Time to get new tires for my baby. 2006 xA.
Looking into the Falken Ziex ZE-912 due to some really good reviews that I have read. Questions I have are :
1. Can I get a wider size then stock but still use the stock rim? Pros/Cons to doing so? What sizes will work on a stock rim?

2. Might need to replace the brakes in front as well and wanted to step them up to a sport brake. What can people recommend without going crazy? My expectations : Better stopping power, same if not more life out of them.

Lastly, I am toying with the idea of picking up a set of rims. I am a total novice to anything wheel related but would a set of 17" tC rims fit and work on an xA? Stupid question lol.

TC are 5 lug. No, they will not fit.

The 912s are great tires, I had them before the Nitto tires I have now and should have went with them again.

You can go wider, but more than just a little I think it looks funny. If you go with a 195/60-15 tire instead of 185/60-15 like stock it will save you money and not affect your speedometer much at all. They are slightly taller and wider.

I have the Axxis Deluxe pads on my xB and can't say they stop any better than stock. And they have a slight squeal to them on occasion. There better pads out there, but that's all I've had.

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/partdetails/Hawk/Brakes/Brake_Pads/Performance_Ceramic/11169

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/partdetails/EBC/Brakes/Brake_Pads/Front_Yellow_Stuff/10941

Are the brake pads I was looking at. Anyone know if they just drop right into the factory calipers? Is one set better then the other?

195/55 15 is also good--it is just slightly shorter than stock. Looks good if you do not like to see a lot of sidewall.

Oh, and the falken 912's are very nice. We are running them right now, and they are the best we have had on the box yet. Sticky:)