What wheel size.

deesun · 13-11-2011, 02:14 PM

My daughter has a 2007 Focus hatch with the std 16" wheels/mags on it and wants an upgrade. We have been looking and there aren't bucketloads of choices. Someone quoted her for a set of 18's x7.5 with 35 profile rubber. I reckon they will be too harsh and she is starting to do some highway driving between the Gold Coast and Kempsey where the roads are crap so I am concerned about ruining the rims. Can some of you give me some ideas about this and moreso the comfort level if you have 18's. I do wish she would stick to the 17s though. I do have some pull here, I hold the walletstrings. Thanks.

casabonka · 13-11-2011, 02:31 PM

I have 18s, with a 40 profile, and as you said, the ride is quiet harsh, but I was happy to sacrifice for looks.
17's of course will be cheaper, smoother, and cheaper to replace. You just need to find something with the correct stud patters (5x108) there is a thread somewhere with links on suppliers.

Zaxx · 13-11-2011, 02:53 PM

No dramas mate..
I have 20's. With 30 profile..

And I know it's on a bigger vehicle.
But to be honest? Anyone that tells you the ride difference is.. "Painful.."
Is a drama queen..

There is absolutely NO reason to be ruining rims..
If you see a pot hole, big enough to damage 18's with 35 rubber on it.. and you hit it?
The drivers vision needs to be checked.
I've hit big ones around logan/beenleigh, due to be being stupidly careless..
And I pulled over to see if there was any damage.. and there wasn't even a mark..
Nothing..

Your 18s will look sweet.

Neale · 13-11-2011, 03:55 PM

The XR5 runs 18's & the RS has 19's standard. I dont imagine will will be too bad. The only downside would be the added cost for tyres. If thats not an issue, go for it.

Otherwise 17's are agood comprimise

deesun · 13-11-2011, 04:22 PM

Any idea on what profile tyres are on the XR5?
And sorry ONE SIX but there is a big difference between small car and large car. I have an FGXR6 and couldnt imagine it on 20's but I am older and like some comfort.. That said extra width has a direct relation to profile, irrespective a 35 profile will have a detrimental effect on the ride. I will try tomorrow to contact the dealer and ask if a 40 or 45 could go on the rims.

Franco Cozzo · 13-11-2011, 04:28 PM

You'd also have to lower the car if you put 18s/19s on it, standard Focus would look like a 4X4 with those size wheels on it, and the ride is going to be rough.

I reckon a nice set of 17s with a decent sized profile.

casabonka · 13-11-2011, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Damo

You'd also have to lower the car if you put 18s/19s on it, standard Focus would look like a 4X4 with those size wheels on it, and the ride is going to be rough.

I reckon a nice set of 17s with a decent sized profile.

Agreed lowering would look better, but you can *just* get away with 18's at stock height

Dont knock my soft roader spec ride height!

ConradP · 13-11-2011, 06:00 PM

Going to have to agree, 18's alone give it a harsh ride, I put them on with a 40 profile and was shocked at how it felt on any road, when I got it lowered it went back to being as good if not better than the standard 16s.

And yes the car looks like a truck with just bigger rims, I was copping crap for the week or so until i got the springs in.

country focus · 29-11-2011, 06:12 PM

I have a set of 18in advanti riots on at the moment and the ride is a bit harsh and noisy but I am looking to replace them with a set of 16in or 17in as the roads where i live are crap and as a result I have 2 damaged rims at the moment so this is also a bit of a downside of the 18s