I noted that alloys payback for themselves when its time to sell your car. They added 10k to the price of my old Wagon R. Based on current prices, thats about half of their cost.
I did my research some time back. HJust sharing my experience
For 165/80R14 (existing tires)- 4.5" to 5.5" rims
For 175/70R14 -5" to 6" rims
For 185/65 R14- 5" to 6.5" rims
Originally started with looking at the OEM rims. Then I went to Neo on the suggestion of fellow TAIians. Though Neo's designs look good on paper, physically, they dont look that classy. Further, my car is grey colour, so black and red trim alloys dont work. I have to look for silver metallic and hyper-silver finish alloys. Their intricate designs will be difficult to maintain. Further, the Neo vendor was hell-bent on selling me 5.5" rims and was also recommending a tire upgrade to wider tires. I noticed later that he didnt have too many options in 5".
I checked with separate a tire dealer and the buyback offered for my 165/80R14 Bridgestones 1600km old is paltry. In fact, the dealer himself suggested to keep the existing tires for that reason.
Rather than spend almost the full amount for newer wider tires, I decided to retain the existing tires that do ok for daily use. Also, my early running is just under 10000km. So, I will be looking at a tire replacement atleast 2.5 to 4 years down the line by which time I may even consider moving on to a new car. So rather than plan too far down the line, I need to consider current tire and may be one size larger only
Not impressed with what I was getting at Neo, I went back to OEM and then noted that the alloys they had were in two rim width sizes- 5.5" and 5". I really liked the 5" rim, the lower rim in this picture, that is meant of the top end Celerio. Its a bit plain but classy and doesnt have the difficult to maintain intricate designs. In 5.5", I liked the upper design but was not sure that I should put it on the 165 tire and whether there will be issues in cornering. Another advantage of asking the OEM to fit the alloys is that they will only fit company approved sizes and in case of any issues, there is a one point insurance claim. I will obviously buy 5 alloys so I dont need to remove and install tires at rotation and I will also ensure that they are balanced and aligned at the time they are installed even if the A.S.S says it isint required
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...-discussions-show-off-img-20141124-wa0000.jpg
So right now, I have asked the showroom to obtain the 5" alloys without paying any advance. They were most willing to oblige because alloys are fast moving products for them, so if I dont purchase, someone else will. I just want to know whether my decision is correct.
In the meantime, I am also wondering whether to purchase R15 tires and matching alloys instead
Ameyam
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