No matter who you are, if you own a car, the day is going to come when you’ll need to buy some new wheels. You might opt for a new set of OEM rims, but you could also choose a set of aftermarket wheels. The day may also come when you sell your car for a new one. When that does happen, will the fact that you bought aftermarket wheels affect your resale value?
The answer to this is not quite a simple yes or no; it will depend on a few factors. This blog will detail everything for you so that you can determine if aftermarket wheels are the right choice for you at this time.
What Classifies as Aftermarket Wheels?
The term “aftermarket wheels” is pretty broad. It encompasses every wheel type that isn’t OEM, so let’s start by defining what that means. OEM wheels are ones made by the Original Equipment Manufacturer, hence the acronym.
There are also OE wheels, which are a subset of this. They are OEM wheels that have been refurbished to a safe and usable condition. This process can only be done if the previous damage to the wheel was only cosmetic, as opposed to structural. Anything more, and the wheels may not be safe enough to drive on.
If a company other than the original manufacturer made a set of wheels, then they’re considered to be aftermarket. Many of these rims are designed to appear more unique or utilize different materials than standard OEM wheels. However, there are some made to look just like the wheels of the manufacturer. The industry refers to these as OEM replica or reproduction wheels. They aim to perfectly replicate OEM wheels in every way, but there can certainly be differences between reproductions depending on who manufactured them.
Factors that Influence Resale Value
When it comes to selling an old car, there are many factors that influence how much it’s worth. Some of the notable ones are mileage, condition, and modifications to the vehicle that are outside of what the original manufacturer provided.
While the other factors tend to carry more weight, using modifications can either really help or hurt the resale value, depending on who you sell it to. Some people like modifications because they make the car seem better than all the other ones of that model on the market. However, some see this as a negative because they only trust parts that the manufacturer intended to be on their vehicle.
Since aftermarket rims aren’t what the manufacturer made, many consider them to be a modification. This is where the concern of aftermarket wheels affecting the resale value of your car may come into play.
Pros of Aftermarket Wheels for Resale Value
To better determine whether the aftermarket wheels you have in mind will help or hurt your resale value, we should first consider the pros and cons. Here’s a look at some of the positive aspects of aftermarket wheels on your vehicle.
Enhanced Aesthetics
When it comes to aftermarket rims, the sky is the limit on creativity (as long as it’s still street legal). Most OEM wheels are fairly basic in that they come in a variety of standard colors and forms. Aftermarket options give you the ability to make your car look more unique. If the person you’re selling to has a similar sense of style, they’d be more than willing to pay extra to get a car with specialized wheels.
Possible Performance Improvements
Even if you don’t want a set of wheels that are overly flashy, you still might be interested in aftermarket wheels for performance-based reasons. Many aftermarket wheels are designed to be lighter than their OEM counterparts. While this doesn’t have a massive effect on performance, for those who try to get the most out of their vehicles, every little bit counts. Once again, if your buyer is interested in the same things, this can be a big boon to your sale. That being said, there is such a thing as too light; remember not to sacrifice on quality or safety!
Cons of Aftermarket Wheels for Resale Value
Of course, we can’t overlook the potential adverse side effects that aftermarket wheels might have on the resale value of your car. So let’s dive into these so you can know what to expect.
Lower Perceived Quality
It’s no secret that aftermarket wheels have a bit of a stigma to them. In the past, many aftermarket options were poorly made or failed to meet the quality standards of OEM products. This is no longer the case these days, but some people still believe that aftermarket products are inferior. If that’s the case, there won’t be much you can do to change their mind.
Potential Warranty or Insurance Issues
Another downside is that aftermarket products can sometimes impact warranties and insurance policies. If your vehicle is old enough, you won’t have to worry about warranties; however, if your car still has any that affect components involving your rims, there could be a conflict. As for insurance, some companies might see aftermarket wheels as a higher risk, largely due to the previously mentioned perceived quality issue. However, opinion has shifted significantly in the last 5 to 10 years, and many insurance companies accept aftermarket wheels. If your wheels look sportier, it could affect insurance rates as well.
What if You Buy OEM Replica Wheels?
Most of these pros and cons only look at aftermarket wheels that look different from your OEM wheels. What if you decide to go with OEM reproductions? This changes a few things. While you won’t have enhanced aesthetics or improved performance that aftermarket wheels may allow for, you will have a set of wheels that look and perform like their OEM counterparts.
Because of this, you’ll also lose a lot of those preconceived notions that your aftermarket wheels aren’t as safe or as sound in quality. This will help with people’s general interest in the rims and concerns of increased insurance prices when reselling your car. Plus, OEM replicas are typically less expensive, further adding to how much you can make back once you sell.
Tips to Maximize Resale Value
Regardless of the types of aftermarket wheels you decide on, there are a few things you can do to better enhance your future resale value when buying your new wheels. First off, be sure to purchase from high-quality, reputable brands. Even if a potential buyer doesn’t like aftermarket products, if you tell them that your wheels are from a brand they know and trust, they might be more likely to change their mind.
If you’re really worried about resale value, try to find wheels that stand out while not being too flashy. There are plenty of options that look unique while still complementing your car. If they match your vehicle, interested buyers will be less likely to notice or care. If you decide to get something really flashy, if your old rims are still in good condition, just keep them in storage. That way, you can offer to sell them with the car instead if the buyer prefers.
Where to Get Your New Wheels
Now that you know how your new wheels will affect your resale value, it’s time to start shopping. Whether you want to avoid aftermarket and stick with OEM, or you want to buy some OEM replicas, WheelerShip is the place to go. We have a wide selection of wheels and accessories to choose from, so take the time to find the ones that’ll keep that resale value high.