I bought an '05 WRX wagon about a month ago. I'm a blank slate; I don't even know what I don't know. I love the car, but I'm not satisfied with the stock 16" wheels/tires.

Any suggestions on what to step up to? I'm not really interested in modding my fenders and I like the look of the stock wheels (the color combo is nice on a black wagon) - they're just too small.

Also interested in suggestions for further mods that a beginner like myself could attempt.

 

I'd suggest looking into the optional 17" cast wheels from the dealer (it has 5 wide spokes & they are a light bronze color) & some all season performance tires, like Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, Sumitomo HTR+, Bridgestone RE 950, Pirelli Nero, etc...

 

Pick out a good set of 17X7.5 wheels that you like the style of. Then get some tires (225/45/17) that fit what you need.

 

Hurucan,

There are a bunch of threads on wagons and suspesion and tire/rims combos. I'm pretty sure it's still true of the 05 as is the 02 in regards to tires/rims. 17's are pretty much the standard. You can find some nice silver (stock color) rims that are of good quality and price. Rota's being one.

Tires: If you stick with 215's you will have no problems with the rear fenders rubbing. If you bump up to the wider 225's then you could have issues depending on if you are lowered, rim offset, rear camber, and tire manufac. Some 225's run a bit wider than others. But rolling the rear fenders is not that big of a deal if you want the 225's.

Do some searches and you will find the info you need regarding wagons. Here is one thread for you to check:
https://www.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95401

 

Thanks for the responses. I read up a little bit on the 225's and I'd like to go that route. Is the handling difference that notable between 215's and 225's?

Again, apologies for the noob questions, but I guess I gotta start somewhere

 

The more tire patch you have the better the grip will be. But as far as totally noticable differences...very slight, but yes you can notice the wider tires. I'm currently on 235/40 and they feel great!!!!

 

Buy some used '04 STI BBS rims. People are selling these forged rims for about $1000 w/ tread life on the tires and they are the correct offset so you don't have to worry about rubbing w/ 225's on your wagon.

 

(hmmm...I thought I had responded to this but I guess it did not post...)


At sane & legal speeds you will be hard pressed to tell the difference between the two.