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Today I am not very happy. My TL has been vibrating at highway speeds and I assumed the wheels weren't balanced. So today I took her to the shop for them to be balanced. A while later, they called me and told me that three of my wheels are bent. They are estimating atleast $150 to fix each wheel, maybe more. Now, two of the wheels are badly scratched (which I knew when buying) and another shop had quoted me $200 to fix each. Whichever route I take, I see myself spending >$600 and be rideless for several days. My dilemma is, should I just buy aftermarket wheels and throw these out? Is it worth it fixing them? I have grown fond of the waffles and I would like to keep them for now. I have checked online and I can get refinished/replica wheels for < $200. I am trying to decide the best way moneywise but also keeping the TL still looking good.
Buy a set of quality, inexpensive aftermarket wheels like Enkei (can probably get a set around $700-800).
Buy new wheels from Acura ($250/ea?)
Buy used OEM wheels on eBay.
Any of the above and sell your bent ones for bent waffle wheel pricing (maybe $250-300/set).
Replica OEM wheels are sometimes a bit questionable. And heavy as a MF. And you may have trouble putting them over your brakes. One of my replicas fits my brakes so tightly that I can't even get a finger nail in there. So I cannot rotate that wheel to the front. They're just my winter wheels...but still, dammit.
Thank you for giving me all these options. I am surprised to learn that replicas are not always 100% match. I will search for gently used OEMs online but if I can't get I will go with aftermarket.
If it is, since I am a newbie, how does buying from other forum members work? I feel apprehensive sending close to $1000 to a stranger and trusting they will ship the wheels?
If it is, since I am a newbie, how does buying from other forum members work? I feel apprehensive sending close to $1000 to a stranger and trusting they will ship the wheels?
Use paypal goods and services payment. Pay the 3% fee for buyer protection.
If you go somewhere like Discount Tire, they should have a few different wheel options in stock that they could "mock up" on the car for you. You will not have a ton of options but you can determine if they clear the brakes before purchasing and they usually offer pretty good deals on some of these sets of wheels. All in all, you could get a set of four new wheels for $400-600 or so. You can even give them a call before you go in and ask if they have wheels in stock for the vehicle, they can tell you over the phone before you even waste your time driving down. Good luck!
Hey OP just read this thread. I wouldn't go aftermarket reps. I just noticed you inquired about mine. If you are still interested let me know I can probably work with you, and if not that's cool. But by the time you buy wheels and tires you're close to $1000. I have gotten my TL-S up to 110mph and the wheels and tires are smooth as butter. Good luck cause the vibrating can cause other suspension items to fail even when you don't feel the vibrating.
Thank you everyone who gave me advice on my dilemma. After considering all the options and my unique circumstances, I decided to go with brand new replacement wheels. After scouring the Internet and a couple of disappointment (once they got sold out before I ordered, and another time my order was declined after placing siting product was not in stock, yet it still showed it was online), I found wheels at https://www.ebay.com/itm/302029736736 at $133 a wheel! The cost of repairing my OEMs was $150+ and to remove the scratches was $200, so this was a no brainer. I still spent $1000+ (4 wheels, 2 tires, installation, tire protection and alignment).
Apart from them being darker than the OEM, you cannot tell the difference (You can tell the difference by comparing the center cap and the wheel) . I was glad they fitted over the Brembo brakes with space to spare.
Here are some photos.
Here they are after unboxing.
The front wheel. The Brembo cleared without a problem.
03-01-2018, 02:44 PM
Wheels Dilemma
