I would love to swap to some Volk's like everyone else, but sheesh, a set of them will set you back 3g's PLUS tires... that's alot of money for rims. Is there a decent forged rim that doesn't break the bank?

 

The forging process is what makes the wheels expensive. You can always get a lower quality wheel (i.e. cast) for the same type of look. But there are tradeoffs, as the wheels will be heavier and weaker.

 

Supply vs Demand....

 

What is the "low" end for a set of Volk's without tires? $2000? $2500? I mean, it's alot of coin I think.

 

There are many good rims that have casting processes that produce decent strength without forging. Forging is the "ultimate" in processes to generate strength, but unless you plan on hitting a lot of potholes or racing on a weekly basis, it may be overkill for you.

That's not to say to those that can afford it that it's money wasted. I believe not, it's all in how much $ you have and just how important something is to you. But I think you get many good rims for $500 or less per. Look at Gram Lights, SSR, 5zigen, Work. Also I'm not sure what size and which model you're looking at, but Volk has a few 18" wheels in the high $400 or $500 each. Check out e-wheelz.com. They seem to have decent prices. Even Nismo's are $575 MSRP.

Obviously if you can settle for anything less than forged 19"s or 20"s you'll be in the $3K+ range, but as the two other posters said, it's the cost of machinery and labor involved in the forging process and the demand.

Personally, I'd rather put more of my money into performance mods than "looking cool." Nothing like looking pretty with your forged 19"s while getting smoked by a Subaru.

Just my $0.02.

 

I agree about the performance side.. but I am not racing, I just want a nice looking car. I have it broken down like this:

2004-1st Half of Audio Conversion Completed
2005-2nd Half of Audio Conversion Completed (Double DIN,2 amps, etc.)
2006-Bodykit + Suspension OR Rims
2007-The other from 2006.

A nice suspension setup is about 1k + bodykit is about 1200-1500, and rims are about $2500-3000, so it's about the same.

 

How about some TSW's or Axis wheels? they look pretty good and won't break
your bank.


but imho, on a car like the G, if you're going to get real cheap wheels,
just go with the factory 18's. they look good. don't put some cheap
wheel on your car unless for winter set.

 

try www.wheelmax.com a lot of them are basing it all on their brand name. buy some off market names, forged 20's for 1500 total, and they are hot.