We often get asked how much are my used rims worth? Rims and wheels in this context are going to be considered one in the same. Below we will show how a professional grades wheels. Grading is a method of assigning an alpha or numeric value to assess the quality of a wheel. By following a standard wheel grading system the buyer and the seller can be on the same page about the condition of the used rims. While we can’t answer how much are my used wheels worth exactly, because there are factors like brand and market that are used to determine a fair price, we can help you get a better estimate.
Using a Standardized Rim Grading SystemÂ
When you are buying used rims near me or selling, both parties need to agree on a price. To get to a price both parties need to be on the same page about the quality of the used wheels. By utilizing a standardized grading system with levels of granularity it can assist both the buyer and seller on agreeing on the rims condition first.
For example, if a seller says they have a pair of 22 inch Enkei rims in grade B+ condition, the buyer can use the chart to determine what that grade entails. They can use the description to assess the second hand rim. This allows them to ensure the seller has properly assessed the condition. Once they agree the condition is correct it is easier to look at comparable used rims on the market and adjust the price according to the quality. The higher the quality the rim, the more the price should lean towards the original manufacturers price. Using this method when selling your used wheels, will help buyers better understand the condition.
Wheel and Rim Grading Chart
Use the chart below to determine the quality of the rims you are evaluating…
If the Wheel Isn’t Straight or the Bead Area is Damaged it Could be Worthless…
If you have rim that is bent, it will be hard to sell. A bent wheel is often not safe and difficult to be made straight again. Testing to see whether or not a rim is straight is the first thing any buyer should do. This is best done at a pro tire shop on a wheel balancer. Alternatively you can roll the wheel across a flat floor and see if the rim skips or hops at all. That is not nearly as good as a wheel balancer, but can weed out some obvious issues with a bent wheel.
Also the bead area where the tire secures against the wheel can not have damage. The only way to inspect this properly is when the tire is dismounted from the wheel. Even a small amount of pitting or peeling on the bead can make the entire wheel worthless.
If the rim is bent or te bead area has damage this is one of the most common causes of a tire losing air and also can lead to tire blowouts.
How Much are My Used Rims Worth?
So you have graded your rims based on the quality, but how much are they worth. Coming up with a reasonable price for used rims is a combination of a few things:
- Quality
- Manufacturer
- Original Price
- Size
- Material (steel or alloy)
- What platform you are selling on
The appropriate price can be determined by taking the original price, the popularity of the brand, and then reducing the price for every grade by a fractional amount as you move down the chart. The price will also be determined by the market you are trying to sell to. For example, if you sell your rims on eBay you can market to a large audience, but will compete with other people selling used wheels. If you market on your local Craigslist you will have a smaller market, but less competition. Wheels are worth what someone is willing to pay for them.
Typically the higher the more popular the brand, the bigger the size, the higher the original price, and the higher the condition grade, the higher price you will get.