Cheap vs Expensive alloys???

[Golf VR6]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what are the pros and cons of getting cheaper alloys vs more expensive ones?  I was set to get these Kato's:
http://www.potn.co.uk/c1_7904_7908_p1020705.htm but after visiting an alloy shop today, the guy offered me a different set which i liked for much cheaper at £620 with Toyo Proxes, but these were the shops own brand alloys.  I'm bit skeptical on the quality of 'em, he stated that he'll guarantee the wheels but not the lacquer which will come off on 'any' wheel regardless.  What do you think, should i just go for the cheaper ones or for the more expensive alternatives?

[lewis1641]

hi generally more expensive wheels are either lighter or stronger than cheap ones. really expensive wheels are lighter and stronger!  there are obviously other factors which affect the price such as paint finish and the shop you buy from! do POTN do the other wheels you have looked at?  if i have read everything correctly there is a price difference of £70 which i would say puts the wheels id the same ball park really. in this instance i doubt the more expensive ones are going to be loads better.

one thing i noticed with the more expensive oned is they have a stainless steel lip. on some wheels these are removeable, meaning if you kerb a wheel you buy a new lip rather than needing the wheel to be refurbed. better check that thoiugh as i may be wrong in this case.

they are nice looking wheels!

hope thats some help

[lewis1641]

sorry, just noticed its an extra 65 or 95 quid to upgrade to toyo tyres so thats min 130 quid cheaper at the other shop.

[Golf VR6]

Thanks for your reply, i did abit of research and yes you are right, there are certain wheels that has the changeable stainless steel lip, the Kato wheel that i posted from potn has this feature.  I've decided to order the Kato's, with Toyo's and delivery it came out to £779, a difference of £159 to the cheaper alternatives.  Think that settles it, now at least i know its from a reputable alloy manufacturer rather than a shops own brew.

[lewis1641]

nice one. they are gonna look great on your car!

might be worth getting hold of a set of spare lips before they become unavailable!

[TweedieGTi]

The difference is normally to do with the Alloy/Steel Mixture!!!

More alloy, lighter weight, More Expensive

More Steel, Heavier Weight, Less Expensive

I normally look to spend about £600 - £800 thats about mid range good decent alloys!!!