I was wondering what some good, light, strong but cheap wheels were good...

What size is a good size to have for a solid balance of performance, and cosmetic improvements? What tire size too?

 

depends on your meaning of cheap.

if you are looking for the best value, many would select Enkei RPF1 and the Dunlop Direzza Star Spec tires. But again, it depends on what your pricepoint is. TireRack has both of these so you can price it out yourself.

 

how cheap?

 

I love my Rota's, I know they have a bad name since most of their styles are copied off of JDM wheels, but IMO it doesn't matter. Mine have been great and they were a little over a grand WITH tires (sumitomo HTRZ III--best bang for the buck tire)

 

Enkei RPF1's, some 5zigen's, maybe rotas.

 

It really depends on what you want to do. If these are track wheels, then strong and light - avoid the Rotas, go with Enkie.

If you are after showa looks, then Rotas (I rather like the D2).

It also depends on what you want to do with wheel size. If your going to 18" wheels, then your choices for a cheap wheel are very limited. Rota is about the only choice and then you end up with SSR or O.Z. as the next best. (which was my choice). If in 17 inch, there is ASA available. There are really cheap wheels (made in China) Kazera, have no experience, so I can't reccomend, but they are a cheap, if heavy alternative in 17 or 18 inch.

Best advice is go to Tirerack and check out the wheels in the size you want. they do a great job of putting packages together and know what will and will not work with our car.

Good luck with the wheel hunt

and here is a pic of my O.Z wheels 18x7 and 18x8.5

 

I've had Rotas on 3 cars (and now on my S) and love them. Cheap, light (mostly), easy to find, and you won't cry if you curb them.

www.urbanimport.com

 

My honest opinion is the best wheels @ low cost are by Enkei. I do feel O.Z. is pretty good too. Rota's are...ok...but they're not my favorite. Most importantly, YOU have to like them. After all, you're the one driving your car all the time.

As for tires...Direzza Star Specs > *

Closest thing I know of to R compound without being R compound. Of course, if you live in a really cold area or want more than 15k mi from your tires, there are other options, but I just can't drive on anything else after having experienced them.

 

i have had zero problems with my ASA AR1's

 

Used.

Wheels [in the used market] tend to take a good sized hit, and if you keep your eyes open, you can score some outstanding deals.

I always like to upsize when going from OEM to aftermarket - I'm not sure if you're sitting on 16" or 17" wheels, but going up one size is a big aesthetic impact.

You can also go another 1/2-1" wider for a proper fitment of a 225/255 tire combo.

Budget for some lugs too since aftermarket wheels generally use a conical seat on the lug (vs. the spherical OEMs).

Good luck, have fun!