OK so my plan to sell my proton on here without replacing the existing very bad tires, with the idea that a serious forum member would be pretty specific about what tires they would want, has simply not panned out. Selling locally it turns out that the visible thread is a show stopper for some people, even when I go through the logic with them that I kept the price low specifically because of the tires etc. Add to this that I still need to drive the VX, even if it is just for preventive maintenance, cleaning, and test drives, and these tires are to the point that they are not safe. So... I am considering just biting the bullet, gettinf four new ones, and upping my price to partially compensate. I need to keep the price low, the tires generically useful. I am thinking low priced street tire. Maybe Hankook.

Discout Tire gave me a cheapest out the door option (245 60 R18) of $620 for Falcons. Price includes tires, balance and install, disposal fee, and tax.

Tire Kingdom was $716 out the door (also for Falcons)

Alternatively, Tire Rack has options (Hankooks and Yokohamas) as low as $135/tire, $540 total. Shipping will run me at least another $63, so I am already up over $600 and they arent even installed and balanced.

My questions for you:
1. What tires do I get that are ok and allow me to spend the fewest bucks?
2. From where would I get them? Local or order from a place like Tire Rack?
3. Any tips on shopping for a low install and balance price locally?