best tires / tire size for MPG economy. base 2003 Tacoma

I need to replace the 205 75 15 tires on my truck. Apparently not many manufacturers make this size tire anymore. At Discount tire, they only have a Kumho and Hankook Optima tires in this size.

The guy at the shop said if I go with a 215 70 15 tire there are quite a few more choices, several of which will have less rolling resistance. He recommended Michelin Defender tires for lower rolling resistance than the Kumhos or Hankooks.

Any opinions out there on which tire to get to keep good fuel mileage?

thanks

 

Thanks for the input. You are right and I agree that going from 205 to 215 in general will increase rolling resistance. But the tire guy's rationale is that the Michelin, even though it is wider, will have less rolling resistance than the 205s he has available in stock. But i'm with you, I'd rather get the 205 if possible.

Thanks for the link, but most of the tires listed are off brands and I don't necessarily know enough about them to trust them. Also, I really don't want to order tires from out of state. Then I will need to find someone to install them, and they usually charge a premium to do so if you don't purchase from them. Also, I'll be charged each time i bring them in to get them rotated

But let me know if this has not been your experience and why it makes sense to order online.