Well, I shopped around for the winter wheels and tires. The best deal I could get turned out to be the one at my Mazda dealership, North Hill Mazda.

17" aluminum Mazda wheels and Toyo Garit HT 215/55-17 tires, mounted and balanced, will cost me $1269.95 + GST.

I elected not to get steel wheels, and I just didn't think the extra cost was worth it. I didn't want to buy through the Internet, because I'd have to deal with delivery issues.

I thought I'd pass that on to y'all.

As luck would have it, my appointment's booked for Saturday morning at 9:00, when Calgary's supposed to get 15-20 cm of snow. Just in time!

 

There are no steel wheels in a 17". And if there were they would be chepaer than aluminum.
Regardless, you will be happy with the Garrits. Many people on the forums have them.
Your price is good, actually very good , no wait pretty ****ing good considering that was from a car dealer. The owners usually live in expensive houses.
My car dealer said they would have a winter tire package no problem for me before I bought the car. 5 phone calls later and no go.
I will not chase these ******** for a sale.
One would think that because the 8 needs winter tires, the dealers would already have a package ready to sell you when you buy the car.
Easy sale for them, and they sure like to make money.

 

Hey Fritz, We are just taking a look at what's available. I like the tires, but can you take a picture of what the rims look like, post it or send us an email. Thanks, We have to order soon, so hopefully you get this message soon too. Thanks again.

 

That is a SPECTACULAR price from a dealer - I would expect double!

(are you sure thats 4, not for 2?) :D

Post pics when you get 'em, they may pick up a lot of business!
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doc

 

I wonder if dealer in Toronto has any package similar to that?

 

Okay, I got my new wheels and tires on Saturday. Just in time too, as anyone in Calgary knows.

So the wheels actually are steel, not aluminum. The reason they're so cheap is that they're butt ugly. They're just plain black, with no spokes. They make my 8 look like a ghost car (now, if I can just get a light bar, I'd have the coolest 8 in town!).

I checked with a friend, and he said that getting hubcaps for them would be pretty expensive, so I won't bother.

I'd post pictures, but I don't own a camera. I'll have to see if I can borrow one.

Another interesting thing I noticed is that I now have a pronounced case of front brake squeal. I know there's a TSB on this, but I found it a neat coincidence that it didn't start happening until I got the new wheels.

 

Hey Fritz, I guess you were the other 8 owner with this set on order from North Hill

I just got mine put on today! It was an interesting drive through downtown this morning with my summer tires, but I survived.

The rims definitely look kinda chitty, like spare tires, but I wasn't expecting anything fancy. For the price, a sweet deal, imo.

I can post some pics too.

Sorry to hear that! I'm crossing my fingers that I don't experience the same problem.

 

Well we just ordered our tires for the winter. Sunridge Mazda is offering the 8's a nice package. American Eagle 196 6 spoke mag rims (Gun Metal or Silver) and 235/45/17 Hankook tires, you can substitute the wheels with Toyo Garit for approx $300 more.
Installation and Switchover in the Spring included. 1444.25 + GST. Picture available at

http://www.1010tires.com/wheel.asp?w...wheelmodel=196

 

Fritz and Khtm ... I'd love to see how the the NorthHill steel rims look. Post pics if you can.

I was considering ordering Hankook Icebears with Icon W62 rims from Tiretrends.com (thanks Gord) for around $1300 including shipping and GST

 

I'm still trying to find a camera I can borrow.

And, naturally, I have to be able to wash the car first! Wouldn't want an image of my 8 dirty to be available on the Internet! :-)

 

I just checked out tirerack and they have a package for a bit over $1000.

Has anyone run all season radials and if so what do you think. I live down in the Albany, ny area and won't be doing alot of everyday comutes. I wondering because the back tires at 11,500 are going to need replacing next season.
Peter

 

Here's some pics. Sorry for the lack of quality - I'm not much of a photographer and I took 'em in a rush to get to 10% off at Safeway

oops! :o


Actually, after having the tires for a couple days, I've grown to like them. They make the car look sort of angry.

-khtm

 

Well , got our Winter Rims / Tires installed today. I like the look. Looks a bit mean. It will be good for Winter...
Rims / Eagle 196 Gun Metal
Tires Hankook W300/Ice Bear 235/45R/17 97V (We need more Ice than snow in Calgary).

 

How much are the steel wheels? Who makes them?

 

Those aren't bad at all! They're certainly better looking than the basic wheels I have.

 

I agree! How much did they run ya for?

 

Looks like 1444.25 + GST...at least that's what he said at the beginning of the thread.

 

Duh....I've gotta learn to read before I ask questions

 

Buddman .. those rims look good! I wonder what the aluminum ones I'm getting from NorthHill are going to look like exactly. Ha ha .. getting Hankooks on my blue 8 as well.

 

Well BlueFrenzy... post some pictures when you get it done. Like to see it.

 

I bought the same wheels last year through my dealer. They have changed them slightly - I like the new look. I got the Eagle 196 wheels, Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 tires in 225/50r/17s (I wanted LM-22s but they weren't available) The package worked great last winter. I paid $1495 (pre-tax) but rolled the cost into my lease payment.

Good luck with the snow! I'm hoping not to see any in Toronto for a few weeks.

Steve

 

hey guys

Just got my winter tires installed this morning. I bought the tires separately from rims but had the NorthHill guys install it.

Hankook Icebears W300 225/55-17 (they didn't have 215's)
Core Racing 17" rims (I don't know the exact model ... anybody know what they are?)

The total came out to be ~$1300. I kinda like these rims (if they were 18" I would go as far to say that they're better than the stock ones!).

Oh also FINALLY got the M flash, and it does feel more powerful.

Here are some pics.

Grrr ... what makes me angry is stupid SUV drivers who "zoom" past you, cut in front and fling rocks at you just to get to the stop light 1 second early. Anyhoo, this jerk flung a rock that made a huge noise. When I got to the dealership, I check my right rear door and there was a nice dent (what are the chances). Lucky no paint damage. OH I'm so getting the 3M clear bra!!

 

Why didn't you just buy a beater for the price of your tires? Save the RX-8 for the nice clear winter days? Just a thought............I'm going to like driving knowing my 8 is the nice warm garage. :D

 

I can't speak for Blue Frenzy but now that I'm 40, I don't want to drive a beater. If it means I have to get my car painted in a couple of years, so be it.

 

Heck ... I'm 26 and I don't want to drive a beater either. With the clear bra, oil filter/front air dam guards, etc .. I don't think any rocks are going to be hurting me that much. Besides, I have no space left on my driveway/road to park and I'd rather not pay extra insurance on a car that might not be that safe to drive in the first place.