I'm on a pretty tight budget... actually a very tight budget. I can get a set of 17" tires and rims off Tire Rack for about $1,050 shipped. OR I can get a set of 18" tires for about $750 shipped. Here are the pros and cons to both.

17" PROS
-easy swap out with factory rims/tires
-no salt eating away my rims

CONS
-More money
-TPMS light on all winter (no big deal seeing I can just keep an eye on my tire pressure
-Tire Rack is stating that it will take up to 2 weeks, maybe longer to get my rims and tires. Its possible we could get a lot of snow here in New England within 2 weeks.

18" PROS
-cheaper
-Keep the use of my TPMS
-Shipping will only 1-3 days

18"CONS
-Have to pay someone to swap out current tires (not really alot of money, probably about $50-$75)
-Possible winter rim damage due to salt and road grime
-Have to pay someone to swap out tires again in the spring.

I'm using "bill me later" option to make this purchase because I really don't have the money to dish out! (school loans are f*cking me up the *** big time). In reality i'm probably saving about $200 by just buying the tires, not really a lot but it is when you don't have the money to pay for them.

I do a lot of driving, Which handles better in the snow, 17" or 18" tires.. also, how well does the factory rims hold up to winter?

 

Stock 18s with spacers.. And they will look better than the 17s..

 

The answer is obvious, you're in school and $$ is tight, go with the 18". If your rims get damaged you can always have them repaired at a later date. Good Luck!
Gary

 

Yeah i agree there is nothing wrong with the stock 18s.. If u go with an aftermarket 17 they are just gonna look cheesy..

 

i dont think salt can eat up the clear coating of the OEM rims that well. go with the tires on the 18's

 

Why not an used set of 17s with snow tires for like $500?