Need advice on new wheels

[force78]

I just purchased a 2010 hatchback 1.8 SL. I want new wheels but can't decide between 16" or 17". I've been told that 17" will really make for a rough ride. Any opinions out there?

[Promise Land]

I just switched to 17". They ride as well as my OEM 15's to me. both are running Continental tires.

[force78]

Promise Land - Thanks..
Also, I don't intend on lowering the car or messing with springs and such. Do you think 17s will look and ride ok under those circumstances ?

[Andrews Chalmers]

All things being equal, I always recommend smaller rims.

Smaller rims are lighter, and have less rotational mass, less unsprung mass, and are cheaper to outfit with good tires.

Since the overall tire+rim diameter must be the same, the tire will be more supple with a smaller diameter rim, giving you a better ride quality and less wear and tear on the suspension and car.

But that's me.

[Promise Land]

Do you think 17s will look and ride ok under those circumstances ?

They will ride OK. I don't like the look of the Versa with OEM springs, no matter the wheels. Even the 20" wheels don't look great with OEM springs. But, that's my opinion.

[NODES]

205 50 17 ride fairly comfortable compared to 215-45-17 I had before.

Try to get lightweight rims, konig makes some good ones.

[mann3]

Here's mine with 17x7 tires are 205 40 and they're on the stock springs. They look good even with the stock springs, i would suggest getting a thicker sidewall likes the one i got (look for the ones nodes suggested), mine are really harsh any bump no matter the size its a nightmare. Good luck with your car keep us updated.

[force78]

Thanks for the input guys. I'll have to weigh all the info you've given me.
This was meant to be just a commute car but I wanted to jazz it up a bit without putting too much money into it.
I'm going to tint the windows next week. I'll decide on wheels then too. Right now I'm leaning towards an MB Five-X
16".

[kvg]

Do 17" wheels

[force78]

kvg - I'm not sure i like the look of the 17" without changing the springs as well (which is something i don't want to do).

[force78]

I decided to go with 16" wheels. Konig Zero-ins. I chose 205/55-15 Continental tires. They look great !

[casavieja]

I think that 16s would have been fine, but I went ahead and went with 17's w/205/50's. The ride is great. Much better than the old 15's. Enjoy.

[08versailles]

I decided to go with 16" wheels. Konig Zero-ins. They look great !

Love to see 'em!
Someday i go with 16s i hope, with 205-50-16 tires, for biggest bang for buck...
I'm not cheap, I appreciate the efficient use of funds!

[carlos15]

i just ordered these for my black sedan 17's in bronze

i didnt order tires thoe until my old ones go bad