's the difference (ride, longevity, price, other) between the two Michelins? And are both available in my size (standard 17 inch somethingorother Mountaineer factory wheels)?
Any other tire suggestions would be appreciated too. I am figuring on keeping the vehicle another 50,000 (unless I get the itch).