Sim racing is an expensive hobby, there’s really no way around that. Most of us, myself included, experienced some serious sticker shock the first time we saw even the most basic force feedback wheels. Compared to normal gaming the Logitech G29 which launched at $399 is an extremely expensive gaming peripheral.
Getting into the sim racing hobby can easily run you $500 or more, especially if you’re starting from scratch without a console, PC, or racing games.
That’s just for the basics and not even fancy equipment. So, it’s no surprise that many of us turn to the used market to save money. So how do you buy used sim racing equipment without getting ripped off?
Tip 1: Be Aware, Used Sim Racing Gear Can Be Overpriced
Unlike many other consumer electronics, sim racing hardware holds its value extremely well. In some cases, used equipment can be more expensive than buying the same item new on sale.
For example, it’s not unusual to see dozens of G29s on Facebook Marketplace listed between $150–$200. That might seem like a deal—until you realize that Logitech regularly sells them new for $199 or less. MSRP is often inflated just to make discounts look better, so using it as a reference point for a good deal isn’t very reliable.
Pro Tip: Check historical sale prices using price trackers or forums before buying used. Sites like Slickdeals or sim racing Reddit threads are great for seeing what gear actually sells for new.
Tip 2: Focus on Reliable, Long-Lasting Gear
If you’re buying used, reliability should be a top priority. Look for hardware known for its durability and long service life.
- Logitech G29/G920/G923: Still great starter wheels and built like tanks. The tech behind these wheels goes back to the Logitech G25, and they’re proven to last.
- VRS DirectForce Pro: Known for exceptional build quality and reliability. These have been widely used by professional sim racers for a reason.
- Direct drive wheelbases in general: Most DD bases use solid-state motors with very few points of failure. Used ones are often a safer bet than belt-drive options.
What to avoid? Be cautious with:
- Fanatec McLaren GT3 rims with QR1 Lite: These rims are decent, but the plastic quick release (QR1 Lite) is notorious for cracking over time. Many users report looseness, slop, or full failure, often leaving broken pins stuck in the base.
- Belt-drive wheels (like the Fanatec CSW series): Not because they’re bad—some are fantastic—but because it’s hard to judge how much life is left in the belts or motors. If you know the seller and trust the usage history, they can still be great buys. But it can be a lottery.
General rule: If a product has frequent RMA reports or known failure points that can’t be easily diagnosed from photos, be cautious. Always check forums and community feedback for patterns.
Tip 3: Know Where to Look
Sim racing is still a niche hobby, and that means used gear can be tough to find, especially locally.
- Facebook Groups: There are dedicated groups for sim racing gear in most regions. These tend to have better prices and more knowledgeable sellers than random Marketplace listings or Craigslist.
- iRacing Forums: One of the best places to find gear from active, passionate sim racers. You’re more likely to find equipment that’s well taken care of.
- Reddit Communities: r/simracingBuySellTrade and others are worth checking, but expect competition—good deals go fast.
Shipping Consideration: Individual sellers can’t compete with company shipping rates. Sim gear is heavy and bulky, and shipping costs can easily kill a good deal. Always ask for a shipping quote before you commit.
Flip Side? If you find something heavy like an 8020 rig locally, you can often get incredible deals. Many sellers won’t ship these bulky rigs, so if you can drive and pick it up, you’re ahead of the game.
Bonus Tip: Test Before You Buy (If You Can)
If you’re buying locally, try to test the gear before handing over any cash. Even something simple like plugging in a wheelbase and turning the wheel can reveal a lot—excessive play, noises, or calibration issues that might indicate a problem.
Final Thoughts
Buying used sim racing equipment takes a bit of patience and homework, but it can pay off big time. If you focus on reliable hardware, know what pricing is fair, and join the right communities, you can score some excellent gear at a fraction of the new cost especially if you’re willing to pick it up locally.
It might not be as easy as hitting “Buy Now,” but the savings and value can absolutely be worth the effort.