ASA AR1 or AR2, any experience or opinion?

[sukebe]

I'm looking at wheel options for my Bora. I will be going 18", want a lightweight wheel, am looking in the $800-1200 range, ASA AR1s and AR2s are available from Tirerack for ~US$160/wheel plus delivery (~US$300), so around US$1000 total. They are also 23-24lbs which is quite light.

Does anyone have experience with these wheels?

Does anyone have any ideas of other wheels that fit my specs? Looking for something with a bit of lip, mesh or fairly simple 5 spoke.

[99gti]

I'm looking at wheel options for my Bora. I will be going 18", want a lightweight wheel, am looking in the $800-1200 range, ASA AR1s and AR2s are available from Tirerack for ~US$160/wheel plus delivery (~US$300), so around US$1000 total. They are also 23-24lbs which is quite light.

Does anyone have experience with these wheels?

Does anyone have any ideas of other wheels that fit my specs? Looking for something with a bit of lip, mesh or fairly simple 5 spoke.

You got a picture to refresh our memories?

[sukebe]

This is the AR1:

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=AR18R72SML&wheelMake=ASA&wheelModel=AR1&wheelFinish=Silver+w%2FMachined+Lip&showRear=no&autoMake=Volkswagen&autoModel=Jetta+GLX+VR6&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&filterSize=All&filterFinish=All&filterSpecial=false&filterBrand=All&filterNew=All&sort=Brand

This is the AR2:

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=AR18R72AMF&wheelMake=ASA&wheelModel=AR2&wheelFinish=Machined+w%2FAnthracite+Accent&showRear=no&autoMake=Volkswagen&autoModel=Jetta+GLX+VR6&autoYear=2003&autoModClar=&filterSize=All&filterFinish=All&filterSpecial=false&filterBrand=All&filterNew=All&sort=Brand

And here are some pics on a Jetta (AR2s):

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3268610

17" AR1s on a MK4 Golf:

http://www.adrianblog.com/auto-moto/vw-golf-iv-4-with-asa-ar1-wheels.html

What do you think? I can't decide if I like the mesh look or a bold 5 spoke

[Pullstarter]

As far as I'm aware you shouldn't have any trouble getting ASA rims local? Why go to the US for em?

[sukebe]

As far as I'm aware you shouldn't have any trouble getting ASA rims local? Why go to the US for em?

Price. Including shipping and import duties, they will still be 30-40% cheaper to import. Anyone who buys anything locally is a mug (unless its for Japanese models, not much savings there importing yourself). The only reason to buy parts locally is: 1. for convenience, and 2. for a percieved sense of "after purchase support"/"security" etc. I say percieved as I have been modding cars for years and have never once had a purchase cause me problems.

Just as an example, ContiSport2 tyres (225/40/18 ) can be bought from the USA for $157. ~$300 for shipping, total comes to US$928 or ~$1000. I have been quoted $412/tyre in Melbourne or $1648 for 4. Thats a 40% saving.