Hero Image

Car Rims Guide: New Vs Used, Packages & Financing

Shopping for new or used car rims can feel overwhelming, but with a clear plan you can score the look you want, the performance you need, and a payment option that fits your budget.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to compare new vs. used wheels, what’s typically included in wheel-and-tire packages, where to find live deals, and how financing for tires and rims works (including buy now, pay later and lease-to-own choices).

New vs. used car rims: which is right for you?

New rims deliver factory-fresh finish, full structural integrity, and warranty coverage. They’re ideal if you want zero prior repairs, precise fitment, and a long-term upgrade without reconditioning surprises.

Used rims can cut costs 30–60% versus new, especially for OEM take-offs or lightly used aftermarket sets. Inspect for cracks, bends, prior welds, and finish damage; ask for photos of the barrel and inboard lip, not just the face.

Pro tip: Whether new or used, confirm bolt pattern, center bore, width, diameter, and offset. A hub-centric fit, correct load rating, and brake caliper clearance matter as much as looks.

What’s in a wheel-and-tire package?

Wheel-and-tire packages typically include four wheels, four tires, professional mounting and balancing, new valve stems, and often hub rings and lugs matched to your vehicle. Many retailers also add TPMS rebuild kits and offer road-hazard protection. Packages save time and frequently qualify for wheel and tire financing promos because they bundle everything into one ticket.

If you already have good rubber, you can buy wheels only and have your existing tires mounted. Double-check your tire width and diameter to ensure they match the new wheel width and recommended range.

Current deals and where to find them (with citations)

Promotions change weekly, so the most reliable approach is to check each retailer’s live deals page before you buy. Below are well-known sources that post current packages and financing terms. Use these links to verify price, eligibility, and dates before you checkout:

  • Discount Tire / America’s Tire – Seasonal rebates on wheel-and-tire sets and promotional financing via the store credit card. See current offers and financing details: discounttire.com (Offers/Promotions and Credit Card pages).
  • Tire Rack – Frequent tire rebates, package bundles, and car rims financing via BNPL partners at checkout. See current promotions: tirerack.com (Deals/Promotions).
  • Les Schwab – In-store wheel packages with alignment options and financing via the Les Schwab Credit program. Check live specials: lesschwab.com (Deals and Credit).
  • SimpleTire – Tire-centric deals with frequent BNPL options that can be bundled when buying wheels through partners. Current promos: simpletire.com (Deals and Financing).
  • Fitment Industries – Aftermarket wheel-and-tire packages with buy now pay later wheels and tires options (e.g., Affirm/Klarna). See live package sales: fitmentindustries.com (Deals/Financing).
  • RimTyme – Specialized lease to own wheels and tires with “no credit needed” approval paths. See current package pricing and terms: rimtyme.com.
  • Rent-A-Wheel – Tire and wheel financing no credit check style lease-to-own programs with early buyout discounts. Check current offers: rentawheel.com.
  • Local wheel shops – Many post their weekly specials on Google Business Profiles and Instagram. Search “wheel and tire packages with financing” plus your city, then confirm the deal on the shop’s website or phone.

Citation note: The links above point to each retailer’s official site where their current deals and financing terms are published. Always verify dates, eligible products, and minimum purchase thresholds on the offer pages before you buy.

How financing wheels and tires works

You’ll see a few common paths advertised as car rims on credit, wheel and tire financing, or tire and wheel packages with financing. Here’s how they differ:

1) Promotional credit cards

Store or network cards (e.g., Synchrony Car Care) may offer 0% promotional APR for 6–12 months if paid in full. Great for strong credit profiles who can clear the balance within the promo window. Late payoff can trigger deferred interest, so set calendar reminders.

2) Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

Providers like Affirm or Klarna show your APR upfront and often run 0% promos on select orders. Terms typically range 3–24 months. Prequalification is usually a soft pull. This is the classic financing wheels and tires route at many online retailers.

