Buying rims/tires online, should it be done?
 

I'm still on my stock rims / tires, but having just moved to a state that actually had winter conditions / snow, I imagine I need to swap them out for winter tires/rims?

Should I just buy 4 rims / tires, and swap them before/after winter season? And if so, can both rims and tires be purchased online at a reasonable cost?

Any recommended rims / tires? I've literally never purchased rims or tires before.

The answer to your first three questions is yes.

If you don't care about looks get some steel rims with a decent winter tire like a Blizzak or Michelin X-ice.

Tirerack will ship them to your door already mounted.

You can look for used 16 or 17 inch wheels and save money. You can also buy used winter tires already mounted if you search your local craigslist as well.

You didn't say which State but if it is one with a pile of snow or regular freeze thaw days I would stick to a set of plain steel rims. Spoke rims may look nicer but you will soon get sick of kicking frozen slush out of them.
Also if lots of snow stay right away from "performance" winter tires. They do neither thing well enough to use the two words together.
You may even want to invest in some mudflaps. The stock ones work well.

A set of steel rims with General Altimax Arctic tires (cheapest, and decent reviews), with the sensors, comes out to $1021 ($1162 after shipping), seems... like a lot.

Yeah I'm fine with steel rims and basic winter tires. Just trying to figure out the best way/place to get both. Tirerack looks to be about $1100 for a full set. Seems like a lot but then again I have nothing to compare it to...

You don't need the TPMS. Just ignore the warning light so that will help bring the cost down.

Winter tires that keep you on the road are much cheaper than going off the road and writing off your car. Also, you should get at least three winters out of a set of tires depending on how much you drive.

Yep I skipped the sensors. Don't even notice the light after 2 days. Mind you when I put the summers back on and the light goes out I think something is wrong for two days as well.

You must be going with expensive tires. 4 Generals are 477.80 and 4 steel wheels are 280 for a total of 757.80

The General Altimax are amazing and blizzaks are getting overrated and crazy expensive.

Buying online is hit or miss. I'll check out local tire shops get quotes. Somethings you get a better deal sometimes not.
Just don't think that all online prices are the best deal. Like others said you may just find a good deal on local Craigslist ads.

I'm looking into the same thing right now. Where did you get that pricing and was that mounted as well? Do steelies still need a hub centric ring?

tirerack.com. Tire rack will give you whatever you need. Not sure if it includes mounting or not.

You can get some stock steelies off a forester for cheap and then get some nice snow tires. Easy. You should do it if this is your only vehicle.

Kicking the snow out of the wheels isn't too bad if you get a simple set, plus a stock set of alloy wheels will be hubcentric unlike steelies (that being said, I actually like the look of steelies. lol)

I originally ran the stock wheels with Blizzaks WS80s, but clearing snow out of those was a huge PITA. This past winter I bought a used set of WRX 16" alloys off a buddy for $200 (this sort of deal can be found all over craigslist). I would suggest going that route, and then order tires off of TireRack. I'm a huge fan of the WS80s, but the Altimax are a good option too if you're trying to save a little.

Here's what it can look like with some WRX wheels and a little paint.

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-...48481311_o.jpg

I'd definitely recommend going with a 16" wheel either way, because not only will tires be cheaper but you can run a narrower 205/55/16 (which will drive better through snow).