I tested an xr8 with 18s and then a T wif 17s thought the 18s were quieter and rode better.

just a thing to tell all of you who get 17s and upgrade to 18s in the back of the manual it tells you that upon changing to 18s you need to change the toe on all 4 wheels to compensate.

so when any1 upgrades to non factory rims should make sure you get them changed

But on the subject go the 18s u won't regret it they look sick and I reckon just make something excellant that little bit better!!!!

Just go down to ya local Ford Dealer an have a look at them sitting side by side. I haven't been past a dealer that dosen't have a couple of XR's of various types with different wheel options on them. Then ya can make up ya own opinion on what they look like.

I have them - love them - worth every cent.

Look great, there are far fewer of them out there (so you look a bit different) and they handle really well.

Be sure to get the 18" spare as well - it costs less then a replacement tyre!!

do it and make sure you get the premium brakes

If you can afford them .........the 18's upgrade is definitely money well spent

spend the money on performance mods.

Go the 18s! They improve the appearance and road presence of the car 10x. Replacement Tyre cost is a bit of a bummer, but when you see how great they make the car look you'll quickly get over it

Go the 18s! They improve the appearance and road presence of the car 10x. Replacement Tyre cost is a bit of a bummer, but when you see how great they make the car look you'll quickly get over it

Couldn't have said it better myself, so I will just reiterate........

maybe something to keep in mind.... my 19's cost me $3700. I know that they arent factory ford, and I dont have a 19in as a spare, but that was my main reason to not option the 18's. I knew I was going to put 19's on shortly after I bought it. and as soon as I see a 20in that I like, ill upgrade again.

just trying to let u know of all possible options. I hate finding out about something too late!!!

And as adam sandler would say..."that information would have been much more usefull to me YESTERDAY!!!" :lol:

Personally I would keep the 17's any day. They are the best compromise between strength, appearance, handling and economic value.

We have replaced 6 x 18"wheels in our office due to the bad roads where I work. The Bridgestones are only good for about 10k and they are hard to get with us having to wait over a week for replacement tyres. This is for the VYSS Commodore.

When I had my WRX, Prodrive made a recommendation that the 16" wheel was the ideal size rim for that car for handling, strength and appearence.

I guess if you lived in the city where the roads are perfect (such as Canberra) then the larger diameter rims would look good but I think it defeats the purpose.

Each to his own.