It appears that 195 70 14 tires are going the way of the dodo bird. Michelin no longer makes the Defender in that size, and Yokohama have only a few on eBay, no longer listed as a current offering on its website.

Any recommendations based on recent purchases? I am older than dirt and not really interested in investing in new wheels.

Peter

I buy hankook, but I am preferential to korean products.

I am looking at 195/75/14 tires to get better mpg on highway.

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1977 240D auto w/OM616.916 engine
2005 Matrix 5spd
2006 Prius

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I have those Michelins on my 240D right now. Hope I'll be able to find some more when I need to replace them. If not I guess I'll just have to look for the closest alternative. Perhaps Continental if they still have them.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

I have a set of Uniroyal Tigerpaws in that size. No complaints so far, but they were pricier than expected.

Coker has them at a mere $259 for Dunlops and Vredestein at $195. $259, the cost of 18" LT Michelins for an F-250!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

I haven’t noticed any shortage of 195/70s. 175/70, 185/70, those are hard to find but there are no less than ten different 195/70s from Walmart. I was torn between General Altima’s RT43, Uniroyal Tiger Paw II, and Hankook Optima. I think either would be a good choice. The Altimax has a very hard compound compared to the Tiger Paw and a longer mileage warranty if you have any faith that.

Running 15" and 16" RT43's on two daily driver's. Have been very satisfied with them. If available in the size you want they are a good tire/value IMO.

Good luck!!!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Go through Sears. They used to be the primary supplier for Michelin in the states back in the day.

https://www.sears.com/michelin-defender-t-h-195-70r14-all-season/p-09570630000P

Looks like they still have them. I had to call ahead and get them delivered to a store last year.

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Onus probandi incumbit ei qui dicit, non ei qui negat

I recondition w123/w126/w124/w140/r107/r129/ steering boxes!


1984 300D "Elsa" odo reset 6/2011 147k
1983 300TD "Mitzi" ~268k OM603 powered
1995 E300 "Adelheid" 262k [Sold]

I've run several sets of Uniroyal Tiger Paws on two different vehicles and have been quite pleased with them.

If anyone knows of a mud-terrain tire with a severe snow/3 peak mountain snowflake rating in 31x10.50r15, I'd be grateful. My Treadwright Guard Dogs fit that bill and are still made, but they're just ridiculously loud on the road. Hard to talk to passengers, hear them over my straight piped exhaust. Current runner up is Goodyear Duratrac, an all-terrain instead of a mud-terrain, but chunky enough that it should clear mud acceptably well.

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617 swapped Toyota Pickup, 22-24 MPG, 50k miles on swap

A lot depends on just where you are and what is available there.

I bought Toyo 195-14's locally at reasonable price. I have 205-14s on my 107 and I am thinking of buying a set of Toyos for the W210 too. They are made in Japan.

I previously had Kumho's on the 123. One of them developed a large bulge out of the sidewall. Not much mileage on them, but probably about 6 or 7 years old. Dealer gone, so could not discuss. Junked them.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

It’s funny you mention that. I think that’s probably why Tirerack requires you to enter a zip code before they show you what tires are available.

I don't get it. A straight google search for michelin defender 195/70 14 gives me four suppliers. They don't appear to be hard to get. I got mine in June.

Yeah, I placed an order for 5 tires with one of the online dealer sites showing availability of 195/70-14 Defenders. It was cancelled by the dealer. I also called my local Michelin dealer and it can't get the tires in that size either. eBay shows only limited availability--one or two tires per seller.

My best guess is Michelin will release another batch of tires in that size soon. COVID is screwing everybody's production schedules.

They may, but 14" tires are disappearing fast.

I was able to get Toyos for both cars a couple of years ago with T speed rating. The 205/70-14s for the 107 are even harder to find. They are not available from most NA sources with the original H or V speed rating.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5