Tire Suggestions...
 

I'm looking for "CHEAP" tires for my Commuter
I drive 120 miles/day, mostly 55/60mph 2 lane highways

im in a 2001 Prius
it's got 14" wheels
currently sporting 175/65-14

these sizes fit easily on the stock wheels
185/60-14, 185/65-14, 195/60-14, 205/55-14



I've been told the car should have xl tires (xtra load) but it's only about 3K lbs
what do you guys think?

what about LRR (Low Rolling Resistance) tires?
are they worth paying a bit more for?

any suggestions?

$41 each (stock size)
Tire Details - Discount Tire

$48 each (+size)
Tire Details - Discount Tire

$101 for the michelins
Tire Details - Discount Tire

Stock- unless you find something skinnier. Usually less RR, and more fun on the road.

Please note I haven't done any extensive research- if the stock tire is tirerack user review rated at 50k, while the $8 more tire usually goes 100k, then that's the way I would go.

Try to find a balance between warranty lifespan, price, and RR. The cheapest tire might not be the cheapest at first. For example $41/tire for a 40,000 mile tire is more expensive than a $56/tire 80,000 mile tire in the long run. I always read through the reviews, it really helps to hear from actual owners of the tire, they will talk about road noise and any complaints they have.

As far as size goes I would stay at the stock size. You could increase diameter to lower RPM's on the highway, but the impact is minimal and usually bigger tires cost more. You don't want to go any wider as UltArc stated.

Lots of 80+k tires will dry rot before you wear them out. Had that happen to my father in law when his Michelins were dry rotted with 90% of the tread left.
Most LRR tires a not super long lasting, they have less tread depth and weigh less. That can be more than offset by fuel savings.

regards
Mech

If I wasn't going to get a lrr tire, I think I'd get the general altimax rt43, in the oe size
If all I wanted was mileage, despite seeming to be going backwards here, I might drop to the 165-65-14 lrr potenza re92.
I have defenders myself

Tires | Goodyear Tires

Goodyear $80 a set rebate. I like Bridgestones.

regards
Mech

I would normally say up size with as many mile as you drive.
lower rpms at cruise always helps mpg.
But nut sure about a prius......

that's not a worry of mine
my commute is 60 miles each way, 5 days a week. (30,000 miles/year)

yeah,
not exactly sure how it would affect this particular car

not a lot of people posting about the "Classic" (01-03) prius

I have tires that are 1 inch increased diameter, it throws the speedo off about 5%. The effect is less than 300 RPM change, I figured it out before but forgot exactly how much. I don't really know much about the first gen Prius transmission. Planatary gear? Sounds similar to a CVT, the computer is always trying to optimize the gear ratio for the situation. Anyway, since you don't have a fixed ratio I doubt increased diameter will help.