Question about Wheels.

[raqdim]

Hi, I got a 2001 Solara SLE and I'm planing to change the original wheels (16") by more sexy wheels, either a 17" or 18". I did not decide yet.
My questions are as follow :

1- Which size should I go for, 17" or 18". I never drove a car with a 17" or 18" so I can't make any decision. What I know, is that I'm looking for a good handling and performance ride (without taking into account the model of the tires).

2-What kind of wheels should I go for? I mean, is there any difference between well known brand (e.g BBS, TRD,...) and other brands? Is there any difference in terms of quality of the product? I realy like the Mille Miglia Action and vego5.

3- What is the longivity of wheels? is it true that 6 or 5 spoke wheels tend to resist more to agressive driving than thiner or less spokes?

Thank you in advance for your answers.

[Mole]

how much you plan to spend? the bigger the more $$$ it will be.

i think roads are fairly well kept up there, so i think if you were to go with 18's, you would be alright

about which rollers to get, get what ever you like. it is your car. knock offs and brand name is just name, they should all have same dimensions, but some name brands are super lightweight, heck i even think some knock offs are fairly light either.

i strongly believe that wheels last for a long long time, unless you like to curb ride things frequently.

[Fletch]

This has been discussed several times on the forum but here are a couple things to keep in mind in my opinion.

1) 18's on stock suspension will give you a "high rider / SUV" look.
2) Larger diameter, heavier wheels slow your acceleration.
3) If you get 18 by 7.5 or 8 inch and 225/40's, stick with 45mm offset so you don't get fender rub in back.

[impactX]

how much you plan to spend? the bigger the more $$$ it will be.

i think roads are fairly well kept up there, so i think if you were to go with 18's, you would be alright

about which rollers to get, get what ever you like. it is your car. knock offs and brand name is just name, they should all have same dimensions, but some name brands are super lightweight, heck i even think some knock offs are fairly light either.

i strongly believe that wheels last for a long long time, unless you like to curb ride things frequently.

Knockoffs are light because they cheap out on the integrity part, it's not fun to have bent rims with low profile tires.

If you have money, forged rims are the way to go. If not, then it's "safer" to get 17" and run 225/45 or 215/50, more tires = more cushion. It all depends on your driving style and the road quality. For look and performance (sharper turn in), you can't beat 18"

I'd upgrade the suspension before wheels and tires if I were you.

[WTF??]

As you posted... you wanted better handling and performance right? Take care of you suspension first. Thats the best bet... Lots of people say to get rims before you handle suspension, but the wheels and tires work with your traction, but if you have high suspension, it aint gunna help you out much... Many wheels out there are light weight now but hey theyre also for looks...

Also agreed with the other guys... depending on how bad the roads are up there... decide on the rim size... potholes around here pull me away from 18s

just my thoughts