This trend is popping up everywhere and I don't quite understand it. I saw a fairly new Camry with the hub caps removed today during my lunch break. It just makes the car look messy.

But to each their own, eh? It's your car; if you like it, go with it.

 

If I could get those for affordable in 17's I'd be all over them! Far as I know they're 16's. Am I right or wrong?

 

Getting steelies in 17" shouldn't be too much of a problem. You just have to buy the small chrome colored center caps separately. The center caps fit multiple sizes.

 

Heres my thought on why you should leave the hub caps on for now...

You live in Massachusettes:
Generally get the kind of winter weather we get also in Michigan (for example) Cold, snow salt,humidity is the enemy when it comes to the studs for instance...ever been running down the road get a flat...Then you stop to change it..and the first lug you try snaps clean off? I have experienced that very scenario!... and like you mentioned before that brake dust is always gonna be an issue... Thus more maintenance...As far as appearance...Like you said you are planning on fixing the dent...So Im guessing your doing your level best to make it look its best... Ther fore...I say leave the hubcaps on...

Then maybe when your able..Maybe consider getting some stock aluminum
rims from the boneyard and maybe theyll have some good rubber on them also this killing 2 birds with 1 stone...
The rims on mine are factory stock aluminum wheels...If you like the look of mine since your on a college budget..(Just a thought).

 

my uncle has a set the rubber is just bad

 

I got the same type of dent to get out the side of my car, so annoying! But when you get some wheels, maybe you could find some Mustand stockers. They would look great.

 

i think i want some that are like gunmetal now if the rims my uncle has are ok ill do a paint job