As above - i'm looking to buy a set of alloys to use as winter wheels. Found some decent ones on ebay that have come of a 2010 Audi A3, correct size, described as excellent condition. Seller has agreed a reasonable cash price if we deal outside of e-bay and meet somewhere mutually convienient to both of us (other wise an hour + drive).

So, do I go for it and get a good set of wheels or is it too risky? Obviosuly I will inspect the wheels but it will be difficult to tell if buckled unless obvious.

What do you think - safe bet or risky????

As above - i'm looking to buy a set of alloys to use as winter wheels. Found some decent ones on ebay that have come of a 2010 Audi A3, correct size, described as excellent condition. Seller has agreed a reasonable cash price if we deal outside of e-bay and meet somewhere mutually convienient to both of us (other wise an hour + drive).

So, do I go for it and get a good set of wheels or is it too risky? Obviosuly I will inspect the wheels but it will be difficult to tell if buckled unless obvious.

What do you think - safe bet or risky????

What is his ebay rating? Read any negative or positve feedback replies you can normally figure out what kind of person they are by doing this. Why not agree to still buy them but conclude the deal through ebay for some added security if they end up being buckled?

His ebay rating is reasonable with 100% feedback. He wants to do it outside of e-bay due to the fees. I have already asked him this. He has already tried to sell them at a higher price and they didn't sell.

He says he wants me to look at wheels and then if I am happy buy them, which is reasonable

He's told you that he's happy to cheat ebay. Are you really happy to trust him?

He knows you have a suitable car. he does not know whether or not you have a dial guage (and it may not matter). Ask him if he's prepared to let you mount them and use a dial guage to check for trueness. If he says "No", then I think you can figure out what to do next.

He's told you that he's happy to cheat ebay. Are you really happy to trust him?

i cheat ebay fees all the time when i can yet remain completly trustable.....

Take care when getting a bargain in used wheels, that you have the correct nuts for them,

or can easily get them at a good/economic price.

I have in the past found a wheel bargain and had to spend lots more to get the nuts to suit the wheels and the vehicle.

ie, correct seating of the nuts to the wheels and the correct thread for the studs or hole/thread.

george

Fair point, I had presumed that I would be able to use the bolts from my current wheels but I gues it depends how these will sit on the face of the wheel or bolt hole. They are OEM Audi A3 wheels going on to my Octavia

If meeting and trying on a wheel or wheels to see the fit is correct, you are reducing the doubt.

Lots of Ebay wheels are sold again and again from not receiving what is suitable or expected or people assuming.

george

Another good point. The other option is to order a set of steel wheels with winter tyres from one of the big online tyre sellers, know what I am getting and save about £100 in the process. It removes the risk but I end up with steel wheels and not alloys. I had originally intended to pay less for the alloys but i've been unable to find any going cheap

Edited 11 October, 201213 yr by weyland

If you are in doubt then meet him at a tyre fitters and get them put on their balancer to see if they are are buckled.

Genuine Audi alloys use the same bolts as you currently have.

i cheat ebay fees all the time when i can yet remain completly trustable.....

Me 2

I can't see any difference between what's been suggested and buying them from an ad in the newsagents window, meeting at a tyre fitters sound an excellent idea, mention it to the seller before you set off and gauge their reaction.

I`v bought and sold tonnes of wheels via forums. Use your common sense and you`ll be ok. Never had any issues before.