i've got some good mud tires in 225/75R16's. I would say they are an ideal size for those doing a conservative lift and also for those who are married to a wife that want's bumpers and who doesn't want to be told to avoid steering to full lock to avoid tire rub
I need to shave a small chunck out of the plastic bumper (not visible) but that's about it.
my experience: with my coil spacers for a 3 inch rear lift and 2 inch front lift i've only put $200 into my lift and $650 into my tires (which soon needed to be replaced anyway) and i'd say i've got the best bang for the buck.... if i wanted to upgrade to the more common 245/75R16 tire or bigger then my grand vitara with all it's plastic trim would need some serious cutting or a body lift (or both) and the law of dimishing returns would kick in pretty quick for what would amount to only 1/2 inch more lift (not to mention the speedo would be even more off and my gearing would seem even taller). If money were no object, I'd go the distance and get really big tires but for the money i've put into it i'd say i've realized most of the potential that can be had with these vechicles. I guess you need to decide your long term goals and plan your incremental upgrades accordingly.