Can someone give me an idea what is the best cost-effective option for 17" rims with winter tires? I read that tiburon wheels are a good option. How about G35 17"s? Mazda3/6? Thanks.

 

I was able to find almost brand new Mazda3 rims on a 3 forum for $400 shipped. I was happy with that. They have worked great.

 

I picked up a set of 17x7 Racing Sparco DS-1's from DiscountTireDirect.com for something like $80 each shipped to my door. They fit great on my '05 MT Sport and fit TPMS.

 

$80 for a rim?! Nice!
I think I will hang around my local Mazda3 forums...

 

Yeah, they were stupid cheap. I doubt that they are very strong and they are 22lbs, so they aren't particularly light.

I looked on DiscountTire's website and couldn't find any wheels from Racing Sparco anymore. The Mazda3 rim is probably a good buy at $400 for four.

 

Why do so many people seem to prefer 17" for winter rims? Is it because they're cheaper?

 

Smaller rim means a larger sidewall on the tire, which provides a smoother ride over rough roads in winter. With freezing and thawing cycles producing potholes in most northern states and provinces, you also reduce the risk of damaging the rim if you hit some rough pavement.

You also tend to go with a narrower tire (say, 215 vs 225) in order to bite down through the snow to grip the pavement better rather than ride on top of it.

 

Price was exactly why I went with a 17" wheel/tire combo.
I'd love to do that with my race wheels but that would bump me out of BS.