When I ordered my RX-8, polished wheels (18") weren't listed as an option, and they still aren't listed on Mazda's web site. Mazda says it's too late to have them port-installed. Now that I know they're available, I would like to have them for my summer tires, putting Blizzaks on the standard rims. I can buy four polished wheels from the dealer for $500 each (ouch!) and have the tires switched around, but I wish there were an easier way. Any ideas out there?

If you didn't need two sets of rims have the stock ones polished. I just posted this suggestion/question in another thread also.

If having our rims polished isn't an option someone please tell me why.

Pardon the noobie question, but is like having them chromed? How does the polished look compared to the chromed look? How does the cost compare? Can they be polished in a day if you leave the car at the shop?

For polishing they strip off the painted finish and then actually "polish" the wheel then clearcoat it for protection. Chromed is a procedure where the wheel would be dipped in liguid to "chrome" it. Excuse me for not recalling the exact process but that is the basics. I was quoted $150 ea. for my 97, Z28 16" rims. It takes 2-3 days to get them polished and you will need a set of loaner rims or another car to drive.
I guess with the knowledge and tools you could do it yourself.

I like the polished look better it doesn't shine as bling bling as the chrome.

(From the internet) Explanation: Q. What does finish mean?

A. Finish refers to the type of surface treatment a wheel is given. Machined or polished finishes are popular on aluminum wheels. " Machined" is what the wheel looks like after the last shaping procedure (usually a lathe cut) has been completed. An additional step involves passing the wheel through successively finer automated and hand polishing processes. This, of course, results in the polished finish. A chrome finish is also available on aluminum wheels, but requires three additional layers of metal treatment (copper, nickel and chrome) to be achieved. Chrome finishing can significantly increase the price of the aluminum wheel. That's where steel wheels have an advantage; chrome goes on in one simple, inexpensive step. Finally, paint goes on everything and can be applied in single or multiple color schemes. Often the powder coating process is used to apply paint, resulting in a heavy, durable finish. In today's market, wheel manufacturers combine finish methods in different ways. For example, the popular tuner type designs often feature a silver center and a machined or polished lip. The last step in many styles is to seal the wheel with a clear coat of plastic, making the wheel much easier to maintain.

Originally posted by TJRX8
I like the polished look better it doesn't shine as bling bling as the chrome. Ditto. A polished finish won't peel or crack as electroplated chrome is wont to do after a few years. And you're not adding more metal (and thus more weight) to the wheels.