Is it worth getting black rims?

Black rims first started showing up on European and luxury cars over the last decade, but they’ve steadily gained popularity for all sorts of vehicles. Whatever the reason, you may find yourself longing for the sleek and sporty look that only black wheels can provide.

So, how much do black rims cost? The cost for black rims varies significantly based on the size, materials, and brand. They start out as low as $70 per wheel, or as much as $500 (or more) per rim.

Standard rims are much more affordable than those for luxury, rare, or sports cars, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. 

Quick Navigation

• How Much Do New Car Rims Cost?
  • Average Cost per Wheel for Rims
• How Much Do Used Black Rims Cost?
  • Reconditioned Rims
• Factors that Affect the Cost for Rims
  • Wheel Size
  • Sample Cost for Black Rims 
  • Materials and Construction
  • Retailer
• Do You Need New Tires for New Rims?
• Can You Paint Your Car Rims Black? 
  • What to Do About Scratched Rims 
• The Bottom Line
• Related Guides 

How Much Do New Car Rims Cost?

New rims may cost $70-$90 per wheel for those that are basic steel. Higher quality wheels are typically between $150-$400 each.  

However, most people buying new rims aren’t simply replacing their stock wheels with the same size, design, and materials as their stock rims. The year, make, and model of your car will have an impact on how much new rims will cost. 

Average Cost per Wheel for Rims

Steel wheels are simple in their design and don’t come in many color options. They’re the cheapest to make compared with other materials like alloy.

Alloy rims are made out of aluminum, so they will be much more expensive than the steel options. One of the main reasons that people buy new rims is to get a bigger size.

However, you should bear in mind that bigger rims also mean that you’ll need to purchase new tires to fit the larger wheels. Rims can be purchased in new condition, used, or reconditioned.

Of course, brand new rims are the most expensive that you can buy. They will have never been used on a vehicle before and should be in perfect condition when you have them installed. 

These prices for rims don’t typically include installation costs, which can also have a significant impact on your out the door price. Let’s take a look at some of these factors and discuss them in more detail. 

How Much Do Used Black Rims Cost?

Used rims are significantly less expensive than buying them brand new. You may be able to find a set that would normally be out of your price range from a private seller if you’re willing to do the research and make such a large purchase from a stranger. 

However, used rims may not be in the best condition. You’ll have to be wary of dings, scrapes, and dents. It’s always a good idea to purchase used car parts or accessories from a reputable seller so that you don’t end up with something that has more than just cosmetic damage.

You don’t want to unknowingly purchase a bent rim. Here are some example prices for used black rims from a reputable online retailer: 

Cost for Used Black Rims 

Source: discountedwheelwarehouse.com

Reconditioned Rims

Reconditioned rims are wheels that suffered some small amount of damage but have been restored to like-new condition. This is something that you should consider only if you’re making a purchase from a reputable and trusted retailer. 

If you can find a set of wheels that you like from a retailer that sells reconditioned rims, you may be able to find something more expensive than what you would normally purchase for a good price. 

Factors that Affect the Cost for Rims

The price for rims can be affected by many factors, including how big they are, what kind they are, what they’re made of, where you buy them, and more. Your bolt pattern can even be a consideration for certain vehicles. 

Wheel Size

The size of your rims is a big factor in determining the price. Most retailers stock wheels that are 15”-18”, with the price gradually getting higher as the wheel size increases.

However, for wheels that are over 18”, the price typically jumps up quite a bit. When you start getting higher than 20”, the price rises significantly. 

Sample Cost for Black Rims 

Materials and Construction

What your rims are made of will be a big factor in how much they cost. For example, basic steel rims are much cheaper than alloy or chrome rims. Graphite-coated rims are among the most expensive. 

Based on the materials, each rim may be a single piece or made out of multiple pieces assembled together. Single-piece rims are made using a special machine out of a single piece of aluminum, while multi-piece wheels forge together several parts. 

Other materials may include customizations like artwork, hydro dipping, powder coating, painting, or adding spinning or other mechanical elements. Hydro dipping allows for a seamless application of an image to the hard surface of the rim.

It’s sometimes also called hydrographic printing or immersion printing. Hydro dipping is about 100% more expensive than powder coating, so it’s not a good option for everyone. 

Tirebuyer.com estimates that hydro dipping usually costs around $75-$80 per wheel for basic colors and designs, with prices increasing for extra customizations. 

Retailer

Where you purchase rims plays a big role in how much they’re going to cost. Ordering rims online may be a better way to find a deal versus going to a custom wheel shop. 

OEM wheels are those that come straight from the manufacturer, so they’re typically more expensive than aftermarket varieties. However, they’re also backed by the manufacturer and undergo rigorous testing.

You also need to consider the quality and reputation of the retailer. The cheapest deal isn’t usually the best for quality and craftsmanship. A good rule of thumb is to remember that you get what you pay for. 

Buying deeply discounted rims could end up cracking, breaking, or may already have a bend. Not only would it be dangerous to drive on damaged wheels, but it could cause damage to your vehicle. 

Do You Need New Tires for New Rims?

Another expense to consider is that you will need to get new tires for your rims if you get a bigger size wheel. Just like the price for rims increases with the size, the same is true for tires.

However, tires can cost significantly more for larger sizes. Some makes and models may even cost over $500 per tire for the larger size. This is an added expense that you will definitely want to plan and budget for when you purchase your new black rims. 

Can You Paint Your Car Rims Black? 

You can have your rims painted professionally, or if you’re brave enough you can do it yourself. Painting your rims black will save you hundreds of dollars versus replacing them altogether.

Professional painting or powder coating typically costs between $100-$200. You can also paint your rims black yourself, but it takes some patience and the right preparation to make the job come out the way you want.

If you can successfully do the job, you can have black rims at a fraction of the cost of buying new ones. If you decide to go the DIY route, you’ll only need to budget for the cost of materials.

The average cost to paint your own rims black is between $30 and $100, depending on what type and quality materials you use and how much you need. 

What to Do About Scratched Rims 

If you get a big scrape on your rim, it can be really disappointing, especially if you recently painted or purchased new black rims. Or, you may think that your scratched rims are preventing you from painting them black. 

However, you may be able to remedy your curb scrapes with a little bit of DIY work. There are kits available to make repairs on your scratched rims, but they have a mix of common materials that you can also purchase at your local hardware store.

Repair kits typically cost anywhere from $12-$45. Getting your rims repaired professionally is an easy solution, but you should expect to pay anywhere from $75-$150 for this fix. 

The Bottom Line

Upgrading your wheels to some shiny black rims can completely change the look of your vehicle. However, rims aren’t cheap accessories, so you should expect to pay anywhere from $70 to as much as $400 each. 

Don’t forget the other costs involved, especially if you get a different sized wheel. You’ll need new tires and there are also installation costs to consider, which vary from shop to shop.

The best thing to do is research what kind of rims you like and get some different quotes. Shop around for good-quality wheels at a reasonable price to make sure they’ll hold up and keep you and your vehicle safe on the road.

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