I'm curious to know if you guys w/ the stock 18" rims have had problems with potholes, etc on city streets and what not, and as a result have vibration in the steering wheel b/c of the bent rim.

I'm currently considering 18" rims for my Acura, and that's why i'm asking, thank you in advance for your input.

 

I haven't had any issues at all. Although, I've only had my Maxima for a few months. 18" look great, but I would imagine they are a little more susceptible to being bent or damaged by a pothole.
For what its worth though, unless you live somewhere that has a huge amount of potholes, go with the 18"s every inch makes a huge difference....size matters.

 

Pushing 10,000 miles on mine and this is not a problem for me. Maybe we have fewer - or smaller - potholes in Texas.

The thing I'm watching out for is "bruising" ... scrunching the tire's sidewall against a curb or other hazard. I had a Turbo Supra with low-profile tires a few years ago and the first thing that happened was that I brushed one of those raised turn lane markers (my grandpa called them city *******) and a big bubble appeared on the sidewall. Tread separation ... "X" one brand-new Goodyear.

I personally think it would take a pretty major pothole to damage your wheel ...

Mike

 

Have 18 04 SE wheels on my 03 Max. It is lowered 1.75 inches on JIC FLT-A2's no problems at all.