JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

I've been lookin around the net for some rims. Found a few nice ones, but the prices aren't so nice. $2000-3000 lol

I was also looking on Ebay and it seems like they have some killer deals on their rims. I know that cheaper stuff always means cheaper quality. But is it so in this case? There are some 19" staggered 8.5 fronts 10 rears going for like $800! The design looks exactly like some of the $2000-3000 rims that I was checking out.

Do these rims snap in half or what? Bad balance? Bad manufacturing? Heavy? Has anyone used these ebay rims before? Please chime in!

morris

iTrader: (2)

All of the above occur plus bending and cracking. You dont have to spend 3K on rims to get a good set, there are less expensive reliable brands available. I was considring some from Tire rack at one point.

verylost

Buying through the used market is a great option also. Just make sure the seller is trustworthy. Otherwise, pick up the wheels in person.

StasGS4

iTrader: (1)

I think it goes both ways. I have bought a rather cheap set from tirerack.com (~$350 a rim) and so far they have lasted two and half years. I did put some curb scratches on the lips, but I wasn't too disappointed due to their lower price. Now imagine if I had HRE's, which are about a grand a piece, and ended up scratching one of those. I think I would have had a heart attack.

I think the decision is up to you, but it should be based on your budget. If you feel that $800 is a good deal and the rims would look great on your lexus then more power to you! Most people out there can't even tell what kind of car you have without reading the rear badge making no difference to them what rims are on the car. As long as it looks good on the store parking lot when you turn around to take a last glance at it before walking inside. And remember, it is a lot easier to spend money vs save/earn. Just my opinion.

I6turbo

iTrader: (1)

The other thing to consider is weight. It seems that many of the less expensive wheels (and a lot of the expensive ones too) are HEAVY. This, coupled with the increased diameter which puts more of the weight further from the axle (I think this increases the moment of inertia) and consequently causes a deterioriation in handling (and general suspension performance) and acceleration. FWIW, I have a set of Volk LE37Ts in 19" on my car and I am happy to report no noticeable deterioriation in ride or handling. I was sweatin' it, but everythign turned out well. The Volks complete with fairly big 19s are are lighter than the factory 17" wheel/tires.

Vegassc400

Cheap wheels and expensive wheels both bend, break and scratch. Cheap wheels are just more likely to. Cheap wheels also tend to be much heavier which is bad for performance.

I'd save up for a decent used set.