Has anyone ever had or currently have Michelin Defender V rated on their ES if so,would anyone recommended them?

 

Just put a set on our '05 Accord V6. It was factory new with the Primacy MXV4 but found we weren't getting great life on them. Sticky tire yes, but every 30-40K km becomes too much.
The Defenders seems nice & quiet while providing a similar ride the the MXV4. I'm told they will deliver much better on the overall distance travelled.

 

I purchased a set of four tires for my 2009 ES350. I replaced a set of EL400's (OEM) that had 35K on them. I have purchased many sets of Michelins before and this new brand has not disappointed me after three months. They were the only V-rated tire with 80K warranty. Yes they are on the pricey side but my tires are the only part of my car that touches the road (which is a good thing). They have performed as advertised and I am very happy with my purchase. I did buy them when my local dealership had a sale so it did take some of the pain away with the purchase. I have another set of Michelins on my Avalon which are wearing like iron (not the same model) . Good luck with your purchase!

 

Are the Defenders as quiet as the originals? (i.e. rough concrete, grooved pavement noise)

 

The Defenders were MUCH quieter than the EL400's. I drive an hour and 15 minutes each day in my car going to and from work. A worn out tire adds more noise, decreases handling and ride quality. With the change . . . my car drove like new again. The ES is so quiet to begin but the Defenders provide a noticeable quieter ride. If you can spend the money (most of us can who drive these cars), it is an investment in an improved 'quality of ride' for your car. The V-rated tire is a little softer than the "h" rated (thus the 10K less in warranty miles) and I do like to a little 'spirited' driving from time to time.

 

I don';t know but I just put a set of Kuhmo's on 112 each at tire rack and I tell you they are just fine if you are doing anything less than aggressive driving. I would save the money over the Defenders which are great but overkill on a car like this.