thabo Posted January 26, 2007 Report Share Posted January 26, 2007 Thanks to the help on the forum I have now decided to go for a White GTI but I am unsure about the wheels. I know the 18 inch is ideal for the ride but am worried as it would probably make the ride too firm? I will be mostly using the car for day to day stuff and the missus was already not very impressed with the firm ride of the Leon FR. However the 18s look really good but is it worth it? Im worried the ride will be too firm on the motorway and you might be getting more rattles.Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petsy Posted January 26, 2007 Report Share Posted January 26, 2007 iirc RR has both and sees little difference in ride between them... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted January 26, 2007 Report Share Posted January 26, 2007 Theres very little difference to tell you the truth, I seem to have more road noise with the 18s then when i had the 17s on but thats more likley different tyre makes more than anything. There is more bump stear with the 18s and there not as hardy to knocks and bumps than the 17s due to there surface finish but theres not really much to speak of of the difference in ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhardy22 Posted January 26, 2007 Report Share Posted January 26, 2007 Go 18"s.................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rs32 Posted January 26, 2007 Report Share Posted January 26, 2007 order it with the 18's if you're unsure. there seem to be plenty of folks who have 17's but want to trade up - so you'll have no problem finding someone who will offer you a swap plus cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted January 26, 2007 Report Share Posted January 26, 2007 [ QUOTE ] iirc RR has both and sees little difference in ride between them... [/ QUOTE ] ....I find the 18s just a little bit 'firmer' but it's quite subtle and not the big difference you might imagine. You quickly adapt and get used to whichever you're on anyway. They are both supremely easy to clean and are very much part of the Mk5 GTI's appearance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silentandy Posted January 26, 2007 Report Share Posted January 26, 2007 I've had both too on separate cars and there's very little difference in it. As Robin says, they are slightly firmer but it's really not to the detriment of ride quality. You also seem to receive a little more feedback through the wheel. Go for 18's, I think they are a must on a white GTI if going on looks alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thabo Posted January 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2007 Thanks a lot guys. The opinion is clearly 18 and I suppose I could always do a swap with someone if Im not happy. I know that on looks the 18s definitely have the edge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy Posted January 27, 2007 Report Share Posted January 27, 2007 Exactly what i would do if i was you. The 17s regular come up on ebay if your not happy with the 18s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clown Posted January 27, 2007 Report Share Posted January 27, 2007 Go for the 18",to good a deal to turn down for the small price you pay,as for ride difference yes there is a slight change but not enough to be be that noticable,certainly not like going from the New Mini`s 16" to their 17",or Bmw`s M3 18" to 19".I have had both and found the conparison on the GTI to be excellent ,plus the Monza 11`s look so much better especailly if you are going for a White car.You will not look back go for it. If your still unsure as someone said order with the 18" and buy a set of 17" certainly a cheaper way of doing. Try driving two cars back to back ,one with the 18" and the other the 17" you will soon know as to what I mean.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTiMK5 Posted January 27, 2007 Report Share Posted January 27, 2007 Definitely 18's, they will look much better especially on a white GTI and there is very little compromise in ride quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonnyGTi Posted January 27, 2007 Report Share Posted January 27, 2007 I started with 17"s and moved up to 18"s - and was very surprised how little difference there was in the ride...and I drive on some pretty awful road surfaces here in Leeds....so agree with all of the above comments. You can easily get a good set of genuine 17"s (with tyres) on Ebay for around £400-£500 but 18"s are like gold dust - rarely seen and quickly snapped up for cash before the auctions end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richy Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 18s! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMC950 Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 All this talk about the ride, but the 18' look chavy side on and from any distance only those people who have them can claim to be able to tell the difference!!! *Waste of money IMO. *runs for cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamD Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 I had 18's on my white GTI. To be honest everytime I see a GTI with 17's it just looks like something is missing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 17 shod cars do look different, almost like a regular golf due to the profile of the tyres. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMC950 Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 [ QUOTE ] I had 18's on my white GTI. To be honest everytime I see a GTI with 17's it just looks like something is missing [/ QUOTE ] A driver with a spending addiction?.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 Nah a driver knowing the car looks better on 18s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamD Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I had 18's on my white GTI. To be honest everytime I see a GTI with 17's it just looks like something is missing [/ QUOTE ] A driver with a spending addiction?.... [/ QUOTE ] Come on, you've bought a GTI, another couple of hundred pounds to make it look the part really doesn't qualify as a spending addiction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simonl Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 18"s are a work of art, they make the car IMO (engine/handling/interior aside ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richy Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 [ QUOTE ] 18"s are a work of art, they make the car IMO (engine/handling/interior aside ) [/ QUOTE ] Agreed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 As evo say in the knowledge "We'd go for a manual with 18" alloys and xenons" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMC950 Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I had 18's on my white GTI. To be honest everytime I see a GTI with 17's it just looks like something is missing [/ QUOTE ] A driver with a spending addiction?.... [/ QUOTE ] Come on, you've bought a GTI, another couple of hundred pounds to make it look the part really doesn't qualify as a spending addiction [/ QUOTE ] Hehe! Honestly it was an asthetic decsion for me too, I genuinely don't like the finish of the 18's up close and can't see the difference between the wheels at anything other than square on to the car, hence what was the point. A Was messing about before, they are good value to anyone who wants them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMC950 Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 [ QUOTE ] As evo say in the knowledge "We'd go for a manual with 18" alloys and xenons" [/ QUOTE ] Humm, I have never driven a Gti with them, but I don't get how Xenons are a must have extra when the standard lights are superb? Xenons don't in any way improve the handling or the enjoyment, so, despite the fact they improve safety, it's hardly the angle Evo come from is it? I'd say DSG is the only essential option for a GTI as it makes the car principally ground-breaking, as the first car of its kind ever to have been kitted out with this, truely wonderful, technology. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted January 29, 2007 Report Share Posted January 29, 2007 Well having had xenons on a number of previous cars and having them on the GTI I like them. evo also rate them as they allow a better view on country lanes at night, which allows for safer and more spirited driving. As for DSG, well its like marmite, evo prefer the manual version. As do I. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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