[2000mc]

As far as good tire choices in the size, I couldn't ask for more than what the defenders are. My stock size is 175 70 14 also, I'm planning on going to a 185 65 14. It's just a hair shorter, but with a lot of in town driving like you, I'd rather have a slightly lower gear ratio if I can't make it into top gear as it is. Also the 185 has a higher load rating which I'm hoping might give a lower rolling resistance than the 175s

I don't think the wheels will ever pay for themselves, but you might try looking for stock wheels from cars with the same bolt pattern. I found certain 15" Saturn wheels only weigh 14lbs and that a junkyard an hr away has 4 for $25ea. I just couldn't justify it on my +225k mi car