Looking for 16 inch rims, thoughts?

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dpruiksma

New member
I have a 2012 sonic ls hatch. I am looking for some nice aftermarket 16s and wondering about some good options and where to look as well. I am not really worried about the width, but the wider the better. The main thing is that I want them to sit flush so I need the correct offset as well. It is lowered on Kspeed springs. Any thoughts? help? Thank you everyone!
 
MaD

MaD

Member
Look at 18's... the price difference is not much and you'll have more choices due to that 18's are the standard for all the new cars.

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Wub2Dub

Wub2Dub

New member
Too heavy.


2012 Chevy Sonic LTZ (hatch)
MPFab CAI, Forge BOV, ZZP Turbo Back, Trifecta Elite Tuned, bypass valve "bypass", MPFab FMIC, Ultra Gauge
 
The Champ

The Champ

New member
MaD said:
Look at 18's... the price difference is not much and you'll have more choices due to that 18's are the standard for all the new cars.
Click to expand...

18's aren't even a factory option for the Sonic - 15's, 16's and 17's are.

For many larger cars an 18" is an option.

The sidewall gets a little short on 18's in sizes that will fit a Sonic. For those with roads that aren't exactly smooth, this will make for a pretty rough ride.
 
MaD

MaD

Member
I'm in Seattle area and run 18's, no issues with rough roads or fitment. I just went to Portland over the weekend on I 5 and there's a lot of construction on that 170 mile run and at 60+ it was a good drive. Just sayin [emoji6]

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dpruiksma

New member
MaD said:
I'm in Seattle area and run 18's, no issues with rough roads or fitment. I just went to Portland over the weekend on I 5 and there's a lot of construction on that 170 mile run and at 60+ it was a good drive. Just sayin [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

18s slow a car down more. If you take a car with a 15 inch wheel and use that same car with 18s it will run slower with the 18s. I would be worried too, about the easiness of damaging a rim. I think I would prefer 16s due to the fact that tires are way cheaper as well and they last longer, but thank you. I appreciate everyone's help. Please continue everyone. Thanks.
 
The Champ

The Champ

New member
MaD said:
I'm in Seattle area and run 18's, no issues with rough roads or fitment. I just went to Portland over the weekend on I 5 and there's a lot of construction on that 170 mile run and at 60+ it was a good drive. Just sayin [emoji6]
Click to expand...

I agree - you can fit 18's on a Sonic no problem - as long as you have the proper tire size and wheel offset.

My major point of contention was with your statement that "18's are the standard for all the new cars."

It's not the "standard" for very many cars, much less all cars.

As to ride quality on rough roads - if you've bought 18's - they are your normal. To go from 15's to 18's - most people will consider the ride to be quite harsh.

And then there is the potential problem of rim damage with extremely low profile tires as mentioned by the OP.

I'm running 225/50/16 summer tires on a set of black OE rims I picked up on craigslist for $200.00. In winter I run a set of OE sized (205/55/16) winter tires on my original silver rims.
 
Wub2Dub

Wub2Dub

New member
Not everyone likes the dubmobile look or being "hella flush." I don't like massive wheels. I'm going more for subtle track style. Anyway I can shave over 20ibs of wheel weight with the setup I'm saving for.


...and for dpruiskma I ended up switching to 16" Andros Spec Ds for weight reasons. Will they fit easy? Yes. Are they flush? Honestly don't know. Wasn't aiming to be.



2012 Chevy Sonic LTZ (hatch)
MPFab CAI, Forge BOV, ZZP Turbo Back, Trifecta Elite Tuned, bypass valve "bypass", MPFab FMIC, Ultra Gauge
 
mitdr774

mitdr774

also a dinner prick
MaD said:
I'm in Seattle area and run 18's, no issues with rough roads or fitment. I just went to Portland over the weekend on I 5 and there's a lot of construction on that 170 mile run and at 60+ it was a good drive. Just sayin [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


There is a reason my mom took the factory 18s off her SSlowbalt and replaced them with some 17" wheels. Also, having driven most of the way across the country in a car with 18s, 17" wheels are a much better fit for the Sonic in a lot of areas. Just because you are fine with a short sidewall and the roads in your area does not mean that everyone else will be fine with a short sidewall and the roads in their area. There are roads around here where I have to move a lane or completely avoid the road just to keep from destroying my suspension, tires, wheels, and undercarriage.
 
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dpruiksma

New member
I may even go with 17s. Any thoughts on those as well? I notice there are a lot more options and thinking I am leaning towards something with a lip of some kind. I really appreciate everyone.

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Wub2Dub

Wub2Dub

New member
You can if your a careful driver. I curbed my stock wheels. xP I bounce back and forth between 16s and 17s. I don't have the money yet, so still time to ponder that one. Lol If Sparco Asseto Gara purple version where in 17" I would have my mind made up. They still have other nice Sparcos on the cheap.


2012 Chevy Sonic LTZ (hatch)
MPFab CAI, Forge BOV, ZZP Turbo Back, Trifecta Elite Tuned, bypass valve "bypass", MPFab FMIC, Ultra Gauge
 
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