I don't know if the 15" alloys are an option here in the States. I'll have to check that out. I know that the 16's are.
The HB's here ONLY come w/17" alloys, so it wasn't my choice, per-say, but I like them. Just wish they weren't so heavy.

edit: Nope! I just checked. I built two i models, one sport (base) that comes w/15" steelies, and one i touring that comes std w/16" alloys. I don't see a 15" alloy avaialble here, J.

edit2: WOW!! To make matters even worse, I built the i (GS) Touring w/a number of options and accessories (still MTX) and the price jumped from $16,255 to $19,538!!! That's more than I paid for my 2.3L HB!!! Building an s sport with all the same options only cost $365 more!!

Tell me again why the i model is such a great deal??

 

paid 13 for mine...it was on sale so to speak the rest were at reg price.

 

virgin,
I scratched the heck out of my 17" alloys on the right side due to poor parking on a friday night, and again during a freak snow storm where i went sideways into a curb...

with that said.....how would re-finishing the alloys work/look?

Do you have experience in this?

EDIT: here is a very descript discussion of someone dealing with this same issue...

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/realwhda.html

HAPPY DRIVING!

 

It looks like a lot of work, but a good system. I used to buy and use Wurth hardware (thename/symbol on the paint cans)at various shops I had worked at. It was good stuff imported from Germany. Hi quality.

I scraped one of my OE wheels after my 30th HS reunion in a very tight parking garage. I was not happy and always noticed the damage, even though it wasn't that bad. I did file the rough edge off, but left the rest as it was. Had I known about this system, I might've taken some further action.

I'd say, do it!!

 

i wieghed my rims with tires and it wieghs out to 44lbs ...thats a lot? or at least I think so. I am trying to go light weight or just keep it balance I dont want to add any weight that will affect cars performance.

 

Yeah, that seems kinda' heavy to me too.What size are these wheels and tires you are talking about?

My 17" OE's w/the (215/50) Falkens on them weighed in around 38lbs. ea. The Good Year's (205/50 RS-A's) would've been a lb heavier.
The Kosei Racing wheels I'm running now, w/225/45 Kumhos are right around 35 ea.

Theymay not be worth the trouble. You might just try and sell them for whatever you can get , then just get whatyou want. Then you can look for a lighter wheel/tire combination.

 

I have yokohoma tires on those rims... dont know what kind BUT they are worn down real real bad If i was to put them on the car i'd have to change them, which most likely means the wieght will increase, these are 17x8 rims...ive been trying to sell these for a while now lol no one wants to buy rims..no buyers. i guess for now i will ride stock and keep my hub caps clean.

 

I'd saythen that you may be asking more than the market will allow for them.
Have you tired Craig'sList? I sold my Gibson in one day, and got my priceusing it too.

 

well i found me some rims with tires for 400 which are some nice *** rims or at least in my mind only prob is i think they are too wide. 17x8.5 Volk TE-37 in gunmetal, The tire is a Falken Azenis 245/45/ZR17. 8.5 is the width though...too much for the mazda 3?

 

So are 245/45's!! You'd have to do some serious modifications to the fender lips... and that's assuming the offset is even close to correct, which it proably isn't.
Pay close attention to the offset. It is extremely important to handling, steering, braking, safety and premature parts wear. If it isn't at least +45mm, stay away.