From 17" to 16" rims?, please help with any knowledge

[grandeson]

Hi all, I have a 2008 Mazda3 hatch with the 17" rims and 205/50/17. Problem is, last winter wife was driving and a winter pot hole got the best of her tire and rim. Was thinking of trying to get more meat on the feet so to speak, and dropping down to a 16" rim and then changing to a 205/55/16 tire. I think that would make it as close to the 17" specs to keep things honest. I know it really would put only about 1/2" more meat but hoping that would ease some of the hardness of the ride. Looking for opinions on the good and bad of this idea. I've read a little about it would hurt handling and steering, but not really sure by how much. I dont race or even drive it that hard, and wife is real easy on it as well. I know, maybe shouldn't have got such a sporty ride, but we love the car and want to see what we can do. I appreciate any honest help, thanks in advance, Grandeson

Also, I posted this on mazda3 club, I'm hoping this site gets more looks then that, as noone replied. Is this site typically better for replies? Thanks

 

[CulRidr]

This car is not a "sporty ride", it's an econobox which has good handling. The steering response won't be as crisp, but for your type of driving, you probably won't care. Other then that, rubber will be cheaper, and your ride will be more comfortable.
Nothing wrong with downsizing your rims as long as you keep the overall wheel diameter within a couple of percent.

 

[grandeson]

Thanks

Not a "sporty ride" !! LOL, well coming from pickup trucks and the like, its alot different then the others. Thanks for info though. As long as it doesnt feel too "off" as far as handling goes, I think I may go for it. Maybe check the bay for trial wheels, thanks again. Grandeson

 

[grandeson]

Thanks

Not a "sporty ride" !! LOL, well coming from pickup trucks and the like, its alot different then the others. Thanks for info though. As long as it doesnt feel too "off" as far as handling goes, I think I may go for it. Now do I just have to find a 16" rim with 5 lugs? Are there any other specs I'm looking for, like width or something? I dont know really anything about cars, youre help is greatly appreciated.
thanks again. Grandeson

 

[CulRidr]

OK well yes in comparison to a pickup, yes it is sporty

67.1 centre bore, 5*114.3 lug pattern, 6-7" in width, offset of 45-50 (others who have the exact numbers can correct me with the exact range).
My suggestion to you is to search local craigslist and other websites for 16" OEM rims from any recent 5-bolt Mazda. Anything that is 5 bolt from the last decade will pretty much fit as far as I know.

Good luck!

 

[grandeson]

see some that are 6.5" and others are 7". Not really sure if they both will fit or not, or it would limit my tire selection. also have no idea what an offset is. Thanks for all your help so fare. Grandeson

 

[vladjan]

I am selling my 16 inch rims, if interested pm me.. They have some scaratches and curb marks. 5 spoke of 2004 mazda 3

 

[grandeson]

vlad, can you attach some pics and let me know what you are asking? please take pics of the scratches and curb marks. thanks, Grandeson

 

[vladjan]

Hey man, i will be able to do that on the 22 of september... the rims are in the storage... i will only get to it by that date. Do you think you can wait that long?

 

[grandeson]

sure, no rush.. not even definite on downsizing, when you get a chance, post them and i'll let you know, thanks, grandeson

 

[vladjan]

ok, i still have the tires on the rims. You can probably go for 8k-10k miles on them. If you decide to get it, would you buy it without the tires?

 

[CulRidr]

Posting up your location in your profile/avatar might help with people pointing out local sales...

 

[vladjan]

thanksss just fixed it =)

 

[grandeson]

hey vlad, any updates/pics on the rims?

 

[vladjan]

yes, i have them already. No tires on them though. i will post the picture either today or tomorrow. If you want message me your email so i can attach pictures to the email

 

[vladjan]

ok i will post pictures as another thread in the same section. Message me because i don't think that will be available for too long

 

[AWmustang]

Just to ease your mind. I have a 2009 hatchback and I run 16 inch winter tires in the winter and 18 inch summer tires in the summer. From your description I'm sure I push my car harder than you do. The actual tire you choose will have a larger impact on the ride feel than simply going down an inch in rim size. I live in Milwaukee and the roads are typically plowed pretty quick so I went with a winter tire, Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D tires. They aren't as grippy in the snow as a dedicated snow tire, but they are better than an all-season. 95% of the time I'm driving on dry pavement and they ride much more like an all season. Snow and Ice tires like the Bridgestone Blizzak series are amazing in the snow and on ice. But on dry pavement they are loud and feel squishy (not really sure how else to describe it).

 

[grandeson]

Still not sure what to do. While waiting for rims, I've been hearing that factory warranty may be affected because of the tire change to non OEM size. Also, insurance company may need to be updated and OK change too. Just to change tires!! crazy, was thinking the continental DWS'. now may just put them on 17"s