I was looking at wheel website that will remain nameless. It lists a wheel that is 17x7 with a +38mm offset as fitting with no issues. I drive on bad streets so I don't want 17" wheels I would prefer 16" wheels, I e-mailed them and asked if they had the same wheel in a 16x7 as it wasn't listed for the Contique but was listed for other cars with the same bolt pattern. I was told that they did but they had it in 2 offsets one too small and one too large . I know they have the wheel in 16x7 with +38mm offset. My questions is this, how on earth could the 17" wheel be proper and the 16" not be? they have the same offset, note, the recommended tires are 205/50/17 and 205/55/16. It seems that they just want to sell me more expensive 17" wheels and tires! If they will fit without rubbing I will just get creative with my order and get the 16x7 +38mm with 205/55/16 and get the wheels I want and save some $$ to boot.

Either what you're saying about them trying to sell you the 17s instead, or you're talking to a clueless sales rep that's reading info right off the screen...

That's my guess at least.

My suggestion is to give into the sales person and buy 17"s. Aftermarket 16"s???? Pony up for something that'll look good.

Mark

I agree the 17" would look better, but the car will be driven on NYC streets. I don't know if you have ever been or seen what a NYC pothole can do to a 60 series tire and wheel not to mention all the potholes felt. I need some side wall deflection to 1 protect the wheels and 2 to keep the suspension from getting pounded to bits. I have another car with 18's on 40 series rubber and I drive it from MD to NYC once, I WILL NEVER DO THAT AGAIN! Needed to see the chiro after that trip

I don't know, Michigan roads are pretty damned bad (ranked in the top 5 of worst in the nation, I believe 4th), and plenty of people around here run 17s and 18s. I have run 17s on some bad roads with no problems (knock on wood).

That's Michigan Roads my friend, New York roads are not bad, now NYC Roads are some of the worst roads in any metro area, trust me on this drive to NYC and drive down Atlantic ave, stay in your lane and don't swerve for any potholes and do the 35MPH speed limit and I gaurantee you damage your suspension and/or wheels with 17 or 18 low profile tires! I bet you can't do it and take that bet all day long. They have shops that would have tow trucks waiting to tow people that hit those holes!!!