LexBob2

I don't know, but Michelin seems to be running a very successful and no doubt profitable worldwide business so they probably have a reason for offering both tires.

ThumperPup

yup the reason is probably as long as people think OE is better then Non OE they can make the money just like any other part

almos tlike how you can go to a dealer and spend 50 on a air filter or the same one somewhere els for 20 or so

08redES350

ok, thanks to all for your inputs. Here is the status of my steering issues:

at 53k miles I replaced the OEM Mich tires with Mich Defenders, V series, and had the front end realigned to the (-) side (toe in) of the spec. Drove the car this past weekend on a 900 mile trip, mostly 4-lane highway, and the tracking in greatly improved (but still not as good as my old 05 Pontiac Bonneville). Car went from a 6-7 (out of 10) on tracking to an 8 or so and I'm pretty happy with this result. Road noise is up a bit but not objectionable, gas mileage is still very good (33.5 mpg on the last tank using plus gas). Tires cost right at $1000 from Tire Discounters including alignment and life-time rotation/balance but there is a $70 Mich rebate right now.

This has helped my image of this car considerably BUT I would think hard about buying another similar Lexus product (even the 8 level steering is not good enuf for a car of this class in my mind). Handling is just not crisp enuf either, and I realize that Lexus isn't noted for handling. We'll be looking for a replacement in a yr or so and Lexus will be on the list but not at the top.

rhkII

Happy to hear increasing toe in and different tires made some improvement. I agree that on center feel is very important to driving in general and enjoying highway speeds safely. I was a little unsure about my test drive in my current 2012 es, but a change to Michelin Primacy tires at 700 miles made a big difference. Still, my Saabs, bought 7 new Saabs from 1993-2006, were the best steering cars I have ever owned, even with front wheel drive. The steering self centered and was always had great on center feel. It took effort to turn the steering wheel when cruising at 75mph.

Lexusxoxo

Sounds like you would enjoy a GS more than a ES. I would look at the GS when your car shopping.

08redES350

Ok, here is what I have done. Replaced OE Michelins with Michelin Defender "V" series tires all around. Realigned with setting on both front toe to (-) side of spec. Drove 900 miles, mostly highway and problem is much better, probably an 8 out of 10 vs 6-7 since car was new. Still not as easy to drive as my 05 Bonneville but certainly improved. Thanks to all for your inputs.