Radical idea: going from 18' rims to 17' on an 08!
Got 1337 miles on the new 08 and love it. Am already thinking wheel /tire upgrade - when these wear out some - here is what I'd like to do:
17 by 9 in the front, maybe 17x10 in the rear - why? Well, those stock 18's don't leave much sidewall between you and rough road! 17's w/more sidewall will have a little more give. Also, 17 rims, at the same width, should weigh less.
Tires weigh less than rims, so less rim, more tire should be a little lighter than more rim, less tire.
Don't track the car and don't have nanny-computer, it's a base. Just looking for wider shoes and a little smoother ride!
Any suggestions on rims and/or offesets?
Thanks for the help - my love to you all!

P.S. - Saw a 350 the other day w/285/30/19's in the rear, on Rays. Looked like it was on old time covered wagon wheels. Bet he has to tighten his sun visor every thousand miles to keep it from falling off! They were wide though- wow!

 

Any time you can decrease the unsprung weight, you will improve performance and economy. 17" should be great. FWIW, I put 18" on my '94 Rx-7 because I liked the way they looked. It was a mistake. I should have gone with 17".

 

Not a silly idea. I still flinch every time I have to go over a catseye (those little square reflection lane markers on the motorway/freeway) for the reason you mention, but you can't avoid sometimes with our wider tyres.