2013 Prius--Front 2 Tire Replacement

I have a 2013 Prius which needs the two front tires replaced. In the past, I have replaced all 4 tires but I can't afford to this time so I'm just going with 2. A few questions:

1. I have read the the new tires should be placed in the back and the current good tires should be rotated to the front. Is that the consensus on this forum?

2. I have also read that the new tires should be similar to the current ones, and possibly the same brand...is that the consensus on this forum as well?

3. I currently have the Michelin XTour A/S T+H tires which I got from Costco. I am looking to get less expensive but relatively same quality (budget constraints and such). Are there any good alternatives or should I go for the Michelin Defender even though there are cheaper alternatives?

4. I'm thinking of getting tires from Tire Rack and having them shipped to a local retailer (pep boys is the closest). If that the safe bet or are there other options I should look into?

Thanks for any input.
Raj.

 

The rear tires are in good shape. Whenever I get the oil changed, I get the tires rotated...not sure why the front tires are bad...but the lady said the alignment was off...maybe that has something to do with it.

I guess your vote is for the Michelin Defender...which I've read are the same tires as the XTour...which is just a diff name for Costco.

Thanks.

 

Thank you.

 

I would like to wait but the lady who checked the tires said the front two need to be changed right away. Why would changing two be a hassle? If I get the same brand/model wouldn't that be fine?