Alloy refurb recommendations

[Harrihealey02]

I got my car back from the dealer the day before yesterday and noticed some slight curb marks which definitely weren’t there before it went to the garage - but I have no proof so there’s no going to them to see what they can do. Any recommendations for alloy refurb companies and prices for a 16” standard alloy? Might even try touching them up myself but annoyingly is the front and back on one side.

[S_94]

I used The Wheel Specialist when one my alloys had a scuff. Was very happy with the outcome, think it was on the higher end cost wise though.

https://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/locations/

[SRGTD]

@Harrihealey02; as you’re in Essex, Lepsons in Gillingham Kent aren’t too far from you. They’re reputed to be one of the best, and get very good reviews on other VW forums by those who have used them.

Link to their website; https://www.lepsons.com/

If your alloys are powder coated, I’d envisage a cost of around £70 - £75 plus VAT for a 16” alloy.

I know hindsight’s a wonderful thing, but whenever my car goes back to the dealer for servicing etc. I always try and ensure it’s just been cleaned. My dealer does an accompanied walk-round customer’s cars these days, and if my car’s clean, it makes it easier for them to see - and agree - it’s condition, including the condition of the (unmarked) alloys. I know some owners who take photos of their alloys when they get parked up at the dealers, so if the car or wheels are damaged whilst in the custody of the dealer, it makes it more difficult for them to deny it! Oh, and I also instruct them not to wash my car as I don’t want my paintwork given a complementary scratch and swirl treatment .

[Harrihealey02]

Thanks for the suggestions! I’m not sure if I’ll get them refurbished, if I posted a picture you’d probably laugh at how small the scuffs are was hoping to be paying less than £50 per wheel so be £100 all in. Might consider it when it comes to selling the car though. Would you say the state of the alloys will affect the car price especially if they are very minor compared to a non scratched alloy car?

[Harrihealey02]

These are the pictures

[Harrihealey02]

And the bad one

[SRGTD]

Thanks for the suggestions! I’m not sure if I’ll get them refurbished, if I posted a picture you’d probably laugh at how small the scuffs are was hoping to be paying less than £50 per wheel so be £100 all in. Might consider it when it comes to selling the car though. Would you say the state of the alloys will affect the car price especially if they are very minor compared to a non scratched alloy car?

Whether or not it affects the sale price when the time comes to sell depends on how bad the scuff marks are and who you sell to. If you were to sell privately, then some prospective buyers (the tyre kicker types) will look for any reason to knock the price down. Also, car buying services such as We Buy Any Car will deduct an amount per area of damage when they inspect the car if that damage hadn’t been declared previously when the initial indicative car value was provided. If you trade in against another car, then I doubt minor scuff marks will make much difference.

If the marks are minor and if your alloys aren’t diamond cut, then you could consider a SMART repair by the likes of Chips Away or similar company who’re likely to just undertake a repair of the scuffed area rather than refurbish the whole wheel; that shouldn’t cost more than £50 per wheel and you could at least get a quote which won’t cost anything. However, be aware that the quality of the repair will only be as good as the technician undertaking it. If the marks are very minor and you can live with an imperfect repair, then you could consider touching in the scuff marks with a touch up paint pen of the right colour.

Edit; Just seen the pictures you’ve posted up while I was typing this reply. I think I’d either get them SMART repaired or get some touch up paint and do them myself.