So I just picked up a set of new 235/45/17 Kumho Ecsta ASX with Acura TL rims for $550. I mounted these onto our Accord and there is no rubbing, although they stick out slightly at the front (1/8 inch?). This is going up from the stock 205/60/16 michelins.

The ride is somewhat harder, you can hear the tires a little more, but the cars overall stance does feel a little more planted... and hard turns are definitely gripy. And I think the car looks considerably better.

My dad is arguing the following things: The tires will wear faster, there is the possibility of uneven wear, there will be a lot less snow/rain traction, the car feels too harsh in comparison to the original tires. I want to convince him to keep the wheels and tires, although it's his decision in the end. Also to consider, my mom drives this car from and to work every day... and she'll continue to do so for at least 5 more years.

What are your guys thoughts, benefits... cons to my purchase?

The wider tire will wear slower because the contact patch to the tarmac is bigger and thus the load on the tire is less. Uneven wear will occur if you have noticable camber on your wheels because then you're riding "on the shoulder" of the tire. Counter measure to uneven wear: go faster through corners (no joke!).

Rain traction won't be affected as long as there is no standing water on the street but you will have a bigger tendency to aquaplaning when there is.

What kind of tires are they? All seasons or summers ? If first i dont think you will have much problem in the snow but the grip will be less than the original skinny ones. As far as uneven wear goes get a alignment at firestone and then keep rotating the tires every 5k miles or every oil change.

On a side note i think the new TL-S wheels look bitchin good on the STI

You might want to swap the tires for something more comfort oriented. We have the 16-inch five spokes on our Accord and they were fitted with Dunlop SP Sport LeMans (or something like that) tires There was a lot of road noise, and my dad kept bitching that the ride was worse on our '04 than it was on our '00. Finally, when it came time for a tire change, my dad went in for a set of Bridgestone Turanzas. Great tires for the Accord IMO. Ride comfortably, they're quiet, and there isn't that much of a difference in handling (not that it was great or anything to start with). Do you have pics of how it looks btw?

Example? Pics?

It rides a tad bit high

To tell you the truth, those don't even look that great on the Accord. Never mind that the center caps don't match.

I really don't see the point if it is your whole family's car. What could you possibly argue is better about it for the family?

you should have gotten mud tires instead of those ASX's, because it looks like that thing is ready for some 4-wheelin.