3) Lease-to-own (no credit needed)

Companies such as Progressive Leasing, Acima, Snap Finance, or Katapult offer tire and wheel financing no credit check style approvals that review more than just FICO. You’ll make an initial payment and then weekly/biweekly installments. The total cost can be higher than BNPL/credit, but early buyout within 90 days (or similar windows) often reduces the total dramatically.

Packages with and without tires: what to expect

With tires: You’re paying for a turnkey setup that arrives balanced and ready to bolt on. Ask if TPMS kits, alignment checks, and road hazard are included or add-ons. Bundles often qualify for extra rebates (e.g., buy 4 tires + wheels, get a Visa card or instant savings).

Without tires: If your current tires are healthy and compatible, wheels-only can be a smart play. Budget for mount/balance, new lugs, and hub rings if needed. Confirm your tire size fits the new wheel width and that overall diameter stays near OEM to avoid speedometer and ABS issues.

How to evaluate a “good deal” (with financing in mind)

  • Out-the-door price (OTD): Add wheels, tires, mount/balance, TPMS, lugs, tax, shipping, and any recycling or shop fees.
  • Stackable promotions: Some offers stack (tire manufacturer rebate + retailer instant savings + credit card promo). Confirm eligibility in writing.
  • Total cost of financing: Compare 0% promo, BNPL APR, and lease-to-own early buyout. Request an amortization or payoff schedule.
  • Warranty and road hazard: Good packages include defect coverage and offer road-hazard protection for tires.
  • Fitment guarantee: Choose retailers that verify bolt pattern, offset, and caliper clearance—especially for performance brakes.

Example cost scenarios

Say you’re eyeing a package: $1,200 wheels + $700 tires + $200 mount/balance/TPMS = $2,100 OTD before any promotions.

  • 0% promo for 12 months (paid in full): $175/month, $0 in financing charges if paid on time and in full.
  • BNPL at 9.99% APR for 12 months: Approx. $185/month, ~$120 total interest (estimate; check provider calculator).
  • Lease-to-own: If the “cash price” is $2,100 and the lease factor projects $2,800 total across 12 months, using a 90-day buyout might reduce that to near the cash price plus fees. Ask for a written early buyout quote.

Takeaway: If you can comfortably clear a 0% promo, it’s usually the least expensive. If you need flexible approvals, lease-to-own can work—just plan for early payoff to control total cost.

Used rim buying checklist

  • Spin test: Check for wobble or hop indicating a bend.
  • Cracks/repairs: Inspect welds and hairline cracks on the barrel and spokes.
  • Finish condition: Look for corrosion under clear coat, curb rash depth, and prior refinish quality.
  • Fitment specs: Verify diameter, width, offset (ET), bolt pattern, center bore, and load rating.
  • Hardware: Confirm correct lug seat type (conical, ball, mag), hub rings, and valve stems.

Smart ways to shop and negotiate

  • Get 2–3 written quotes: Ask each seller for an OTD price with and without tires, and with financing options listed.
  • Ask about stackable offers: “If I use your store card or BNPL, can I still get the tire manufacturer rebate?”
  • Request fitment confirmation in writing: Protects you if a wheel rubs or won’t clear the calipers.
  • Watch for shipping fees: Sometimes a slightly higher sticker price with free shipping beats a lower price + heavy freight.

Financing keywords to know (and how to use them)

If you’re searching for the best terms, plug these phrases into Google alongside your vehicle and city: car rims financing, wheel and tire financing, buy now pay later wheels and tires, financing wheels and tires, car rims on credit, tire and wheel financing no credit check, tire and wheel packages with financing, and lease to own wheels and tires. This helps surface local and national offers that match your approval profile.

Ready to lock a deal?

Decide on new vs. used, confirm fitment, and compare at least two package quotes. Then check the live promotions on the cited retailer pages above, pick the financing type that suits your timeline, and calculate total cost including any early payoff strategy. If you share your vehicle, desired wheel size, and ZIP code, I can help shortlist specific, in-stock packages and point you to the correct live deal pages to verify pricing and terms before you buy.