Guys if you have got a moment what are your thoughts on replica alloys look the part but considerably cheaper like a change once in a while. But just worried with all these cracks and crunches. If you hit a pothole or Kirb. It’s pretty much game over. I would have got it done but I share the car with wifey so in the back of my mind I’m always playing it safe.
Buy cheap and buy twice.............If they’re considerably cheaper then ask yourself why.
As others have said, better to buy used OEM if you’re on a limited budget and can’t stretch to new OEM wheels. If you do buy used, always ask if they’ve been refurbished or had any repairs to remove buckling or cracks in the alloy (I would avoid wheels that have been welded or had buckling removed).
If you’re considering diamond cut alloy wheels (I personally wouldn’t, because of the fragility of the diamond cut lacquered finish, which isn’t really suited to UK winters), then bear in mind that as the refurbishment process for these wheels involves removing a layer of alloy from the wheel on a diamond cutting lathe, they can’t be refurbished more than twice, otherwise the structural integrity could be compromised.
Also, I’d recommend that you only consider wheels from a manufacturer whose wheels are TUV or JWL certified, which is a good indication of a high quality wheel that’s been subjected to extensive stringent quality testing.