Replacing an alloy wheel costs far more than the listed price: the cost of the wheel itself, fitting, balancing and wheel alignment all add up quickly.
A driver who clips a kerb or hits a pothole a little too fast always asks the same question: do you repair it or replace it? The answer depends on the wheel diameter, the extent of the damage, and whether the wheel is new or second-hand. Here is a clear-eyed look at the real costs, with no flattering rounding.
New alloy wheel prices: price ranges by diameter
The price of a new alloy wheel, per unit, varies according to diameter, vehicle make and supplier. Here are the typical figures observed on the market for an original or compatible wheel:
| Diameter | Unit price range (new) | Common models |
|---|---|---|
| 15 inch | 60 – 120 € | City cars and entry-level compacts |
| 16 inch | 80 – 180 € | Clio, 208, Golf, Focus |
| 17 inch | 120 – 250 € | Compact SUVs, mainstream saloons |
| 18 inch | 180 – 380 € | SUVs, premium saloons |
| 19 – 20 inch | 280 – 600 €+ | Premium and performance ranges |
These prices are per wheel, excluding tyre, fitting and balancing. On a Audi or a BMW with 18-inch or larger alloys, replacing a single wheel can exceed £500 including parts and labour.
Second-hand alloy wheel prices: when it's actually worth it
The second-hand alloy wheel market is active, particularly on classified ad platforms and at authorised dismantlers. The price of a second-hand alloy wheel is generally 30 to 60% of the new price, but several points warrant caution:
- Buckle check: a buckled wheel with more than 1 mm of runout causes vibrations above 80 km/h and may make balancing impossible.
- Rim edge inspection: kerb strikes leave notches that weaken the contact area with the tyre, which can cause a loss of airtightness.
- Wheel set consistency: mixing two generations of wheels from the same model can create differences in offset that are incompatible with the original geometry.
- Hidden costs: fitting (£15 – £30 per wheel), balancing (£10 – £20 per wheel) and wheel alignment (£60 – £120) are invariably added on top.
For a second-hand 16-inch alloy wheel in good condition, expect to pay between £40 and £90 per wheel, excluding additional costs. For four wheels with full fitting and balancing, the total bill often comes to between £300 and £500.
What a complete alloy wheel replacement really costs
The displayed price of the wheel is never the final cost. On a standard vehicle with 16-inch wheels:
- New alloy wheel (per unit): £80 – £180
- Tyre (if replaced at the same time): £60 – £130
- Fitting + balancing: £25 – £50 per wheel
- Wheel alignment check (recommended after impact): £60 – £120
- Total for one complete new wheel: £225 – £480
For owners of vehicles with large wheels — particularly Ford Mustang or Hyundai Ioniq 5 models fitted with 19- or 20-inch wheels as standard — this cost can double or even triple.
When alloy wheel protection changes the calculation
A set of four AlloyGator alloy wheel protectors is available at £134.90 inc. VAT. Fitting by a certified approved fitter in the network is charged separately, from £99 depending on the approved fitter chosen (quote provided before appointment). Fitting takes 45 minutes to one hour. The profile, fitted between the tyre and the rim flange, absorbs contact with the kerb or road edge before the metal reaches the aluminium. TÜV approved, MIRA tested, compatible with 12- to 24-inch wheels, available in 15 colours. This is not a repair — it is a preventive shield, and the only investment that stops a replacement bill from ever being triggered.
FAQ
What is the price of a new 16-inch alloy wheel?
For a new 16-inch alloy wheel compatible with popular models (Clio, 208, Golf), the per-unit price ranges from £80 to £180 depending on the supplier and design. This price does not include the tyre, fitting, or balancing. The total bill for a complete wheel frequently exceeds £200.
Are second-hand alloy wheels reliable?
It can be, provided you verify there is no buckling, cracking or deep gouging on the rim. A visual inspection is not enough: a flatness test on a checking lathe and balancing remain essential before refitting. Inspection and fitting costs reduce the real saving compared with buying new.
Can a damaged alloy wheel be repaired rather than replaced?
A wheel with light surface scratches can be straightened or refurbished by a specialist bodyshop for between £60 and £150, depending on the extent of the damage. A buckled or cracked wheel must be replaced: structural repair of a cracked alloy wheel is not approved by manufacturers on safety grounds. In either case, it is an avoidable cost if the wheel rim is protected from the outset.
