My car will be street driven, probably exclusively. I'd like tires that last longer and that are not so expensive. I'm also not a huge fan of the 'wagon wheels' so would like to change those anyway and save the stock wheels for posterity.

So what's the downside of going with an 18" wheel/tire combination for the street, if any? What wheels/tires will work and look best?

Comments and suggestions appreciated.

 

I have the shiney 2011 pony package ones and the only down side is when I swap them out, they are heavy. The winter wheels I have are so much easier to throw around.

 

There's absolutely no real disadvantage to an 18" for the street other than looks really. And if you aren't a fan of the larger wheels anyways, than you'll be perfectly happy with 18". 275's are also good size for both performance and looks if you're looking for a fairly "modest" tire that doesn't look wide nor too skinny.

 

The only downside is the hit to the wallet. Get some wide 18s and enjoy!

 

Get some lowering springs and lca's while your at it.

 

A larger sidewall will alter the way the suspension reacts, typically slowing its reaction (steering may not be as precise, car may not corner as well) althoug hride comfort might improve
However it all comes down to the choice of tire, generally cheaper tires tend to do one thing really well but suffer in other areas and as you move up the price ladder they tend to get better in the other areas - do your homework.

But as they say "it all depends" and perhaps the biggest factor is how comfortable you are with it. I can tell you from my days hawking tires that if a person couldn't find the value proposition in a tire no matter good it really was they were never satisfied.

Which oddly meant that as the tire got cheaper the better they lilked it and felt it performed (despite empirical evidence that suggested otherwise)

 

Cheap tires and rims for winter.

 

Cheap tires and rim for winter, conti dws and 2010 gt500 rims

 

why can't i post a pic?

 

18's will be fine. Guessing you have those 19's which suck for tire options. The only issue is finding the correct tire size that fits your car well and doesn't look like balloon tires. Slightly lowering the car also helps. It's pretty much aesthetics. You won't lose performance or handling if you use a good tire. It wasn't that long ago when 17's were the biggest wheels that came on cars. Lol. You could also step up to a 20 and find better and cheaper tire options.