Alloys - 17" ?

[Ozzie]

Hiya,

I'm still awaiting delivery of my Jazz Hybrid, which is due on Sept 1st, but already I am browsing the web for personalising touches. My first thought is to change the alloys from 175/65/15. Has anyone gone for 17" alloys? Any problems, if so how wide have you gone with the tyres? 205/55/17 maybe? I guess it may affect the mpg a little, but what the heck !

Cheers

Oz

[DV]

Just made a quick search here and found 17"x7 and 17"x6.5 alloys for 2011 Honda Jazz EX, http://www.performancealloys.com/index.aspx.

[Ozzie]

Thanks, I'm not going to buy any till I physically have the car, as I'm a bit concerned by the dealer constantly calling me saying "We're still on track for Sept 1st" 

However I can start a wish list.

Cheers

Oz

[DV]

I didn`t mean to buy any alloys now just checked the right (max) sizes.

[Garyman]

I was going to go for 17" due to my previous cars having 17" and find that tyres can be cheaper than 16".

The main reason for me wanting 17" was to fill the wheel arches more as I dont like the amount of gap.

I've actually got after market 15" with 205/55/15 but I recently purchased some 16" (forgot tyre size) but hoping to try them on soon for the summer and then decide which one to keep.

Be interested to see what opinions you have if and when you get your 17"

The whole weight issue is dependent on the brand imo. Some alloy wheel manufacturers (17") can actually be lighter than oem but you do have to pay quite a hefty premium (eg Rays, Oz etc)

[Ozzie]

Im guessing that Jazz's have narrow wheels to help with fuel economy, but they do look rather pram-like. I am tempted to beef them up a bit, but my pupils will grind them on the kerb if I'm not on the ball so I don't want to get an expensive set.

I was curious that with all the cars getting modified on the owners gallery, not many owners go straight for new wheels, which would be my obvious choice.

Cheers

Oz

[Garyman]

You're the driving instructor arent you?

In that case, I wouldnt bother as as you mentioned, your pupil will definitely be kerbing them!

Wheels were definitely at the top of my mod list but its a case of finding a decent set for a decent price (ie 2nd hand).

As I mentioned above, for a decent good make alloys, brand new- you're talking in the region of £800+ for 17" plus tyres.

2nd hand, you're looking £400-500 for a decent set with half decent tyres left, and most of the time, you will have to spend in the region of £200-300 on refurbishing them to make them as good as new.

[Ozzie]

On the bright side, they only kerb one 

[Ozzie]

One month after taking delivery. I am quite happy to keep my wheels as 15" as pupils have touched a few kerbs, but currently (touchwood) the alloys are still pristine, and I am thinking 17" alloys would have been battered by now.

Oz