I'm thinking about replacing Pirellis with Michlein. They're a lot more expensive, but I'm hoping they wear longer. Any problems using these on a 2001 XC? My transmission has already been replaced once (on warranty) so don't want to go there again.
Thanks and I'm sorry if this has already been covered, couldn't find it anywhere on this site.
Louie

Bonjour Louie: This is exactly the situation I was faced with on my 2001 XC. My Scorpion's needed to be replaced at 55,000 km, so I decided to replace them with Michelin Hydro Edge, same size as the Pirelli's 215 x 16". Surprisingly, the Michelin's were slightly less than replacement Scorpions. The Hydro Edge tires are unidirectional, have an excellent all-season rating and are mileage rated at 140,000 km. In Ontario, the garage that installs the Hydro Edge tires will rotate them (back to front) for life (and for free).

To illustrate how satisfied I am with these Michelin tires, I recently replaced my '01 with an '04. I asked the dealership to put the new Scorpions on my trade-in, then kept the Hydro Edge's on my '04. Their profile is a bit smaller, but with longer tread life and their excellent performance rating, I think I made the right decision. Bonne chance.
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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM

Are the Michelin's any quieter than the Pirelli's?

I'm looking to replace all four of the original Scorpions on my 2001 XC (30,000 miles). i want equal or better traction, but the road noise of the Scorpions is just too much for a car in this class.

Yes, the tread on the Hydro Edge is far less aggressive, hence quieter. The Michelin's don't have that rugged SUV appearance, but the superior rating and promise of higher mileage was a factor in my decision. I like the unidirectional tread design and the rubber compound that stays dark in colour (think it's call durablack?). Hydro Edge tires are superior in all areas of traction, except in winter, but no all-season tire will every be equivalent to dedicated winter tires.
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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM

Thanks.

I presume when you say "Hydro Edge tires are superior in all areas of traction, except in winter", you mean they are at least equal to the Scorpions for winter use, just that they are not equal to dedicated snow tires for winter use...

Thanks.

I presume when you say "Hydro Edge tires are superior in all areas of traction, except in winter", you mean they are at least equal to the Scorpions for winter use, just that they are not equal to dedicated snow tires for winter use...

I might rate the Scorpions a bit better in snow due to their more aggressive tread design. My decision was based on longer tread life and overall superior prerformance characteristics. I do not recall the noise as being a factor on the Scorpions, but the Michelins are probably less noisy.
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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM

I guess I'll see...

I got four Hydro-Edge today. The overwhelming feedback on the internet was these are great tires under almost all conditions, just don't expect them to be as good as a dedicated snow tire. There were a few people who said they were awful in snow, but they were people who lived in areas that really demanded snow tires. Many positive comments on handling in snow. If the snow is really bad, I take the Jeep...

First impressions:

They are much *much* quieter than the Scorpion ST's I had, which droned loudly at almost any speed after only a few thousand miles. NOT acceptable in as $40K car.

They handle better than the Scorpions--better tracking, no squeal, better road feel.

They ride better tyhan the Scorpions--you don't feel every little bump or hear/feel thumps going over short bumps.

We'll see about traction...

search continues... called Michelin 800 number and only Michelin tire they will recommend, and that is with reservation, is 4X4 Synchrone. Local dealers says that is wrong and Hydro Edge, MX-4 will be fine. Hmmm, maybe it is time to think of something other than Michelin.

What reason did Michelin give for not recommending?

I don't see why any road tire of the correct size wouldn't be fine on the car for road use...

Thanks to all for input. I went with the HydraEdge and am very happy with them. Looks like I'll even be driving them in rain later today.
Ride seems smoother and quieter. Part of that is probably due to realignment, but I'm happy with tires just the same.
Louie

Based on the uneven wear of the Pirelli's, I need an alignment too, but haven't had a chance to get it done yet.

Even so, my comments on the Hydro-Edge stand.