I'm in the process of cleaning up my 2004 Infiniti G35 to trade in for a T4R and need some advice... The previous owner got some great curb rash marks on the wheels and I going to plastidip them to prevent the dealership from dinging me some $.

Should I plastidip them black and leave it alone or then use some duplicolor wheel paint in a gunmetal color on top of the plasti?
Currently looks like this(not mine but identical except for the curb rash):


Thanks guys and I can't wait to be a full fledged member of this site.

Did you ever try going to the dealer for a preliminary appraisal on your trade-in value before you waste your time?

You have to keep in mind that a dealer inspection is not going to be as stringent as a private buyer scrutinizing your car, ie. the guy is probably not going to be paying that much attention to every little detail and try to nickel and dime you. Besides, for a 9 year old car there's bound to be some expect wear and tear.

My point is, they might not ding you as bad as you think for some minor curb rashes

But if you are determined to paint it, I would advise that you don't make them black as it would probably would lower the value to most potential buyers. Paint it something closer to the factory color like silver or gunmetal.

Good luck on the process and congrats on your future 4runner purchase

I don't know if its just me but I think the curb rash is pretty severe. It's on all four wheels and the front two look terrible. I was thinking that worst case I waste a day of my time doing it but never considered it would lower the value.

I haven't had a dealer appraise it in person but talking over the phone to a car broker he mentioned it usually costs dealers 50-100/wheel to color match curb rash so I was trying to avoid that $200-400 hit thinking it was a given.

I would've had it appraised today after a test driving a Trail but the salesmen completely ignored me for 20 minutes and wouldn't acknowledge me when I tried to get their attention.

Your car will most likely go to auction or another dealer, so I wouldn't worry about the wheels and it's up to you on how much you get for trade in. A lot of times the dealer will take photos and post them online and let other dealers bid. They did that with my last trade. Took about 30 min and got way more money than I was expecting. Used cars are badly needed all over the US.

Good luck

This. Dealership will nail you if you plastidip the wheels. It will make it look cheap and like you abused the car. Car looks pretty clean right now, just leave it. You'd be surprised; more often than not they don't look over the cars too well, but do be prepared.

Makes me miss my g