A good deal?

[Payback45]

Just a quick question. I am looking at some Rota Tarmacs II this guy is selling for $500 Shipped. They have minor curb rash and will come with no tires because the tires he has have camber wear. I have asked that the tires be removed for that reason and he has agreed to sell just the rims. I just need to know if that is a good deal. They are 17x5, 5x100.

[SilentRacer]

The general price they go for is 400-600. So thats the average price.

[impreza_GC8]

I think you could get better wheels than Rotas for $500, but hey if you really want them go for it.

[Huffer]

Brand new the Tarmac II's are around $650 sans tires, not shipped. If you're getting wheels in decent condition with tires for $500 to your door that's a good deal.

I think $500 for wheels no tires with curb rash is a bit much. $450 feels better to me.

[Payback45]

I asked about the age of the rims and he says they are 4-5 years old. With out the tires he said it would be 400 but he said he would cover shipping and having the tires removed from the rims plus paypals fee.

What rims do you consider better than rotas for around 500?

[SilentRacer]

....stock subaru wheels

enkei cdr-9

[impreza_GC8]

First let me say that I'm not a fan of Rotas at all.
But:
I got five 17x7 O.Z. Superlegeras for $375, with tires but totally thrashed.
I got four 16x7 gold RS 5-spokes WITH S-03 Pole Position tires for $350.
Sure the 5-spokes are "stock subaru wheels" but they are a lighter and stronger wheel than any Rota.

I see 5Zigen FN-01RCs with tires go for $400-$600 routinely. Those are super light and super strong and aren't knockoffs. They will hold their value (not to mention their round shape) for much longer than a Rota wheel.

These are $600 with tires:
http://www.rs25.com/forums/vbclassified ... ad&id=2164 (http://www.rs25.com/forums/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=2164)

You can get V7 JDM WRX wheels for high $500's.

Those JDM Legacy rims are around $500.

Yeah both of those are "stock Subaru wheels" but again I'd rather have those over Rotas.

You asked if those are a good deal. I'm just giving my opinion. Don't get your panties twisted.

[Huffer]

Basically, you have to be patient to hold out for good deals.

But if you *really* want a certain type of wheel (I for one am very partial to Rota Torques in gunmetal) then you have to decide what you're willing to pay.

impreza_GC8 is very likely to pay *top* dollar for a nice gold set of RS 5-spoke 16x7s, whereas I will buy one of the original sets ever released in the USA for $200 and paint them gunmetal. He hates me for that. :D

[kyle86na]

If you are going to go 17x7.5 hold out for a nice set of BBS wheels...

They run a little higher due to demand, but I bought a set locally with one wheel that needs to be pulled a little for 400 :)

I was looking for RS wheels, untill I found these, good Potenzas too.

[Payback45]

I was just asking a simple question so dont get your panties in a bunch.

Thanks for the input. I will consider it all when I make a decision.

[rougeben83]

If you are going to go 17x7.5 hold out for a nice set of BBS wheels...

They run a little higher due to demand, but I bought a set locally with one wheel that needs to be pulled a little for 400 :)

I was looking for RS wheels, untill I found these, good Potenzas too.

A "little" higher? By BBS, I'm assuming the the STi BBS wheels? A good set costs DOUBLE what a set of Rotas usually runs. You got yours cheap because of the damaged wheel; a set goes down significantly in price when one of them is structurally damaged, because its hard to find a replacement (most people don't want to repair damaged rims). Furthermore, some wheel shops will not work on forged wheels. These are the same reasons why I got a set of Team Dynamic 17" Monza's for $200.

And for you guys comparing a 16" RS wheel to a 17" Rota...both weigh about the same btw, speaking from personal experience. The RS 5 and 6 spokes aren't as "light" as some of you would like to believe, they're around 17lbs. A light 16" wheel would be in the sub 15-16lb category.

Also, 17" Legacy GT 5 spoke wheels have a rep in LGT.com for bending AND you're dealing with a 7" width rim when most Rotas are 7.5" width.

I'm completely comfortable with using Rotas, they look good, priced right, and do what they're supposed to. I've run a couple of their wheels in autox, and know a bunch of local guys that use them in more demanding forms of motorsports.

So in terms of performance, Rotas are completely fine. If the OP wants a different set for aesthetic reasons, then that's another story. $500 is about average for bare Rota II's. They cost a little more than some other Rotas because they fit over Brembo's .

[impreza_GC8]

And for you guys comparing a 16" RS wheel to a 17" Rota...both weigh about the same btw, speaking from personal experience. The RS 5 and 6 spokes aren't as "light" as some of you would like to believe, they're around 17lbs. A light 16" wheel would be in the sub 15-16lb category.
RS 5 and 6-spokes weigh 16 pounds. Speaking from "personal experience."


Also, 17" Legacy GT 5 spoke wheels have a rep in LGT.com for bending AND you're dealing with a 7" width rim when most Rotas are 7.5" width.
I agree with this statement.

[rougeben83]

Theyre a little over 16lbs; they're not heavy but the weight of the rims is not one of the main selling points of the RS wheel. People are still comparing a 16" wheel to a 17" one; if he wants the look of 17" wheels then it's not really a point of comparison as you can get even lighter 16" wheels on the used market for around the price of his Tarmacs.