Buying used rims, any advice?

"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
09/15/2013 at 14:57 • Filed to: None

I'm going to pick these old Peugeot 205 GTI rims up tomorrow, assuming they're as described. Any advice what to look for as to not buy a dodgy rim? They're quite cheap, so esthetically I don't expect overly much. They have to structurally sound though.

THe guy I'm buying them from gave me this picture, and told me all four are in a similar condition:

DISCUSSION (5)

Klaus Schmoll > duurtlang
09/15/2013 at 15:07

I don't think there's much you can do besides a throrough visual inspection looking any signs of cracks.

Are you going to put them on the 406?

duurtlang > Klaus Schmoll
09/15/2013 at 15:12

Yes, they're going on the 406c as the winter wheels. They're the same diameter but narrower than my factory wheels, which is a good thing for a winter wheel. The bolt pattern and hub diameter are identical, the offset differs a mere 6 mm. I thought they'd look better than steel wheels, plus I like to pay a little homage to the iconic GTI.

Coincidentally I can use the leftover winter tires from the Subaru Legacy rally car we had on these rims. It's like it's meant to be...

Klaus Schmoll > duurtlang
09/15/2013 at 15:40

Cool! But aren't winter tires rather uncommon in the Netherlands?

duurtlang > Klaus Schmoll
09/15/2013 at 15:57

They aren't mandatory like they are in Germany if I'm not mistaken, but many people do use them. We do have roughly the same climate as you guys (excluding mountainous areas). They are safer when the temperature is around or below freezing.

MountainCommand > duurtlang
09/15/2013 at 17:01

Besides the obvious, do a thorough once over. But then again, if its cheap enough, and if these came off a running car that the owner drove, then it shouldnt be a big deal.

Maybe bring a flashlight to closely inspect for any warping, bulges or cracks natural light may shadow.

IMO if they are an OEM wheel (ie VW, BMW, Honda, Chevy...etc) they are built to be tough from the start. I mean, how many actual failures (not hoon related) of stock wheels do you hear about?

At worst, you can always just walk away.