Celica Forums General Discussion Exterior tires for 15" or 17" rims? Need opinions

I need some help. I need to buy new tires pronto. But I am indecisive on which ones to get. Well the deal is that I have the stock 15 rims and some TSW 17 rims. Im kind of tired of the bumpiness on the 17s and they are very heavy, but I like the way they look. If I buy 15 tires they will be, of course, much cheaper more comfortable. I dont want to spend a lot of money on the tires because I have to get the balancing and alignment too.
Im looking to spend about $550 for tires, balancing and alignment. I found the Goodyear Assurance Tripletred for about $99 each. What would you do, would you buy tires for the 15 or 17 rims? Any suggestions on tires?

do you take you aftermarket rims off in the winter to put on the stock? I would still buy tires for my 17's. Try getting a bigger side wall like a 40 and see if it gives you a little smoother ride.

I keep my tires on for all four seasons. My stock rims dont have any tires now.
I currently have 215/40R17. I can go with the 215/45R17 for alittle more cash, but the ride comfort may not be all that different. Its really annoying, and especially because I live where there are a lot of small and big pot holes and the alleys are very bumpy.

well you spent the money for 17's i would keep them. Stockers dont cushion anything either.

ditto spider. just up the sidewall by a little..if you currently use a 40 profile (215/40/17) try doing a 45 or 50 profile.

17s are obviously much better (stylewise) than your 15" rims...better to spend the money on something you like.

theres a new tire out..called the fuzion zri, over here their going for about $85 bucks apiece which is great for a Performance tire

I say go with the 17". The same 215 40 in any tire if you're worried about driving in alleys so you won't be flying anyways. Comfort won't be affected too much between a 40 and a 45. There is a diffeernce on comfort between a 15" and 17". I know because I swap out every winter between a 205 55 15" and a 215 40 17". Get a tire that has a good tread wear rating and is somewhat Performance orientated like Toyo FZ4, Pirelli P7000 (might be over budget), Falken Azenis, Nitto Neo Gen, Kuhmo, etc. there are many tires that you can get + mount and balance for your budget that you will be more than happy with. I have the Nitto Gens. $500 including mount and balance in a 215 40. They seem like they will wear out fast, but they are more than making due.