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[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by SirSpeedy

Only the individual consumer can determine if HRE is worth its cost. Economics and game thoery suggest markets are often irrational as it pertains to value and costs.

This^^^

For a billionaire, it's easily worth the difference. For someone who has to choose between basic living expenses and a $1000 wheel, it's obviously not worth it.

Most of us fall somewhere in between, so choose according to your priorities.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by ben@tirerack

This^^^

For a billionaire, it's easily worth the difference. For someone who has to choose between basic living expenses and a $1000 wheel, it's obviously not worth it.

Most of us fall somewhere in between, so choose according to your priorities.

Whether something is worth a certain dollar amount or not has nothing to do with one's financial resources. The billionaire may not care what a product costs, but that doesn't change the value proposition of the product. The value propositon of a product is how much that product should cost based on what it has to offer realtive to the competition.

Keep in mind, there is no right answer here. I just thought is was a good topic for discussion. I have personally spent thousands upon thousands on wheels/tires over the years. (Most of it from the tirerack!!) My wife's Audi A4 has a set of $189 Moda wheels with her winter tires. On the other end of the spectrum I have owned HRE and BBS too. Honestly, the Moda's look pretty good and have been perfectly sturdy in terms of function and finish. Are they the jaw droppers that my HRE's were? Of course not.

It just seems that in the aftermarket wheel industry there is a HUGE difference in pricing between the premium and non-premium brands. Moreso than with other products, automotive or not. Maybe that's just the way it is. Maybe in order to have premium quality, and full customizability, that is what it costs. That's fine. Like I said, just a topic for discussion.

Would I buy another set of HRE's (or alike)? Absolutely. Not because they are a good value, but because I want what I want and can afford it. The point of the discussion, however, is value.

[Ricfutures]

Clothing industry is a perfect example of this.

Gucci & Prada vs. Banana & A&F

The wheels industry is not exclusive to this type of business model.