I just bought a used 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.2L sedan for my 3 kids to share.

 

This model has steel rims with plastic hub caps. The wheels look fine, and overall the car handles great in this configuration. However, I spotted a CraigsList ad for a set of really nice Impreza 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels from that same period. The guy wanted $200 USD but I offered $150.

 

 

Not only would these rims ad some bling to the car, but based on what I've read alloy wheels tend to be a little more performant compared to steel rims. I've also read that they dissapate heat from the brakes better, so this also helps brake longevity.

 

What's the conventional thinking on steel rims versus alloy rims?

Steel rims will take a dent where alloys will crack (off road)

 

Alloy wheels are lighter for better accel/brake (street)

 

Alloys will leak at the bead more often in cold weather (winter), and are particular about wheel nut torque (re-check after 100 miles)

 

Steels can be more resilient, but uglier. Alloys will make the car look more higher optioned or invested (perceived value)

 

Have both, alloys for summer, and steels for winter tires, swap back and forth.

It's a moot point now. Just heard back from the seller, and the rims were sold this weekend.

 

So that's makes my decision easy: I'll stick with steelies for now, and in a few years I'll restart my quest for some nice 15" OEM Impreza alloys.

 

And if I *really* want these "on the cheap" NOW, I can also spring for the following set of plastic wheel covers on eBay:

 

 

Auction:

 

15" Set of 4 New Hub Caps Full Wheel Covers Rim Cover Wheels Rims Free Shipping | eBay

The slotted 15" wheels from legacy turbo sports sedan and 95 legacy outback are desirable. 15" tires are cheaper and these wheels are known to be durable for rally purposes.

Steel rims will take a dent where alloys will crack (off road)

 

Alloy wheels are lighter for better accel/brake (street)

 

Alloys will leak at the bead more often in cold weather (winter), and are particular about wheel nut torque (re-check after 100 miles)

 

Steels can be more resilient, but uglier. Alloys will make the car look more higher optioned or invested (perceived value)

 

Have both, alloys for summer, and steels for winter tires, swap back and forth.

typically thats true depending on circumstances it might be otherwise, if your mudding and slide sideways in a rut with most of the weight sideways against a rim the steel will bend while the aluminum wheel wont be damaged at all,if you run over a curb at speed the aluminum MIGHT crack,and the steel will bend.