Situation:
new Mini Cooper S that is begging for some wheels, and I want to order from a reputable company. I go on to Tire Rack web site, and the wheels I like the most (Volk TE37) say that there are less than X remaining. I am OK with that, but I want to look at different size, offset, or maybe even bolt patterns to piece something together.

Now this is where I get pissed. YOU CANT DO THAT! you have to specify a make and model to see whats in-stock? Please someone tell me I'm wrong, cause I am not going to sit on their website and enter different makes/models all day.

 

Call Alex at Tire Rack. I'm sure he'd be glad to give you the information.
Extension 294.

 

All you have to do when you FIRST go to their website is put in your car type, then do a search for wheels and it will pull up all available wheels for your make/model. Have you tried that?

 

Yes, and that is exactly what has me so pissed. Obviously there are recommended sizes, offsets, etc. but there are ways to fit wheels other than what they are recommending.

Example: If I could find some in a +50 offset and 5x114.3 bolt pattern, I could get some hub adapters, and run them.

When they send out vendor price guides; they list every available size/offset, and its corresponding price, but they cant offer something similar to the general public on their website?

 

The "general public" is an idiot when it comes to wheels, and giving the "general public" the ability to order wheels with different offsets than what would typically work on the car they want to put them on would result in a mass chaos of returned wheels because the "general public" doesn't know how to interpret the info. It would clearly cause far more problems than it would solve...

Now that you hopefully understand, instead of being [angry] about why they don't make that info available on the web that would only be suitable for a small handful of buyers, why don't you just call them up, let them know what you are looking for, and have them come up with some options for you? That's why they have live people there to assist. Sheesh...

 

It would be an exceptional idea to have a chart with offsets that fit the car and ones that dont. For the ones that can fit with say, the use of spacers, could be annotated and what size spacer that would be required for that offset. They could include if its bbk safe too. I could probably go on.

All this on a simple easy to read excel spreadsheet. THAT would be awesome and would solve the numerous wheel threads on here, and help the people without the info learn at the same time. Everyone wins!!

Who can i pitch my idea to? I'm ready to get PAID!!!

 

Amen

 

Try a search under a pre-2002 Civic or pre-2005 Miata, many 90's Acura Integras and Mitsubishi Lancer/Mirage also have a 56.1 center bore and 4x100 bolt pattern. The easiest way is to check with Volk's website then pick the specs you want and then call Tire Rack for exact spec wheels you want. Fitment will not be guaranteed though and you might be stuck with some wheels that do not fit, if the specs you chose are not correct.


I think what others were pointing out is that the "general public" (non-car enthusiasts types) would not know details such as ET, bolt pattern, center bore, backspacing (or if they even fit) which is common terms to those on enthusiast forums and the experienced "car guy", and the Tire Rack website is actually a service to the "general public" (like my grandmother) which probably make-up the majority of Tire Racks sales. But I know what you mean, it is a challenge finding certain wheel set-ups. Maybe they should have an option to search their inventory with a disclaimer that has to be clicked on to agree, stating if you choose this feature-"All Sales Are Final" and "Tire Rack Assume No Legal Responsibility", "You Refrain Your Right To Litigation", or something like that. And then another disclaimer that has to be clicked on to in order to purchase, stating, "You Are On Your Own Buddy" Because things like this could be seen as a safety, legal and financial liability for Tire Racks' bean counters and legal eagles.

 

Everyone settle down and knock it off.

And just a reminder:

Off-topic posts removed, and hands slapped where appropriate

Rather than arguing about what Tire Rack would do in a happy fuzzy perfect world, let's help the OP find what he's looking for. I agree with the recommendation to call or email Alex. He is extremely knowledgeable and a fantastic resource.

 

More than willing to help, just shoot me an email with your interest, or a phone call and I can see what I cam come up with for you.

Alex