Choosing car 16" or 17" wheels

[vizzo]

Looking to buy a one year old ds3. Have a number of options which i'm trying to weigh up. Most have 16" wheels but one i'm considering has 17".
What difference will it make in terms of replacement tyre cost/fuel economy/comfort?
17" I guess looks better but are there any downsides?
Advice appreciated.

[cyclone]

Biggest downside to 17" rims is that they are not 18":cool:

[lfcrule1972]

I have the 17" Bellones on my DS3 and have only a short test drive with the 16" Asheras to compare it too so not v scientific at all

I love the ride on the Bellones, not too hard and they look better on the car IMHO - I think Citroen could've gone to 18" wheels at least with the wheel arch gaps

I guess the 17" wheels would be slightly less fuel efficient (see scientific point above) as there is more in contact with the road surface but I doubt you'd notice a hit to your wallet.

My advice, if the money allows buy the car with the wheels you like the best

[WTF]

Cost of repair is higher on the Bellones as they are diamond cut.

I don't think there is much impact in the way of economy, that would come more down to tyres than than the wheels.

I prefer the Asheras, just a shame they are smaller.

[Bigfeet]

Look at the cost of tyres, might set your mind.

Also you will get more road roar with the 17"s.

[aries driving school]

My first DS3 1.6 HDI on 16" 45,000 miles
Second same as above but with 17" 55,000 miles
17"

Pro- 17" look so much better
May help with 2nd hand value

Con- Fuel economy down 3mpg on 17"
Much easier to damage
Cost to repair
Ride is harder than 16"
Tyre costs.

[vizzo]

Steve
Do you use any alloy wheel protectors?
Like you this car will be for driving school use.
Ever had a puncture from a pupil kerbing it?

[aries driving school]

Vizzo
Tried Rimblades complete waste of money and a even more pain to remove them....
25 years puncture free. This DS3 17" is on it's third puncture.
1st- screw new tyre
2nd screw repair
3rd screw new tyre

So far have never had a puncture with kerbing but have come close a few times on a 40 plus road with pot holes to close to road edge.

Next DS3 this Oct will be back to 16"