saxart

Here's a good one...

I went to go look for a set of "winter rims" for my 2000 SE. I'm planning on running Blizzaks (or something similar) during the winter months (Wisconsin) and keeping the Bridgestones for summer.

So today after work I stopped in at the local wrecking yard with my mind pretty open about what type of rim I'd end up with and "bubba" (guy behind the counter) says, "Uh...what do ya want..steel..or the purdy aluminum ones?" I said it didn't matter. He goes, "Well, Steel's gonna cost ya $250 just for the rims"

WTF?!?!?!?! I go, "$250 for a set of used steel rims????"

Bubba goes, "Here, lemme check on the aluminum ones"....

After some head shaking at his computer he goes, "New ones are $560 a piece, but I'll sell ya a set of 4 for $600."

When I pressed him about the price he said that the 2000 Max SE was a "special breed" (I thought, "Yea, like you!" ) that came with a special 17" rim which was used for that year only.

So whats the deal here? Is Bubba right? What size rim should I run on my SE for winter? I'd even go to a 16" rim if it would be cheaper...steel...aluminum..I don't care.

I just about lost it with "Bubba" and told him to go himself....

Bluesbrekr

iTrader: (4)

Check with Tire Rack. IIRC, 16" steel rims were $44 each. They will fit. I was considering running 16's on my 2k2.

Bubba is either rather stupid or very greedy. (and I have never seen 17" steelies)

BlkShadow01

bluerbrekr are those evos in hyper silver 18's?

CanadianMoFo

I've got 17" steelies. Cost me about $50US each.

Bluesbrekr

iTrader: (4)

Yup. 18x8 Hyper Silver.

Bluesbrekr

iTrader: (4)

Wow, I didn't think steelies were made in 17". Can I ask where you got them?

swiss_alps

I just got a set of WS-50 Blizzaks this week for my 2003 SE, and I installed them last night. I now hope it snows. I thought the tires would make more noise, but they are quite quiet. I downsized to a 16 in rim from stock 17. Tirerack.com was much cheaper than a local dealer I called.....
Size = 205/60-16

CanadianMoFo

All the local tire shops are carrying them in Canada now. The increase in the number of vehicles with 17" and larger wheels has created a demand that wasn't there last year. Any reputable wheel and tire shop should be able to find some for you.

CM

Bluesbrekr

iTrader: (4)

None of the places around here have 17" steelies. +1 for Canada!

CanadianMoFo

Try a place that deals in truck tires/wheels?

Cliff Clavin

iTrader: (11)

Just go through craigslist or the nickel ads or whatever and find a set of cheap, used wheels.

I bought a set of aluminum 16" custom rims for my Infiniti QX4 for $100. Some guy with a Toyota 4x4 had them and bought new polished ones. There are no dings or anything. It was a lot cheaper than paying $70 each for steel wheels from Tire Factory or Les Schwab.

There are a lot of rides that use a similar bolt pattern and older custom rims will work just fine. If the hub bore is too large, buy some plastic hubcentric rings.