What's wrong with these wheels?

So, I'm kind of an ebay junky - though not an uneducated one. I realize half the deals out there are too good to be true (like the uncut key deals - thanks, guys). Nevertheless, there are some good deals out there to be found. I keep eying these wheels: (Hmm... apparently, I'm not "seasoned" enough to be allowed to post URL's, so I can't post a direct link. However, if you do a search on ebay for item #320099746292, you'll see what I mean) I like the looks, and even with the steep $250 shipping charge they look like a good deal - too good to be true? Whaddya thinks wrong with them? Maybe they way 75 lbs apiece.. Still, their feedback is pretty good.... - Nick

Somone who knows far more about than me can answer more intelligently, but from what I have read on here knock off wheels may "look" fine. However, they generally do not have the right offsets, and made of poor quality materials, etc.

First these wheels are "forged design", which means they are not forged. They are simply designed to look like forged wheels. This is very important because it's a significant manufacturing difference. Second, I would suspect the two-piece look is cosmetic only and not a true two or three piece design. It's also questionable whether these wheels are hub centric or not. If they are not, it may show up as imporper tread wear, a shimmy in the wheel at speeds or a set of wheels which mysteriously could not be balanced. Having said all this, a number of people purchase and use these wheels without issue so it's not to say that they're all bad. These comments are just generalizations of some cheaper aftermarket wheels.

Inferior Materials Inferior Production Inferior Design Very heavy ....shall I continue?

I double that, especially the very heavy! You've a sports car. If you want to add weight, then put some sandbags in the trunk, it's safer than fake wheels.

Now that's funny.....

OK, I may take alot of flack on this but I bought a pair of these wheels last fall. Paid only $595 plus $195 shipping, so a total of $790. The wheels are only 2-3 lbs heavier than my OEM turbo style wheels. The offsets work fine with my NB. They are only one piece wheels, the bolts are cosmetic only. I think they look great and get many compliments on how great they look. No problems so far. So if you don't want to or can't afford to pay $3,000+ for a set of wheels they are really not bad. However, you can also pick up a pair of OEM 5 stars on ebay usually for less than $2,00, but it is a totally different look. OK Dell, you can let me have it now.

Naw....I've totally backed down in recent time. But I will say that it is awesome to hear a success story with a suspect wheel. As long as it is a fine daily driver wheel then good. But I would never subject it to high speed stressors, etc.

Let see pics on your car!

i need to see it first... but ebay quality sometimes is a shot in the dark... and there's NO REFUND.....

Thanks guys - appreciate the info... I realize "caveat emptor" was never more true than on ebay - that's why I was asking here. Someone mentioned forged vs. forged design, which I can understand. Also one piece vs. 2 or 3 piece - what's the real advantage of 2 or 3 piece wheels for street use? What does "hub centric" mean with respect to wheels? It would seem like they're all centered around the hub, I would hope What's considered a reasonable weight for a front or rear wheel? Lastly, how does one go about judging the quality of a wheel and buying a decent set? Obviousely, I'd like to buy a new set for my C4, but don't know enough to know what's "good" and what's a ripoff, and I certainly don't want to put junk on such a nice car. - Nick

Stick with the name brands or OEM.....BBS, Kinesis, HRE, Champion, Fikse, Work, these are some pretty good wheels and you cannot go wrong with these brands....some are more pricey than others. OEM wheels are usually very good quality and they come in a variety of styles....hard to go wrong with them....

Nick - I don't know what type of wheel you have in mind, but check out Wheel Enhancement (link below). They have a good selection of both OEM and aftermarket wheels. Many times you can get some used OEM "take offs" (Porsche OEM wheels). Don't confuse "take offs" with "knock offs." "Knock offs" are lower quality copies of OEM wheels and usually weigh more than the OEM wheels. http://www.wheelenhancement.com/

I have these exact wheels, except with black centers. Look for posts by me. I laugh in the face of those that say they are bad. I laugh all the way to the bank with thousands in savings and no downside. Ha!

Thanks all for the info/input.. I took a look at the wheel enhancement's site - the look I'm going for is along the lines of the OEM "sport classic II," in an 18" size. I'll keep looking around and reading here and other places until I find what I'm looking for.. - Nick

Nick, I am not a cheap sun of a gun but when it comes to wheels for a STREET DRIVEN ONLY vehicle I cannot find any good reason to THROW money away on something unnecessary. IF you buy wheels from a repitable person or company that imports DOT approved wheels you have nothing to worry about for the STREET! and I enphasize for THE STREET! I would never race on something like these. I just bought a set of these on eBay... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsc...QQcmdZViewItem this guy has been involved with Porsche for many years and now runs a little business importing things like these wheels. They are hub-centric, one piece, a bit heavy, machined surfaces, correct lug taper, correct offset and look great (I think). He has many sets of these wheels on the road with great susccess. You simply cannot compare spending this kind of money for street wheels to spending $10,000 for a set of wheels that you would put high speed laps on. I have been racing for 30 years and I have had at least 4 race spec high dollar wheels break. Everything has a life cycle when racing and some of the same guys that are busting your chops here probably never change their high dollar race wheels once they purchase them. That essencially puts them at risk just like you or I if we run a class B wheel on the track. Save your money and get the wheel you like, just do your homework and make sure they are DOT approved. My .02 worth - eric

I am with you bern, but damn, those are expensive knockoffs! The ones I bought can be had in 19"'s for less than $1K before tires. I am sure you can get 19" tires for less that $1500...