I know that 18's are available on the current boxster, so how do you find the ride to be...especially in the northern states? If I order my 2005 Boxster with the 19's am I putting myself in jeapoardy of bending one or several? I can't even imagine what a replacement 19" Carerra S wheel costs.
Are the stock 18's a safer bet for Colorado?

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Stacey

 

Anytime you go with a larger diameter wheel / smaller sidewall tire you up the risk of bending the wheel or getting a bubble in the sidewall from a road hazard. From what I have heard (strictly rumors) the 19" wheels may provide a bit harsh ride unless Porsche's Active Suspension is ordered along with them. Other than that the 18" wheels......if you like them, should be fine for all occasions
and provide great handling.

 

I bent one of my 18" Sport Design wheels. It was repairable at a cost of $125 (plus a pain-in-the-****, going without the wheel for a week).

I'm not sold on 19" wheels. It appears the main thing you are gaining is "bling" factor, while you arguably compromise handling, add unsprung weight, and increase the odds of a bent rim.

 

Hi Stacey,
I'm running the US030 suspension and 18" wheels on my Boxster here in Denver. It rides fairly stiff on some rough sections of our not-so-good roads, but is worth the trade off in ride quality. I don't think I've ever come close to bending a wheel, but I do watch for big potholes and broken pavement.
Those 19's will have a REALLY short sidewall, but I'd think that you'll be fine if you use some caution on the nastier bits of road around Colorado.
Have fun with your option choices. I think the 19's are sharp.

 

Thanks for the comments everyone!