[Carl235]

I am probably going to purchase a Q3 and have been looking at the options. Inventory is very low in my area and so there aren't many to choose from.

Other than aesthetics, is there any reason to spend the additional $800 for the 19" wheels with 255/40 tires or should one stick with the standard 18" wheels with 235/50 tires?

Thanks in advance.

 

[nickjs1984]

I've got the 18" wheels and have no complaints. I preferred the way they looked, honestly and thought the tires would be less expensive to replace over the four years I'll be leasing this car.

 

[rnlabas]

I just like the looks of the off-road style wheel and that they're 19s - it's a matter of personal choice - was worth the $800 to me, as I prolly would've gone for an aftermarket wheel/tire if I hadn't got these. I get a lot of compliments on them too... Someone could/will argue the wider tire is worth something, but imho that's negligible really for what this car can be used for.

 

[JohnJ]

Not sure if the 19" tires are low profile or not but...

low profiles from what I understand do not last as long nor ride as well and will blow out faster when hitting a pot hole where as the others may not (all factors being equal).

Again, no personal experience just the comments from folks that have experienced them as well as car sales people.

 

[pinballplanet]

If you prefer a slightly more forgiving ride and better pothole survival for your wheels then the 18's are your better choice. Test drive both. But if looks are your primary interest, go with what you like best.

 

[rnlabas]

While ride quality and fuel consumption can be a variable of tire profile, load rating and sidewall stiffness will determine "pothole" survivability for the tire. In this case they are both adjusted to essentially be equal. What WILL be more of a "pothole" survivability variable will be for the wheel itself, which in the case of the wider lower profile tire, would edge in favor of the 18" wheel. However in this case THAT is offset by the fact that the 19" wheels are forged rather than cast (as are the 18" wheels), which makes the 19s much stronger - and hence the biggest difference towards the added cost.

Wear (which is not a profile variable but rather one of compound and pressure) is out of the comparison as I expect there is more difference in compound or even manufacturer between these options. And I feel "pothole" survivability won't practically vary much between them either...

Just my 2¢ -

 

[nickjs1984]

Informative, as always. More like 4¢, maybe?

While ride quality and fuel consumption can be a variable of tire profile, load rating and sidewall stiffness will determine "pothole" survivability for the tire. In this case they are both adjusted to essentially be equal. What WILL be more of a "pothole" survivability variable will be for the wheel itself, which in the case of the wider lower profile tire, would edge in favor of the 18" wheel. However in this case THAT is offset by the fact that the 19" wheels are forged rather than cast (as are the 18" wheels), which makes the 19s much stronger - and hence the biggest difference towards the added cost.

Wear (which is not a profile variable but rather one of compound and pressure) is out of the comparison as I expect there is more difference in compound or even manufacturer between these options. And I feel "pothole" survivability won't practically vary much between them either...

Just my 2¢ -

 

[stever]

Bottom line: If more money for more bling(and likely pricier tires) is your thing...go 19".

19" on a Q3 is kinda like putting 22"-ers on my work truck, i.e., what's the point?

 

[Carl235]

Thanks to all of you for your very informative replies to my original post. I look forward to becoming an active participant in this forum once I finally make the purchase.

 

[pinballplanet]

I do suggest test driving both configurations. There's nothing like a seat of the pants comparison.

 

[Miyata]

the largest thing to factor in is tire costs. Lower profile rubber wears faster and is costlier to replace...

 

[Ohio Joe]

the largest thing to factor in is tire costs. Lower profile rubber wears faster and is costlier to replace...

As a general statement this is true however as the lower profile/larger rim diameters have become more mainstream there are more and more tire offerings. If you look at the UTQG ratings you can find tires that will give you the tire wear that you may be looking for but will probably be trading a bit of performance to get it. Cost if definately a factor but again the costlier tire will more likely be the performance tire. Hey all tire are getting expensive these days....

 

[boblepp]

Bottom line: If more money for more bling(and likely pricier tires) is your thing...go 19".

19" on a Q3 is kinda like putting 22"-ers on my work truck, i.e., what's the point?

Fun!

I got the 19's as part of the Sport package, not sure if I would have upgraded to them otherwise. They sure do corner well, which can be fun.

 

[stever]

Not to argue, as I'm sure you are right, but if 'fun' is high g force cornering, choosing a car with hi po tires that's up on stilts is a funny way of getting there.

 

[boblepp]

Not to argue, as I'm sure you are right, but if 'fun' is high g force cornering, choosing a car with hi po tires that's up on stilts is a funny way of getting there.

You have a point but we like the height for ease of entry and the view. The good handling is a pleasant side benefit. We can be staid old foggies one minute
and sporty youngsters the next. I think that is part of the reason they sell so well.

 

[MPBQ3]

Here's my 2 cents.

I've always felt that with a higher cost wheel, you're just holding them for someone else until they jack up your car and take the wheels.

 

[B5s4dave]

I've got the 18" wheels and have no complaints. I preferred the way they looked, honestly and thought the tires would be less expensive to replace over the four years I'll be leasing this car.

I'm on the same page as Nick on this one. Really depends though, 18s still look good an perform the almost the same as the 19" but in a long run when your tires get worn 19s will cost you significantly more. Otherwise if you have the case and want to fill in the wheel gap then go ahead.

 

[boblepp]

I'm on the same page as Nick on this one. Really depends though, 18s still look good an perform the almost the same as the 19" but in a long run when your tires get worn 19s will cost you significantly more. Otherwise if you have the case and want to fill in the wheel gap then go ahead.

I had never compared prices, but now I see tire rack quotes 25% more for OEM 19 inchers over 18. $277 vs. 220
Those with very sensitive bottoms can likely feel the difference in handling. If you cannot tell, go 18 and save the cash.
I assume that my Sport package suspension is tuned for the 19's. But maybe not. The first Q3 I drove had the 20's which I thought was too extreme. And pricey.

 

[MPBQ3]

I had never compared prices, but now I see tire rack quotes 25% more for OEM 19 inchers over 18. $277 vs. 220
Those with very sensitive bottoms can likely feel the difference in handling. If you cannot tell, go 18 and save the cash.
I assume that my Sport package suspension is tuned for the 19's. But maybe not. The first Q3 I drove had the 20's which I thought was too extreme. And pricey.

Words of wisdom from my late father in law.

Don't buy better wheels for your car as you'll only be holding them for someone else.

 

[rnlabas]

The 19s (and 20s too) have essentially the same OD of the 18s, so there's no filling the wheel well out at all - just a different ratio of tire vs wheel...
As for replacement price - yup, that's the kicker - in the case of this car, handling differences won't be noticed by ANYONE except for differences in actual tire compounds or tire type - but not size or profile imho -