So I just got my 04 wagon back in Jan and been doing little mods here and there. I'll be lowering it by June either on Feal or Fortune Auto with a finger gap or two from the wheel (your recommendations would be helpful). After that of course I'll be getting wheels and tires.

As for wheels, I'm thinking of either 18x9 or 18x9.5 w/ +30-40. I've been doing some research and see that 18x9 will be a little more practical with not too much work. But I would really like to run 18x9.5.

My question is how much work would i have to do? (I'm sure roll/pull fenders is a given and most likely camber, I'll probably get camber plates both front and rear). This is my DD, I won't be taking my car to the track but I do enjoy spirited drives so I want to keep the rubbing to a minimum.

Would going with a 18x9 be more practical for what I'm looking for or is it possible to do the same with a 18x9.5 without crazy amounts of work and money?

 

If you run 18x9.5 you're gonna need to run a smaller tire (ie stretched fitment). I'm doing this on my forester, and while I like the look, I wish I was running more rubber. It detracts from the handling. 18x9 is plenty flush on wagon fender fitment if you run a meaty tire. It'll look good, and not handle like shyt.