Same here, but that was over the summer and I'm in Wash D.C. So it was easier to find a MTC seller in this populated area. $500 for steelies with tpms, newish tires and lug nuts. I even gave my sister the tires for her CR-V.
I would say this depends on various factors, starting with budget. From there, what are you trying to accomplish with looks/styling? Are you ok with used wheels? If you use Craigslist or Marketplace, you may find something (somewhat) locally. Your town isn’t huge, but if you don’t mind a drive, I would expect to find something around the Cities. Not much to be found up north by the Twin Ports. Otherwise, you can order online via sites like Discount Tire or Tire Rack that have vehicle configurators, and have something shipped. If you are comfortable with looking up and comparing wheel specs, you could buy elsewhere too and piece together your own solution. I bought alloys off eBay based on specs, price, and looks. I also added TPMS sensors separately, though my new ones are not working(!)). You will likely need new lug nuts too, particularly if going aftermarket.
Check out the postings on THIS FORUM. A lot of owners have replaced their steel wheels. You can probably find a set with minimal mileage on them. Good luck.
Not true. They corrode only trivially, and are very easy to clean up again with a wire brush and a paint can. Aluminum on the other hand, is virtually always a writeoff. The cause is that the clorine in the salt liquid on the road eats aluminum way faster than iron. Try somehow cleaning up aluminum rims and you'll be throwing them away.
I've seen many steel wheels with rusted beads that would not hold air. Grinding and painting the beads to try to save a scarce wheel usually doesn't work either.
Yup, the liquid tends to collect in the bead area, causing corrosion. That's why tire installers put a swab of liquid rubber goop on the bead to fill in any small leaks.
