Yes. Junk car buyers purchase vehicles without wheels. Missing wheels reduce your offer by $50 to $200 depending on whether they were steel or alloy. The car still has substantial value in its engine, transmission, catalytic converter, and body, plus the scrap metal from the chassis.
Value impact of missing wheels:
- Steel wheels: Minimal impact ($10 to $15 each in scrap)
- Alloy wheels: Moderate impact ($25 to $75 each)
- Alloy wheels with good tires: Higher impact ($75 to $150 each)
- Premium or aftermarket wheels: Significant impact
Towing considerations:
- Flatbed trucks can load cars without wheels
- Wheel dollies and skates work on bare rotors or hubs
- Pickup may require specialized equipment (inform buyer in advance)
- Location matters (tight spaces are harder without rolling)
When getting quotes, mention that wheels are missing and describe the situation. Is the car sitting on blocks? On the ground? Are the brake rotors or hubs exposed? This information helps buyers send the right equipment.
Cars end up wheelless for various reasons:
- Theft of wheels and tires
- Owner sold wheels separately
- Wheels removed during repairs never completed
- Stripped by previous owner before abandonment
If you removed the wheels to sell separately, that’s a legitimate strategy. Quality wheels and tires can bring $200 to $600 sold on their own. Just expect less for the remaining vehicle. Junk Car Medics and other buyers handle wheelless vehicles regularly.
