Dear List,

I just returned from my local tire dealer where I had a set of Michelin
Agilis 61's, 185 X 14, installed compliments of Michelin.  These went on a
91 GL to replace the MX4 RainForce tires that I bought several weeks ago.

When I realized that I needed tires, I went looking for a set of Michelin
MXT's in 205/70 X 14-97T as were fitted.  I got a full 40,000 miles out of
the last set and was very happy with them even though I generally like tall
skinny tires better than the 70 series type.  Several dealers + The Tire
Rack told me that they were discontinued.  I ended up at my local dealer who
I really like and he called his Michelin rep/wholesaler who confirmed that
the MXT's were not available.  Next, I checked the Michelin web site and was
surprised to find that it recommended the MX4 RainForce tire in a 205/70 X
14 95T size & load rating.  I ran this past the dealer who confirmed it with
his rep/wholesaler and we all decided to go with a 215/70 X 14 MX4 as it
upped the load rating to a 96T.  I bought the tires & had them installed.  I
noticed that they did not handle as well as the MXT's and I spent a couple
of weeks playing with pressures.  They always seemed to cause a little bit
of oversteer.  It wasn't drastic, but it was there.

I got back onto Michelin's web site & wrote them an e-mail asking if they
were in fact the right tire & what pressures did they recommend.  I finished
the note by expressing a concern that I might have an accident as a result
of the oversteer situation.  The Michelin customer service rep named Greg
called me early the next morning & informed me that they were the wrong
tires for the vehicle & was absolutely positive that no one at Michelin
would ever recommend those tires for a Vanagon.  He was bit surprised to
learn that it was listed on Michelin's web site as the preferred tire.  He
assured me that it was a mistake & offered me a set of Agilis 61's.  I
expressed my concerns that the 61's would look dorky on the alloy wheels.
He checked the measurements & found that the were something like 2 tenths of
an inch narrower & 3 tenths taller.  I decided to go for them.

The 61's do look a little small on the alloys, but do not look that bad.  I
took a real winding road home from the dealer & I love the way they handle.
I think they are better than the MXT's.

 From what I could get out of the M. rep, the MXT's are still made in
Europe, but with the 61's in the US, M. feels they have us covered & do not
plan to bring in any MXT's.  That is just my interpretation of one rep's
opinion and could change.

I would recommend the 61's to everyone.

John L., I would fight with Michelin.  You wanted to buy the right tires to
begin with & they wouldn't let you.

Alan B., Don't buy the MX4 RainForce.  Go for the Agilis 61's in a 185X14.

Walt Spak
Pittsburgh, PA.
wnsopc3@3rdm.net