Capitalize on a Booming Used Market With CCI Imposter Series Wheel Skins

June 30, 2021April 11, 2022 Michele Boyarsky 0 Comments Accessories, cci, Coast to Coast International, Exterior Protection, Market Trends, Used Car, Wheel Skins, Wheels

It’s no real surprise to learn that collector cars appreciate in value on the second-hand market. But it may surprise you to learn that regular ol’ used cars are currently reaching record heights on the lot.

With new vehicle production still in a COVID tailspin – largely thanks to the enduring microchip shortage – used car dealers find themselves swirling around in the eye of a perfect storm. High demand, supported by tax returns, padded savings reserves, and sweet stimmy checks, is colliding with increasingly low supply to create absolutely skyrocketing wholesale values.

“Dealers are buying used vehicles at auction for eye-popping amounts — sometimes even more than the car’s original sticker price — even as they scramble for other ways to obtain used-vehicle inventory,” reports Automotive News.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of pre-owned vehicles jumped 10% in April – the fastest climb ever since they started counting the data back in 1953. And Manheim, the nation’s largest vehicle auction house, measured wholesale prices at a whopping 52% higher than last year! While the market should re-stabilize as the economy does, for now, the odds are clearly in the seller’s favor.

Low angle shot of new cars on a dealership lot — Normally, depreciation occurs fast. In fact, after just one year, your new car will be worth roughly 20% less than what you bought it for. In three years? 45%. Used cars, by comparison, generally lose 15% – 20% of their value each year over the long haul.

But whether you’re buying, selling, or holding, you should consider investing in some smart aftermarket products to help preserve your ride.

Coast to Coast International (CCI) manufactures quality (and affordable) automotive restyling and wheel accessories that are great for personalizing a new or used vehicle without stripping its value. The company’s product manager, Kurt Kruse, specifically highlighted CCI’s Imposter Series wheel skins during a recent sit down. These unique, custom wheel covers install in seconds and instantly add style points. But, as Kruse explains, CCI wheel skins also work to protect those factory wheels, thereby protecting your vehicle investment.

Improve Style & Preserve Resale Value

“The wheels and tires are one of the most inspected items when a vehicle is being traded or sold,” says Kruse. “Wheels that look well taken care of are a good indication of how well the rest of the vehicle has been taken care of too.”

CCI restyling accessories – which also include items like accent trim, mirror covers, grille overlays, and body side molding – allow vehicle owners to freshen up the look of their ride and add a little personality beyond OE design. But they also help to cover minor cosmetic damage, such as paint scratches, curbed wheels, or faded factory grilles, explains Kruse.

Better yet, applying a restyling accessory like CCI wheel skins before any damage occurs can actually help nip any chips, dings, or corrosion in the bud. Constructed of durable automotive-grade ABS, CCI wheel skins are designed to match the exact style of the wheel’s OEM face for a perfectly fitting upgrade. That snug fit helps protect your existing wheels from dirt, rocks, and other debris.

Stylish, well-made, and easy on the wallet, CCI wheel skins elevate your vehicle's looks to million-dollar status, for significantly less money. — CCI wheel skins are durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant, with a competitive warranty to back them up.

Additionally, “trendy wheel designs and colors can go out of style,” says Kruse. “Worse, they can be discontinued. Say you buy a set of wheels and need a new one in two years. If the wheel is not available – you’re out of luck. With Impostor wheel skins, the OEM style of the wheel stays the same, you simply change the finish.”

This product feature is what makes CCI Imposter Wheel Skins a particularly great solution for leased vehicles, adds Kruse. “When leasing, returning clean wheels is really important,” he says. “Impostor wheel skins can help keep the wheels looking clean, but takes the elements and road rash out of the equation.”

Save Some $$$

Another feather in CCI’s cap is the sheer affordability of this product line. At a fraction of the cost of aftermarket wheels, Impostor wheel skins provide restyling flexibility.

“They allow the user to quickly and frequently upgrade the appearance of their wheels, changing out gloss black for chrome when they run their course – or vice versa,” says Kruse.

The choice is yours.

Heck, with the company’s simple snap-on installation, you could change up your wheels to match your mood. Simply line the skin up with the valve stem and apply a balanced amount of pressure. That’s it.

And if an eye-catching aftermarket wheel setup is your desired end result, then wheel skins are a great upgrade in the meantime. Try out different looks on your ride and boost your confidence while you save up for that big investment.

CCI restyling accessories for Chevy & GM trucks — Kruse says CCI’s bestselling applications for Impostor wheel skins are generally vehicles that are 5-15 years old and have a high vehicle population. He points to the 99-13 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or the 99-10 Chevrolet Silverado HD, as prime examples. “And while used vehicles drive sales, newer SUV vehicles also pop into our top 20 frequently,” he adds.

Ultimately, “CCI restyling accessories allow used car owners to change the trim level look of their vehicle and not break the bank,” says Kruse. “Our restyling accessories are affordable, easy to install, and instantly make a difference.”

OEs continue to play gate-keeper, requiring customers to jump up trim levels to access certain style features. Having this kind of design freedom is a big deal for shoppers – especially as vehicle prices continue to inflate.

Head over to CCI’s website, check out the company’s catalog and see what it can offer you. Whether you’re simply looking to add a little personalization, or you’re freshening up the exterior for resale, CCI can help you out.

Are you taking advantage of this hot seller’s market? Or are you a buyer facing crazy prices? Let us know what you think about this used car phenomenon in the comments below!