Last edited by inuvik; 05-22-2020 at 03:16 PM. Reason: syntax
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 automatic: 40.5 mpg (US) ... 17.2 km/L ... 5.8 L/100 km ... 48.6 mpg (Imp)
Ares (05-22-2020)
I think factory size 15" rims on my cousin's 2007 Colorado looks a bit small. Today, a 2020 Chevy Colorado would have 16" or 17" rims. My 2011 Forester has 16" rims.
There's no way 14-15" rims look small on a small economy car like a Mirage to me. Personally, I think anything larger than 15" on a Mirage looks sort of silly, but I am an old fart!
Perhaps you're right. But you got to admit that the newer model 15" alloy wheels look more normal than the 14" steelies.
If they just had a little bigger tires, they would look more normal.
And, the engine and cabin have a little more clearance from being flooded from hitting a pothole.
Everyone's definition of normal may be different. I don't really buy into the latest trend of large rims with low profile tires. It especially looks silly on pickup trucks & SUVs to me. I see absolutely nothing wrong with 14" rims on a Mirage. 14-15" rims are going to match tire sizes that fit well with this type of car. Just because a rim is 15" doesn't mean the tire is larger than one on a 14" rim. It depends on what size tire you put on the rim.
175/65r14 & 185/55r15 are probably the most popular upgrade sizes to Mirage factory size tires. Both tires have the same 23" outside diameter. As long as they are available, I prefer the 165/65r14 tires over anything else. It's an economy car to me.
A smaller rim with a higher profile tire may deal with potholes better, too! I know people who have low profile tires on their newer vehicles, and they hate the ride. My cousin I mentioned bought a use Colorado pickup truck, because he couldn't stand the ride of his KIA Optima with low profile tires during the winter months in Milwaukee. He regrets buying the Optima model with the lower profile tires. He's been in other Optima models with higher profile tires that ride much better than his car. With most things in life there are trade offs.
I really don't think these things need anymore ground clearance. If you're bottoming out a Mirage buy a truck. And not one of the ones with a stupid chin spoiler 6" off the ground.
The Sonics I service are noticeably lower than the Mirage. If I lower one on a hoist and forget a drain pan under it it'll drag it away. Never had that problem with a Mirage.
Taller tires might seem like a great idea in theory. But in the real world not so much. Yeah the rippem gauge might read lower but the calculated engine load will likely be higher....If you're looking for better economy I say look elsewhere. The stock dinky tires and wheels are pretty damn light. If you just want to fill the wheel wells then giver.
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View my fuel log 2014 Mirage SE wussie cvt edition. 1.2 automatic: 37.7 mpg (US) ... 16.0 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.3 mpg (Imp)
Fummins (05-27-2020)
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 49.6 mpg (US) ... 21.1 km/L ... 4.7 L/100 km ... 59.5 mpg (Imp)