So I'm trying to plan ahead...

[Clueless]

Already starting to look for summers for my 06 Mazda 3 Hatch, considering getting some nicer rims to go with it too. Only problem I have is any site I go to, only lets me pick a minimum rim size of 17". Right now I'm running 16" Snows (205/55/R16) and would like to keep the same rim size for my summers. What rim information do I need to make sure I'm getting the right 16" rim for my car?

Would these work? http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=wheelCloseUp&wheelMake=Focal&wheelModel=F01&wheelFinish=Black+w%2FRed+Stripe

Recommendations on good sites & tires/rims are appreciated

Tires I currently have in mind are 205/55/R16 Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105

[mazdaskit]

Already starting to look for summers for my 06 Mazda 3 Hatch, considering getting some nicer rims to go with it too. Only problem I have is any site I go to, only lets me pick a minimum rim size of 17". Right now I'm running 16" Snows (205/55/R16) and would like to keep the same rim size for my summers. What rim information do I need to make sure I'm getting the right 16" rim for my car?

Would these work? http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=wheelCloseUp&wheelMake=Focal&wheelModel=F01&wheelFinish=Black+w%2FRed+Stripe

Recommendations on good sites & tires/rims are appreciated

Tires I currently have in mind are 205/55/R16 Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105

why not go 17"

[Kappa]

go 17" ;) and there are lots of sites around check out nextmod or tires23 or simply tire all right on the forum :)

[Clueless]

Is there any real advantage in going to a 17" rim? Was trying to keep it cheaper and lighter by staying with 16" rims

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I think in our bolt pattern you will find more in 17 than 16. They just generally look better as well.

[Clueless]

What bolt pattern does the Mazda 3 have? Do the sedans and the hatchbacks share the same bolt pattern? I found if I switch the vehicle to a 2.3L Sedan on TireRack, it will let me pick 16" Rims

[FLIPDADY]

All 5 bolt Mazda's share the same bolt pattern.

5 x 114.3

[aZuMi]

What bolt pattern does the Mazda 3 have? Do the sedans and the hatchbacks share the same bolt pattern? I found if I switch the vehicle to a 2.3L Sedan on TireRack, it will let me pick 16" Rims

Tire rack has the option to change the rim size. But nonetheless, I would still prefer supporting our sponsors. I think they're prices and packages are pretty good compared to tire rack.

[Kappa]

No advantage. Bigger wheels equal lower profile tires which increases ride roughness and the tires for 17" wheels cost more. The only reason to go to 17" wheels is for the appearance.

so your saying a 16 white a 55 sidewall would handle better or the same than a 17 with a 45 ... ??

[Freakzaz]

If you want to go lighter, generally it won't be cheaper. There is reason why its lighter (better materials, forged, etc.). If you go cheaper, you'll get a heavier rim and in doing so you'll actually be decreasing performance. Though the Konig Feathers comes to mind, its rather cheap (around $150-180/rim if I remember correctly) and at 17" its around 17lbs, not bad for the price.

[Clueless]

Tire rack has the option to change the rim size. But nonetheless, I would still prefer supporting our sponsors. I think they're prices and packages are pretty good compared to tire rack.

The lowest rim size it lets me pick is a 17". If you can point me in the right direction for the sponsors sites who sell Rims & Tires at comparable prices to TireRack it would be much appreciated :)

[bluemazda3]

goto the Marketplace and click Sponsors

[Jackal]

Any particular colour rim? Go 17".

[midnightfxgt]

Clueless - PM me. If there is a style your looking at, colour etc, and I can find something for you :)

[Clueless]

Sent you a PM.. Not sure if it went through though - Its not in my sent items box.

[Freakzaz]

Sent you a PM.. Not sure if it went through though - Its not in my sent items box.

You gotta make sure that you tick off the box that says something like "save sent messages" or something.

[Clueless]

I think I've decided that I'll just go 17".... Can anybody recommend anything better, for around the same price as, the Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105 (205/50/R17)? Tread life is pretty important, but so is handling, looking for a good balance between the two. I have dedicated Winters & rims already, so no worry about that.

[GoForTires]

I think I've decided that I'll just go 17".... Can anybody recommend anything better, for around the same price as, the Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105 (205/50/R17)? Tread life is pretty important, but so is handling, looking for a good balance between the two. I have dedicated Winters & rims already, so no worry about that.

Clueless, sent you a PM!