Aftermarket alloys - does it put you off buying?
Discussion
Following on from the thread a few weeks back when some guy was "apoplectic with rage" because his kid had been in a car with non-standard wheels, I was wondering how people 'view' them especially when looking to a buy car that has them fitted. I'm generally talking about proper aftermarket wheels here, and the ones that are usually 1-3 (or more) sizes bigger than the standard factory fit wheels.
Now personally I don't get apoplectic with rage
but I do tend to ignore cars that have them fitted, mainly because in my experience wheels that are the wrong size for the car cause issues with the way it drives and handles, and to a lesser degree the stigma that modded motors = driven like a t
t. I would much rather buy a standard car even though it may have had a harder life than the one for sale with 'silly' wheels, which makes no sense at all, I know!
So how do you feel about aftermarket wheels on cars you're looking to buy? Don't care or just a complete no-no?
Now personally I don't get apoplectic with rage
but I do tend to ignore cars that have them fitted, mainly because in my experience wheels that are the wrong size for the car cause issues with the way it drives and handles, and to a lesser degree the stigma that modded motors = driven like a tt. I would much rather buy a standard car even though it may have had a harder life than the one for sale with 'silly' wheels, which makes no sense at all, I know!So how do you feel about aftermarket wheels on cars you're looking to buy? Don't care or just a complete no-no?
Might aftermarket wheels indicate someone who's at least slightly interested in cars and who might have a bit of understanding on how to look after them? The car is at least something special to them, worth spending money on, whereas to many people a car is "just a car" and they wouldn't dream of spending money on them.
Although, sometimes people who "mod" cars, actually don't really know much about looking after cars besides bolting tat on. When I was younger I knew a number of people who, when cash was limited, would rather spend money on tints/wheels/hifi than tyres/brakes/servicing.
I have never bought a car with aftermarket wheels personally though, so dunno what that says about me. (I've also never bought aftermarket wheels either, and I do mod my cars, just not wheels.)
Although, sometimes people who "mod" cars, actually don't really know much about looking after cars besides bolting tat on. When I was younger I knew a number of people who, when cash was limited, would rather spend money on tints/wheels/hifi than tyres/brakes/servicing.
I have never bought a car with aftermarket wheels personally though, so dunno what that says about me. (I've also never bought aftermarket wheels either, and I do mod my cars, just not wheels.)
I tend to see what tires are on the wheels more than what wheels are on the car. I also find it hilarious that people think aftermarket wheels make any car into a rolling death trap. Cheaper rims on a car that will see track use is a valid concern, on street use, they are perfectly fine unless there is prior damage.
It depends on the car, type & size of the wheel & the cost of the car. If I was to buy a new car with horrible wheels, I would factor the cost of some new wheels into the price I would want to pay for the car. Some aftermarket wheels would actually attract me to a car if they were right for the car. Tyres would be a factor aswell. If they were budgets, I think I would be a little off put that the seller doesnt care about safety or the car & its all down to a £10 a tyre saving.
Depends very much on the wheels (and car in question).
From a BMW point of view, if I see a car I'm interested in a set of rather nice genuine Alpinas or non OE BBS alloys for example, I'd consider that a positive. Budget reps or rubbish from Halfords I'd view with suspicion as it can suggest the kind of owner who'd be willing to cut corners in looking after the car.
From a BMW point of view, if I see a car I'm interested in a set of rather nice genuine Alpinas or non OE BBS alloys for example, I'd consider that a positive. Budget reps or rubbish from Halfords I'd view with suspicion as it can suggest the kind of owner who'd be willing to cut corners in looking after the car.
All that jazz said:
Following on from the thread a few weeks back when some guy was "apoplectic with rage" because his kid had been in a car with non-standard wheels
!! Linky!?Podie said:
Fox- said:
I think it really depends on what it is. A nice set of BBS wheels on an appropriate car is a good thing. Some 18 inch Ripspeeds complete with Nangkang tyres fitted to an otherwise completely standard Mondeo LX not so much.
This. As said, it depends what they are really. I have browsed the classifieds and noticed they often draw my attention with the thought that the car might have been owned by a petrolhead or an enthusiast.
VX220's for example look great with Pro Race wheels or Compomotive wheels, they suit the car and you know only an enthusiast would pay that kind of money for aftermarket wheels.
If I was looking at a car and it had a £300 set of Ripspeeds from Halfords (as was mentioned above) I would immediately walk away as IMO, if someone wanted to change from standard wheels, you could get some great second hand wheels that maybe belong on the car (as said, classic BBS style wheels are a good thing) for the same price as the ste from Halfords.
VX220's for example look great with Pro Race wheels or Compomotive wheels, they suit the car and you know only an enthusiast would pay that kind of money for aftermarket wheels.
If I was looking at a car and it had a £300 set of Ripspeeds from Halfords (as was mentioned above) I would immediately walk away as IMO, if someone wanted to change from standard wheels, you could get some great second hand wheels that maybe belong on the car (as said, classic BBS style wheels are a good thing) for the same price as the s
te from Halfords.My imported Legacy GT has 15" alloy wheels as standard - I have bought a set of gold, 17" WRX alloys, still OEM and lighter than the 15's (that my be the rubber as well?, improved the handling - look loads better too... It does not look like they are "aftermarket" - now the Fujitsubo Legalis R exhaust is another matter!
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