About This Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Premium 2017 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch AVID1 AV6 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose AVID1 for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Subaru WRX Premium builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the AVID1 AV6 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: AVID1 AV6 on the Subaru WRX Premium 2017
I walked around this VA chassis WRX for a solid ten minutes at the show, and the fitment is spot on. We are looking at an 18x8.5 setup with a +38 offset all the way around. This wheel width sits perfectly flush with the stock fender line.
The +38 offset gives the WRX that aggressive stance without pushing the tires into the danger zone. You get a nice, wide track appearance that makes the stock wheels look like tiny bicycle spokes. It completely changes the attitude of the car.
We checked the caliper clearance carefully. The AV6 spoke design has enough curvature to clear those front brakes without needing spacers. You get a clean look that doesn't scream for aftermarket hardware.
The hub bore matches up perfectly with the Subaru factory specs. We hate using hub-centric rings if we can avoid them, and here, you do not need them. Everything bolts up tight and stays vibration-free at highway speeds.
The barrel depth on these wheels is surprisingly deep for an 18x8.5. It gives the wheel a bit of concave profile that really pops in the sunlight. It avoids that flat, boring pancake look that plagues so many entry-level wheels.
Because this owner installed coilovers, the fender gap is non-existent. The tires sit just a hair away from the fender liners. You might experience a tiny bit of rubbing on big bumps, but that is the price of a proper stance.
Watch out for the rear fenders on these models. If you decide to go wider with your tires, you will definitely need a roll. Keep an eye on those plastic clips inside the arch, as they love to catch rubber.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Premium 2017 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to the 18-inch diameter. Going up to 19s kills your ride quality and makes the car feel sluggish. Stick to 18x8.5 or 18x9.5 for the best performance balance.
We always suggest a square setup for the WRX platform. Staggered wheels on an AWD car like this are just a recipe for differential issues. Keep all four wheels and tires identical to keep the drivetrain happy.
For offsets, +35 to +38 is your sweet spot for a flush look. If you go lower than +30, you will be poking too far and throwing rocks at your own paint. If you go higher than +40, you start sinking the wheels into the wells.
Don't be afraid to run a slight tire stretch if you want that modern tuner aesthetic. A 245/40/18 tire on this wheel width looks great and handles sharp. Just keep your tire pressures checked to avoid uneven wear.
Common mistakes? Buying cheap lug nuts or ignoring alignment after the coilover install. A proper alignment is non-negotiable when you drop the car. You want enough negative camber to tuck the top of the tire just under the fender lip.
Style and Build Analysis
The choice of a flat black finish on this WRX creates a menacing, purposeful vibe. It hides the brake dust and looks mean against the lighter body colors. It makes the car look like it means business, not like it is playing dress-up.
The AV6 design mimics that classic multi-spoke motorsports look that we love. It flows with the sharp, angular body lines of the 2017 chassis. There is a raw, industrial feel to the way the spokes meet the barrel.
I love how the black wheels ground the entire build. They pull your eye down toward the pavement, making the car look significantly lower than it actually is. It is a masterclass in visual weight distribution.
Compared to other builds we feature, this one relies on simplicity. No wild wide-body kits or neon lights here. Just good wheels, a solid drop, and a clean paint job that lets the hardware do the talking.
The proportions are just right for a daily driver that hits the backroads on the weekend. The car looks ready to attack an autocross course or pull up to a local meet. It strikes that perfect balance between aggressive and usable.
Why We Love This Build
This WRX stops us in our tracks because it is so honest. The black AVID1 AV6 wheels swallow the light, giving the car a brooding, dark presence that commands respect. When the sun hits the metallic paint, the contrast with those matte-finished spokes creates a depth that we rarely see in this budget range. It is a reminder that you do not need a mountain of cash to make a car look legendary.
This build proves that simple mods done right always win. We love the way the car hunkers down on the pavement, looking ready to rip through a canyon. It makes us want to grab our keys and find the nearest twisty road. This is exactly how a WRX should look.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Subaru WRX Premium 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: AVID1 AV6
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: BFGoodrich G-Force Sport Comp-2 245/40 25.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 25.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru WRX Premium owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels fit my Subaru WRX Premium? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Subaru WRX Premium owners run 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
