I got an 08 Impreza outback sport for cheap (about $3000) because it had a disagreement with a pothole. I've gotten the major repairs done but one of the rims is toast. So... I've called the junk yard and even if they could find me one it'd be $250. On craigslist i found this:

 

http://corvallis.craigslist.org/pts/3536699203.html

 

I dont like the rims but I'm not picky either. My hold up is the fact that the sidewall is 40... 80% of the time my girlfriend will be driving the car in town, but living in oregon and california camping and some gravel roads are driven on for sure. Would i regret going with this setup?

 

My other option is a set of subaru rims for $175 (also on craigslist and they're spray painted black?!?) and then having to buy new tires that run $150 each give or take.

 

Any opinions?

Used is the way to go. $150. for a set of alloys isn't terrible, but you can probably get a set of steels for around $50. off craigslist or a junkyard.

 

5x100 bolt pattern isn't that rare. Shared on Chryslers (Cirrus, sebring,Neon etc.) and cavaliers and such. You can usually find a matched set in a junkyard on the cheap.

 

Tires - used can be the way to go. You can buy new for around $100-$150 per tire or if you shop around on craigslist and such you can generally find almost new for $100-$300 for a whole set.

 

For light off roading, just know your clearances and don't do anything silly. A lift is often a good idea for any real off roading, but a stock Impreza will do fine of dirt roads and such.

And the rims in that ad are simply horrible.

 

There's probably some good options in the classifieds section.

You might try http://www.autoadventure.net/ located in Portland. They have lots of wheel rims available for the Impreza. Doesn't need to be for the '08; most years of Impreza rims will fit your car. You don't need to go with 17" rims, WRX rims (16x6-1/2) are readily available on nasioc all the time, often complete with tires. Besides those chrome rims are UGLY!