so I found a set of rims that fit mopars that might be around 300 bucks.
17x8 rims with 0 offset, so 4.5 inch back spacing that is correct for mopars.

I had thought if I found cheap enough rims, I could find cheaper tires in the 17's, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

I currently run 255 60r15's.
the equivalent 17 is a 255 50 but it is more than the cooper cobra's I would get in 15's instead.

if I go to a smaller tire, 225 45 r17, I could get away with tires I have never heard of for under 100 bucks a tire.
I would have to step up to 120 bucks a tire to get say Dunlop's, which including the cost of rims, again is more than the cobra's.

is it just a wider selection of tires that makes people jump to the bigger rims?
do I really care, just changing tires every 7 years or so?