IamFodi

iTrader: (1)

I saw some at 1010tires.com a month or two ago, but now they're gone! Tire Rack, Discount Tire Direct, and Treadepot don't carry them.

Anyone know another place that sells them?

speed7

I see a bunch of 17's on tirerack. Are you looking for a particular style or just cheap? The same tires I bought for the ex-wife's car in Boston costs 2x's the price of the wheels I'd use.


17x8 MSW Type 14 Silver Painted $112 a piece with 225/50R17 XL Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 @ $179 each.

They also have a 7.5" rim for a few $ less.

IamFodi

iTrader: (1)

Mostly looking for cheap.

Also, I've seen steelies in 17x6.5, which would be more sensible than 7.5" for the 205-section winter tires I plan to run.

speed7

Jump on these:
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-s...sw-wis-254502/

speed7

Or even these and stick some winter tread on them.
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-parts-s...s-tpms-253134/

Loki

iTrader: (1)

I got mine at Costco 3-4 years ago. Could be worth a shot?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Check other Mazda forums as well, for Mazda3, 5, 6, CX5, CX7, or CX9 17" wheels. Gauranteed perfect fitment, most look similar to our stockers, and usually really cheap to get used

IamFodi

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the links, guys.

I really want to buy new. If I search Tire Rack for those other applications, will they give me something I can use?

speed7

I just selected "winter" on tirerack.. and that brought up a bunch of stuff. The only word of caution I can say on the 17" wheels is the wheel weights sometimes might not clear the brake calipers. I had to have my wheels rebalanced from TR just to have them moved out of the barrel to the lips of the wheels. Not a big deal but not a bolt on option.

If you go with 18's you should be ok. They will mount and balance them for you.. and you just put them on. Easy peasy. I'm selling my stock R3 wheels atm.. I'd sell them to you.. however I know that they are not cheap.. plus no tires. So not what you're looking for. =)

IamFodi

iTrader: (1)

Thought I'd offer an update.

I asked someone at TireRack for some help. He made what I think is a good point: Yes, steelies are stronger than cheap alloy rims -- but if you take a hit that bends your cheap alloy rim, at least the rim absorbed the impact and not your suspension!

I ended up buying the cheapest non-hideous non-heavy alloys I could find on TireRack. More expensive than steelies, but I ended up saving enough money on the tires (Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3) to make up for it. No issues all winter, for what that's worth!