I have a wheel dilemma.
I have a 2002 G20 Sport with the six spoke alloys wheels. They are kinda beat up and at least one doesn't balance perfectly. Currently, I have some Firestone tires that will need replacement by the fall. At that time I want to get some Michelins.
Here's the dilemma: I don't want to put the new tires on those wheels. They don't look good, they need straightening, and they need refinishing.
I live in the NYC area and drive daily on some rather challenging roads (lots of potholes, bumps, dips, craters...). I understand that the G20 sport wheels are notoriously soft and deform easily so I am reluctant to do anything to the existing wheels. That leaves me with purchasing new wheels which I don't really have the budget for.
Options:
1. Purchase a set of Sentra 16" seven spoke replicas from one of the companies selling on eBay. They range from $360 to $600 for a set.
2. Purchase a set of 16" steelies. I am sure some of you cringe, but previously had a car with steelies and never had an problems with deformed, cracked, out of round wheels. If the hubcap got damaged, I would just replace for a small fraction of what an alloy wheel costs.
3. Move down to 15" wheels. These would b less expensive and lower the cost of the tires. I am also wondering if the larger profile would give me a better ride and reduce the chance of bending a rim on these terrible NY roads.
Any and all advice welcome.
Also, I find that my current wheel/tire combination is very loud. I am hoping that will go away with new tires. Any thoughts? Any suggestions on quiet tires. I can't stand the hum coming from the current tires at 65 mph.
TIA,
Marc
I have a 2002 G20 Sport with the six spoke alloys wheels. They are kinda beat up and at least one doesn't balance perfectly. Currently, I have some Firestone tires that will need replacement by the fall. At that time I want to get some Michelins.
Here's the dilemma: I don't want to put the new tires on those wheels. They don't look good, they need straightening, and they need refinishing.
I live in the NYC area and drive daily on some rather challenging roads (lots of potholes, bumps, dips, craters...). I understand that the G20 sport wheels are notoriously soft and deform easily so I am reluctant to do anything to the existing wheels. That leaves me with purchasing new wheels which I don't really have the budget for.
Options:
1. Purchase a set of Sentra 16" seven spoke replicas from one of the companies selling on eBay. They range from $360 to $600 for a set.
2. Purchase a set of 16" steelies. I am sure some of you cringe, but previously had a car with steelies and never had an problems with deformed, cracked, out of round wheels. If the hubcap got damaged, I would just replace for a small fraction of what an alloy wheel costs.
3. Move down to 15" wheels. These would b less expensive and lower the cost of the tires. I am also wondering if the larger profile would give me a better ride and reduce the chance of bending a rim on these terrible NY roads.
Any and all advice welcome.
Also, I find that my current wheel/tire combination is very loud. I am hoping that will go away with new tires. Any thoughts? Any suggestions on quiet tires. I can't stand the hum coming from the current tires at 65 mph.
TIA,
Marc
