Need new tires
 

I need new tires for my Prizm. 185/70/R14 is the limit in the rear, 195/70/R14 is the limit in the front but I want to be able to rotate tires so 185/70/R14 is my limit. What would be the most economical choice of tire while still giving good rain handling?

EDIT: I'll be putting 15-25k a year on these tires.

Michellin defenders, energy savers are what comes to mind.

In 185/70/14 I can get a set of Kelly Explorer Plus (#356102855) that list for $66.30 each. I can get them off the program and save a few bucks each and get them just as quickly. The nicest one that's readily available (to me) is the Michelin Defender (#85842). In my system they list for $127 each, but you can do better. They're LRR and have a 90,000 mile treadlife warranty.

With inexpensive tires, the mount & balance is a huge percentage of the final payment, so the long lasting tires end up looking a lot better in the long run. Getting a top of the line tire for not much over $100 is awesome. You can spend less at Wally World, but I don't recommend scraping the bottom of the barrel with tires. It's less money today, but not more economical.

Check out continental truecontact tires, seem really good.

I just bought these for my cts, not really what you're looking for though....
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....AS03&tab=Specs

without knowing how much the lower rolling resistance tires actually save, the most economical tire is about as clear as mud, especially when tring to balance with performance.
Of my top 3, General altimax rt43 has the best ratings on tirerack, and are the least expensive, but are not lrr tires. Michelin defenders have near the ratings of the generals, are lrr, but cost considerably more, Goodyear fuelmax (185/65-14) cost about as much as the michelins, have lower rolling resistance, but performance isn't rated as highly.

I can get Michilan defenders mounted and balanced for $420+Tax before rebate.

Got the Michilan Defenders.