Yes the good tires do cost. I buy from Discount Tires and have had great results from them. Tirerack might be worth looking into for a internet source. Shipping may cost about $65 but if your out of state you may not have to pay any tax. They have selected local tire stores near you that mounts the tires. I'm sure you would have to pay the installation and balance fee. You might call some other large tire stores and get a drive-out price.

I never will forget my very first michelins. I had bought a new 77 Cutlass with Goodyear OEM tires. I drove it about 20 miles to dallas to get the new tires. They knocked off about $150 for the tires off my car. The new michelins back then cost about $450. They balanced them and all. I drove out to the north loop. I headed down the entrance ramp. There was almost dead silence in the car other than some engine noise. I thought to myself, no wonder people buy michelins.

Do remember the Energy tire is probably one of the best rolling resistant tires of them all.