yes 17's are lighter, and ARE cheaper. 1-2 finger gap on 17's is perfect.

i mean look at my friend's accord



shes sittin on 18's with 30 series tires....look how much gap is left.

Imagine that when you're getting 17's with 40 series tires. get 45 series.

and in my sig. i'm sittin on 16's with 55 series tires. a bit fat, but no wheel gap. well i'm not sittin on 16's anymore... back to stokie 14's