Advice Needed Re: Alloy Wheel Repair prior to VT

[Mophead10]

Hey everyone,

Need some advice, hopefully I’ve put this in the right place

So I have a 2015 Clio - I’m due to start VT process in the coming days but want to rule out potential headaches for ‘damages’.

The car has been well looked after by me, but there is some damage (scuffs, scraps etc - have attached a picture of the worst one) to my alloys. I'm 99% certain most of them were there when I got the car but have no proof of that.

My query is - should I look to get them all repaired before VT’ing? I’ve been quoted about £300+ for all 4.

Just wondered if anyone has had anything similar, if so, what kind of charges were you looking at from finance company (appreciate they all differ)?

Just trying to work out what is the best route to go down.

Thanks in advance[url]

|https://thumbsnap.com/RQrZPoJU[/url]

[mike13]

They're going to charge you, how much i don't know, is there a reason you accepted the car with scuffed wheels knowing at some point the car would be returned and the onus would be on you. I'd probably just accept the bill from lease company and put it down to experience.

[Mophead10]

mike13 said:

They're going to charge you, how much i don't know, is there a reason you accepted the car with scuffed wheels knowing at some point the car would be returned and the onus would be on you. I'd probably just accept the bill from lease company and put it down to experience.

Hey Mike. I think it was a lot of things that clouded my usual clear mind when I took the car on to be honest. But that’s history now. Haha.

I haven’t started the process yet, as trying to work out whether it’s worth me getting them repaired prior to it going back. Concerned they might still try and charge me anyway?

[mike13]

I've never leased i'm afraid, some companies seem more lax than others, you could get them refurbed but the cost from the lease company may be less. I know what you mean about missing stuff on a new car, did the same myself a few months ago, somebody with a bit more knowledge will comment shortly.

[Nickp82]

I wouldn’t. My experience of VTing is probably a bit out of date now as I haven’t worked in main dealers for a few years but when I did , damage like that was not generally charged for.
It is not like a lease where the standards are quite strict and tbf, even if it was a lease some of the damage you have would be classed as fair wear and tear by the sound of it.

[Mikebentley]

Sorry it’s been a long day but, it’s a 6yr old Clio you are VTing? Is it that you were buying it and are giving it back to the finance company early.

[Mophead10]

It’s on a conditional sale agreement, and I’ve had no end of issues with it since I got it so have hit the half way mark so just want rid.

But yeah, it’s a 2015 Clio. Other than the wheels it’s all in pretty good condition. I’m just concerned they’ll try and charge me bonkers amounts when they inspect / get it back.

[Macneil]

There is a set of guidelines that reputable dealers and lease operators adhere to which are surprisingly reasonable and will allow for minor scuffs. I would have the car inspected and see what the charges are before you have anything fixed at your own expense, sounds like you've suffered enough already.

[hungry_hog]

300 sounds way overboard unless prices are up because of COVID?

my local guy charged 45 per wheel. these were 19 inch wheels on an M3

[832ark]

hungry_hog said:

300 sounds way overboard unless prices are up because of COVID?

my local guy charged 45 per wheel. these were 19 inch wheels on an M3

I pay £30/wheel for something relatively run of the mill like this.

[Mophead10]

I have no clue when it comes to prices in all honesty. Both local companies have quoted a minimum of 260 for all 4.

Not sure if the picture shows it, but it’s more like a scrape than scuff at the top.

[hepy]

Macneil said:

There is a set of guidelines that reputable dealers and lease operators adhere to which are surprisingly reasonable and will allow for minor scuffs. I would have the car inspected and see what the charges are before you have anything fixed at your own expense, sounds like you've suffered enough already.

This plus the finance company should be able to give you a tariff of damage costs. For wheels it usually cheaper to pay the charge rather than have them repaired.

[panholio]

It’s not a lease for those that have mentioned leasing. He’s VTing a finance deal and I am guessing OP you didn’t buy it new unless you took out and exceptionally long deal.

I doubt you’ll get charged for that, they don’t assess the same as lease standards.

[carl_w]

Can you get a price list from the finance company?

I VT'd a car with BMW Finance and they sent a full schedule of prices. Kerbed wheels were less than I could get them done for so I took the hit.

[Mophead10]

panholio said:

It’s not a lease for those that have mentioned leasing. He’s VTing a finance deal and I am guessing OP you didn’t buy it new unless you took out and exceptionally long deal.

I doubt you’ll get charged for that, they don’t assess the same as lease standards.

Yeah it was 3 years old when I got it.

[Wagonwheel555]

This is the return matrix for BMW an example:

https://www.bmw.co.uk/content/dam/bmw/marketGB/bmw...

Looks like £33 per wheel plus VAT so probably cheaper than getting it done yourself and I would imagine Renault would be similar or less if anything

I haven't VT'd a car but I understand its somewhat less strict than leases but there is still a risk they would charge.

Call the finance company and ask for the damage costs, see if they are cheaper or more than you have been quoted. If they are cheaper you may as well take the risk as they could well say its wear and tear.

[quintonside]

I've seen a fair few matrix for damages, but don't recall any charging over £75 per wheel.

Ask for the matrix it, in fact they should send it to you when you exercise your right to VT.

But in any case, i'd be really surprised if it worked out more expensive than 300+ for 4 wheels

[ilikejam]

Absolutely do not repair it before handing it back.

At worst they'll charge you around the market rate for it. In my experience of returning a leased car (Volvo V90 on 19s) that had a scuffed alloy it was a £30 charge. They might not even bother charging you anything.

Plus you avoid all the hassle of going there, waiting for it to be done, etc. etc. etc.

Edited by ilikejam on Wednesday 7th April 12:37

[Mophead10]

Thanks everyone

Couldn’t thank you sooner as had to wait the 24 hours! Haha.

I’ll take the chance with Moneybarn and see what they say. Appreciate it!