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I'm in a bit of a dilemma at this point in time....

I've got a 2001 Acura EL since April 2000, which has the stock 15" multi-spoke rims and 185/65/R15 Firestone rubber... I have more than enough tread to probably last me another 3 years! Why? Because I don't drive too hard, it's an autotragic (cannot burnout), and I mount black steelies + winter rubber from October - April...

But.... the rubber is starting to crack and I don't feel safe with them anymore...

Here's the criteria:
- Stock rubber is 'sticky' enough for me for spring/summer/fall. Yes, they really really suck. In any sort of snow, I'm dead. In rain, it slips a bit, but I drive slow.

Should I:
1) Buy nice new rubber, that's better than stock OEM rubber, and mount on my existing rims (I'm guessing ~$100/tire for brand new, mounted, balanced, and nice brand.) === ~$400

2) Buy a USED set of 04/05 EL rims (or 04/05 SI/SIR) rims + used rubber (guessing 70-80% remaining tread) and go with those.... I'm guessing ~$500-700. I'd like the 04/05 EL rims, not super crazy about the SIs, but would not mind them.

If 2), I would hold onto my EL rims and definitely not sell them; if super cheap, I'd swap the rubber from used set of rims to mine, but I know that's about $20/tire, and it damages the rubber.....

Thoughts?

04/05 EL/SI rims come OEM with 195/60/R15 Bridgestone Potenza ELxx or something like that.... I've driven on them before, and they're better than my bald Firestones......

Fat rims with big lips don't go well without a drop, and I'm not willing to drop.... Be it car height, or the cash to do so

 
Rep Power: 369

Hey Fuzzy, long time. Might I suggest buying a set of new rubber and fitting to your existing rims? The stock EL rims are pretty cool-looking already, no need to change out unless you really want a new look. If you need a link on tires, let me know.

 
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I'd take the used '05s, they are polished and look better than the older models. Besides, they sell for around the $450-$500 range with 90% tread. And the stock rubber is still pretty decent considering the fact that you're practically getting the tires or rims for free.