Hello,

I did a search for wheels and rims on these forums, and browsed 12 pages of topics and even read some threads. But didnt quite find what I was looking for. Basicly I am somewhat new to the whole customizing scene. Well I know about American Racing and some of the other big name brands for wheels. However, I have to be a bit thrifty here, so I am looking for best quality for the buck.

I am not looking for the biggest. As a matter of fact, I am looking to stay with 16" ers. Mainly so I can use my current 205/55/16's which are brand new. My HHR has a set of after market chromes. It appears that they were not high quality ( I bought the car used), so now the rims leak, specially on one, and the chrome is flaking off.

There is a chance I can get the wheel fixed locally (Jacksonville, FL), but if the cost is more than buying one, I might just go for a new set. So, long story short, of the stuff out there what is best bang for the buck in the quality vs price category? I would like to keep it under 500.00 for the set if possible.

So, thank you for your input.

P.s. thxs to the admin for the site, much information to absorb.

Regards,
Rotor

 

Keep in mind American Racing is just an Average median wheek in Quality and Price. There are a lot better wheels out there but the prices can go up fast.

Note there are cheaper wheels by many companies who import them from South America and China. Some are not that bad and some are your worst nightmare.

Many of the cheaper wheels under $100 can have poor powder coating, paint and chome. Rust can and will be an issue soon after purchase.

Also if you live in a snowy area I would recomend not running them in the salt.

I know US wheels are one of the better cheap wheels and there are a few others. But use caution on what you buy as what may seem like a bargin can be a rusted mess in 8 months.

Try to look for wheels with a clear coating on them as they will hold up better if they are aluminum.

China wheels are a mixed bag some are good some are not and you will roll the dice on the. Note many companies buy their wheels form MFG in China and just put them in their boxes and put their name on the center caps. This is not unlike many tires from China today too.

The very good wheels are alot more expensive than what most realize.

The best American made wheel is Centerline. For the money they do deliver a good product but they are not inexpensive. Also styles are limited in some cases. American racing is good for the money.
Crager is ok but not much better than the imports. They may be importing some of the steel wheels? Their SS wheels still flake chome just as they did in the 60's.

Shop around and they to find wheels you can see in person. Buying a cheap off the web can be difficult at times unless you know what you are looking at.

A set of used factory take off wheels is also sometimes a good buy off Ebay. Many of the GM wheels from other cars will fit and give a custome look. some here have done this with Cobalt SS wheels or Solstice wheels.

 

I kind of agree with Hyperv6, you are going to pay more for American made wheels period. Some of those wheels are going to cost you $500 a piece. Believe me I researched lots of em! The Solstice wheels are okay, but even factory wheels they go for over $1,000 a set, and they are 18" so you'll need to buy new tires also. I bought some import wheels from a seller on Craigslist, yes they brand them as their own however these are Konigs and they are sold at a lot of major tire/wheel stores such as Discount Tire/America's Tire, etc. These are a good price for the money at $75 ea plus shipping. I believe I paid about $380 for set of 4 shipped to my door. They are machined finish face/lip with painted silver between the spokes and yes it has a clear coating.
You could also buy different center caps emblems instead of using the generic ones they send you. I think they look good on the car, and I've had alot of compliments on them as well. Just depends on what you're looking for but for under $500 these are hard to beat.

 

Very nice Sarge :).

Looks like winners if I cant get it repair at halfway decent price. Looking at the papers in the glove box, the current set is some brand called MB (763M6768C40), the prev owner got them at discount tire...unfortunatly one 1yr finish warranty which has since expired hehe. I guess if I can provide any tidbit of information is...dont ever buy those hehe.

Regards,

 

One problem with many wheels today is they are offered for only a couple years and gone. With so many genric wheels it is impossible to replace just one wheel later with some set. Not a big issue most of the time but a pain if it does happen.

Style changes in the past just did not happen now it is a yearly thing.

 

I got a set of dealer install optional chrome 17" split spokes brand new on Ebay $387 shipped. Just keep looking you'll find something.



My cheap find

 

That is a good price, however will require new tires. Let's see at least $100 per tire for a quality tire that puts the wheels/tires at $787 plus balancing/mounting, lugnuts, tpms sensors, etc....it can add up in a hurry!
Also going from 16's to 17's or 18's you will lose tire sidewall = stiffer riding vehicle. Okay if you prefer looks over comfort.

 

Ya, I am looking to stay with 16's since the threads are brand new.

 

All I was pointing out was as long as your are willing to wait it out you can get the deal you want.....

Just one example 16 inch rims $75 each
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-1...=p4506.c0.m245

Just ebay search 5X110 16 wheels you will find a lot of them every day

 

Try www.tirerack.com , that is where i purchased my wheels