WARNING - scrap Vantage S wheel being sold on eBay

[BravoV8V]

Just a warning if you are intending on buying a Vantage S 10 spoke lightweight forged wheel on eBay. This front wheel is currently for sale:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-x-Aston-Martin-19-10-V...

I bought this exact wheel from the same seller a few weeks ago. When I dropped the wheel off at the manufacturer, Rimstock, for a refurbishment, the wheel was judged to be beyond repair and was effectively scrap. After considerable communications, the eBay seller accepted the wheel back and I was refunded the full amount (under the Distance Selling Regulations). I was told that the wheel had been re-sold to the USA.

This is obviously not the case. So, if you are intending to buy it, please be aware. In the eyes of the manufacturer, the wheel is beyond repair. This is contrary to the advice given in the eBay auction description.

[LordBretSinclair]

Thanks for that but looking at those photos I'd be surprised if anyone would touch it !!!

[BravoV8V]

I was sucked in by his claim that the wheel could be repaired and refurbed. (After waiting nearly a year for a 4th wheel to show up, I was willing to take the risk). But the Refurb manager at Rimstock was adamant that the wheel was beyond repair. (I've got his email and photos as 'proof').

[ds2000]

LordBretSinclair said:

Thanks for that but looking at those photos I'd be surprised if anyone would touch it !!!

I have to agree, that wheel is completely ruined. The lumps out of it in places are quite impressive.

Hopefully people will see your warning and avoid it!

Edited by ds2000 on Thursday 8th May 14:44

[roocarl]

£450 for a smashed up wheel really ?? I bought a set of 4 genuine forged 20" XKR wheels last year with the lightest of marks on them for £400! I know some Aston wheels fetch a premium but that is crazy ..........

[BravoV8V]

roocarl said:

£450 for a smashed up wheel really ?? I bought a set of 4 genuine forged 20" XKR wheels last year with the lightest of marks on them for £400! I know some Aston wheels fetch a premium but that is crazy ..........

Yep, it does sound crazy, doesn't it?

But, believe it or not, the same wheel will cost you over £1200 from an AM dealer. And they very, very rarely show up on the secondhand market. I had to wait nearly a year to make up a full set.