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Alphards, WTF?

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alphards wtf
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18K views 21 replies 7 participants last post by  VW-Pssst  
#1 ·
Ok guys, legit question here....

What is the deal with Mercedes Alphards? I mean, why are used sets being sold for more than you can get them new? And wtf do people think these wheels are even remotely 'rare'? On any given day, you can literally find 3-4 used sets for sale on the other site on the first page of the classifieds. I see prices ranging from $1000-$1200 for wheels ONLY and $1500 with used Chinese tires? Tires that cost $300 new! And if the seller did something crazy like paint, PC, or polish them, then they are now somehow worth even MORE than a used set in its OEM finish. I looked online and found a few sites that sell OEM wheels and new they cost between $800-$900 with free shipping. So, realistically, you can buy a new set of wheels AND tires for the same prices as used. :rolleyes:

To be clear, I love the wheels. Wish I had a set for my B5. But I just cannot fathom why people think these things a made of gold when they are, quite easily, the most played 5x112 wheel. I'm irritated. :banghead:

Anyways, I'm done ranting. Just wanted to vent and get people's thoughts I guess.
 
#2 ·
Same reason why BBs basketweaves are so overpriced (not knocking them, they are beautiful wheels, but not 5k beautiful...) Hive mentality kicks in, everyone thinks a certain design is great, prices shoot through the roof. Personally speaking I enjoy having wheels that nearly no one else has, if it's already wildly popular I fail to see why it merits spending absurd amounts of money, but to each his own I guess.
 
#3 ·
I agree. I like having wheels nobody runs either. The thing is, the 9-spoke Merc wheels I have (trying to sell currently) were supposedly a $2000 option. And they are a wheel design you don't see all that offer. Certainly more rare than Alphards. I can't even get $750 for then with good tires! I just want em gone so I can buy tires for my 17" wheel project. :(
 
#18 ·
That's my point. You can buy a brand new set of oem's, with the shipping charge included, for less than the 'going rate' for a used set. And you can get a set of, say, Sumitomos, for about $300 shipped. So for just under $1100, you can realistically get new wheels and new tires to your door for less than someone's used set with "minor scratches" and "80% wear on the tires".
 
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