So I'm buying new wheels, except...

[heyou]

...I'm having trouble clicking the submit order button!
4 X Replica RS4 17X7.5: $532
4 X Kumho ECSTA ASX Tires: $356.00
Other Things(Wheel install kit ect.): $93.25

TOTAL: $1059.00

That's the part I'm having trouble with. I have the money, I can afford to pay all my expenses for the next 6 months, and have a fair amount left over, but still, a GRAND for some new wheels. Do I really want to buy these? I mean the wheels I have now work just fine. I should get new tires soon, but the wheels are in great shape. Can I really justify 1000 bucks on looks?

My conscience is really acting up here, and my dad's reaction didn't help. But in the end it's my money, I can do with it what I will. Did anyone else have such a mental block when they got their wheels? Am I being taken to the cleaners here?

[Turboboy]

What kind of wheels do you have? Pics?
We'll let you know.......
I was thinking what you are thinking....Kept my perfectly
good wheels...felt good about it, was just bored I guess.
Never know when you are gonna need the extra cash...put it away.

[heyou]

I have the stock steelies with plastic hubcaps. Just as basic as you can get.

Pics:
"Penny" 2000 Cyber Green GLS 2.0L

[GINA]

This is my problem too. I have the money, but spending a grand on something just for a cosmetic difference is...a lot. And almost seems unnecessary when my wheels are just fine also. Is $1000 worth spending on something pretty and something you want? Eh, maybe.

[FineExampl]

same here....i've come to the realization that for now i can live with my existing wheels as they only have basic wear&tear. I decided to just get new rubber.

$1k+ is okay if you got it, but it's a hell of alot of cash for something that only looks nice.

I'd personally take that $1k and drop it in the motor, suspension, etc.

[captbp]

I too have been drooling over new wheels (those snazzy take fives with yellow inserts), but...I've decided to clean up all the cosmetic damage done by the former owner first. That includes a new or repaired running board, fenders touched up, front bumper repaired, skid plate (under engine) replaced.

[Lnzbug]

OK, you said you need new tires soon so you are really only spending $532 that you don't need to. Sometimes if you buy in store they give a little off the price. And if you do buy just tires now and decide later to get wheels you have to pay to have them mounted again. Does that help?

[heyou]

My stock wheels are 16"s, the the wheels I want are 17".
My car would look great with them, and it wasn't exactly well cared for for it's first 12,000 miles of life. I'm getting tint done next week and some vinyl work done, but the wheels are really just going to make the car. They are 5-6 pounds heavier than the steelies, which is a bit worrisome. Maybe I can go the retro-steeleis loook instead?

Lnzbug: That helps, I guess I really am only paying 500$ extra. Shipping is free, as well as mounting and balancing, which helps. THey'd come and I'll I'ld have to do would be to jack up the car and put them on.

[Lnzbug]

Then press that button

[GINA]

Stoooop! Now you're making me want to buy some!

[NYBugman]

If you can't click that button then you don't really want to do it.

And yes, I can justify spending 1K on looks.

However, look around for better prices on those wheels. Lots of places give you the wheel hardware for free also.

[heyou]

Looking on VWVortex finds me a ton of 18" and 19" wheels, but I'd prefer 17". I'm following up on a sett of 16"'s with tires, but that was posted back in April. Anyone know of another big car foums I could try? They're all more expensive on Ebay.

[heyou]

Checking on Tirerack, and very simliar wheels and the same tires are $8 more expensive, including shipping. My total is now $970 at Discount Tire, I removed everything I didn't need.

[Deserion]

That's because your conscience is telling you to go for the 18"s.

But seriously, if you're having doubts about buying wheels, then don't. It's better to save the money and be sure, than to spend it and question why. Keep the cash until you're ready.

-Des

[heyou]

Well the 16"s I found on the Vortex are still for sale, for $600 including tires with 90% tread left. I'd have to pay shipping, but do you think I should go for it? The looks I want, in a slightly smaller size. Lighter too, would they perform better than 17"s?

Edit: The tires on these wheels are Falken Ziex tires.

[GINA]

What kinda wheels? Same kind just in 16s?

[Lony]

I think 16s and 17s look too small on a beetle. Think twice. If you buy now its final. 18s look so much better and fill the fenders perfectly. I first bought 7.5x17 rims and after a few years I bought lightweight 18s (oz untraleggera). imho...

[pdoel]

$1,000 for new wheels and tires may seem like a lot. But I think wheels is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to completely change the look of your car. It's amazing how big a difference just a different set of wheels makes.

[Red Rider]

Ime with Lony-Go for the 18's--I bought some 17's a year ago and I am about ready to push the button for some 18 axis decades with staggered look. My wife just told me I better not push the button: That ive been pushing it a lot lately

[bugasm99]

same here, bought 17's and upgraded to 18's within a year.