Choosing wheel size for first car

[afton]

I'm doing research to buy my first car (Corolla, budget <=$5000).

When searching through used car websites, some have the Corollas
with the standard 15" wheel, and some have been modified with
17" wheel.

Having a tight budget and knowing that 17" tyres would cost more to replace
-- in your own experience what's the advantage of driving with the bigger wheel?

[REN69]

Other than for looks, nothing.

Get 15s or even 16s, don't get the ugly looking rims; get something that will look nice with your car. Your best bet is go with 16s as they will look just right on the car.

[punter]

I think 15"s are a good size for a corolla and i'd recommend 15"s over 16"s.
Because 16" tyres can be hard to get cheap. (at least over here)

But really, just get what you want, it's your car.

[w203]

Is performance of major concern? Is price? Is looks? You didn't specify which year Corolla your looking for so the stock tire sizing is undetermined.

[Funnyguy263]

Personally I think anything smaller than 17 is not going to look right. I mean stock is 15 and they look really small. 17's would be your best bet, they look nice and don't cause much trouble.

[Donald]

My vote is for 15" if money is a consideration. Cheaper wheels and tires.

[w203]

Once again a year is no specify, 18" looks nice on a 9th gen which a 15" looks nice on an AE86. But then again looks are subjective.

[Piloter]

Ride quality can be compromised with the bigger rims as well, and they're more susceptible to damage from rougher roads. Basically you'll be getting an increase in NVH and a decrease in acceleration in return for more cornering traction. It's like stiffening the suspension...a good rule of thumb is to look for other cars with similar power levels and similar weights, then look at the factory wheel size options. Biggest offered should be your suggested maximum unless you're only after looks.

Of course there are always styling tricks or combinations of lower profile tires and lowering springs to give you the lowered look at first glance.

Or you could go for autocross and put some 13"s on.

[vibebreaker]

15s is the way to go. i hated my car w/ 17s.