Are used wheels safe to buy? I'm looking at set of 2003 Infiniti M45 rims? Thanks.

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May 31, 2011 | 09:44 PM
  #1  
I bought used and the finish on my rims are shot. It just looked like brake dust when i was checking the car out, but now I see that the blackness all over is the coat underneath the chrome paint. I've been quoted by an auto body shop at $750 total for powdercoating, putting them back on, etc.

At that point I might as well shop around for larger diameter rims, which I was thinking of doing anyway. There's a local guy selling a set of 2008 M45 wheels, which I think look nice, and they include tires, for $600.

But I'm new to rims and wheels. Is it safe to buy used rims? Seems a bit shady, I guess.

EDIT: They are supposedly from a 2008 M45, my bad.
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May 31, 2011 | 09:52 PM
  #2  
I don't see any reason not to buy used wheels. I would say it just depends on the condition of those M45's for $600 they should be in very good condition. Buying used wheels is just like purchasing anything used you just need to carefully inspect what you are picking up.

The M45 wheels are a nice set of wheels.. in fact I was considering them myself not too long ago before I picked up mine.

Good luck!
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May 31, 2011 | 09:58 PM
  #3  
Potentially, they could be bent and you may not be able to tell. However, if they are local, chances are they will not try to pull a fast one on you. That is a great price and those are hard to find so I would jump on it if I were you!
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May 31, 2011 | 10:20 PM
  #4  
600 for M45s with tire? Damn thats a killer deal I would definitely buy those. You could even flip those for higher price on ebay.
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May 31, 2011 | 10:27 PM
  #5  
Turns out it's $499. I just got an email back from the guy. Here's a picture. I swear he's wrong about the year. And I don't know if they'll fit my 08 sedan. I'll have to research. Appreciate the responses, though.

And what's up with the tires? They look "slick," although he says there is a lot of tread left.

Then there is, of course, my ignorance as to how larger diameter wheels affects traction control, mileage, spedometer, etc.

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May 31, 2011 | 10:34 PM
  #6  
Yikes. When people say m45's on here, they usually are referring to the 5 double spoked M45 Sport rims. I do not think those rims you pictures would look good. Moreover, I think they look heavier than the M45 Sport rims which are pretty heavy themselves.
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May 31, 2011 | 10:40 PM
  #7  
ehhh.... I'd re-holster that checkbook partner
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May 31, 2011 | 10:43 PM
  #8  
Really? I'm surprised. They aren't that different than what I have now. My exterior is liquid platinum (silver, I say) and so I think chrome/aluminum looks good. I don't want anything too fancy. And I like that they still have the logo on them and all. I can't really picture them in my mind too well, but I don't think they'd look too bad.

Should I haggle, then? Do you think he'd go down to $399? Or is that just insane.
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May 31, 2011 | 11:05 PM
  #9  
I think all of us thought you were referring to these...



In any event I would not spend $600 on those.
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May 31, 2011 | 11:09 PM
  #10  
Dang it.

I am too broke to own this car... I maxed out my bank roll on just buying the dang thing. I think I'll just have to roll with effed up rims for the time being!

Although a bud mentioned tonight that the infiniti dealership will sell you refurbished wheels at a price break if you give them your current wheels. (They then send those out to be refurbished and the circle of life continues.) Any truth to that as far as you guys know?

If nobody knows I'll call in the a.m. and report back.
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May 31, 2011 | 11:17 PM
  #11  
First I have personally heard of it. I can't image it being worth it but I guess it depends on the cost.

If it was me though I would just pick up a second set down the line and keep your stock as is for now.
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May 31, 2011 | 11:20 PM
  #12  
This is about what it would look like, I suppose:

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May 31, 2011 | 11:59 PM
  #13  
Quote:

I think all of us thought you were referring to these..
+1


Quote: First I have personally heard of it. I can't image it being worth it but I guess it depends on the cost.

If it was me though I would just pick up a second set down the line and keep your stock as is for now.
Neither can I. Seems like you're just adding a middleman to the equation. Just get your wheels refinished.



Quote: This is about what it would look like, I suppose:
Those look totally different (better), they're just similar because they have 7 spokes is all.
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Jun 1, 2011 | 12:00 AM
  #14  
It is.
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Jun 1, 2011 | 01:32 AM
  #15  
Yea.... def not worth the money.
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