What's the 1.6 TDI 105 Golf Match like with 225/45 R17's - advice please

[Taliska]

Hi all,

Thinking hard about getting a 1.6 TDI 105 MK6 Golf Match - the missus really likes one that she's seen because it's red, plus it looks good with the front fogs (how often do you really ever need to use them!), but the trouble is that I'm slightly concerned because it's fitted with 225/45 R17 Salamanca wheels.

My concerns are based on:

1. Ride quality - felt a lot bumpier than the standard 16" wheels on a not-red car, but it was on a concrete m'way.
2. Fuel economy
3. Price of replacement tyres - can't remember what type was on it.

If anyone has any words of wisdom, I'd be very grateful.

Thanks,

Taliska

[Taliska]

Little bit of research seems to say that the tyres are 225/45 R17 'W' rated - don't know what make or loading is fitted normally...

[vadre]

I tried a Golf Mk6 with the 17" wheels before I bought my Match with standard 16" wheels.
I found the ride much less comfortable, but it also had the lowered suspension which may also be fitted to the car you are looking at.

[c4a5er]

It's widely accepted that there is a trade off between sporty style/looks and ride quality. The lower the tyre profile the harsher the ride quality so really it's a personal choice and whether you can put up with any negatives. Lower wider tyres will always be more costly so again what is acceptable to you?.....have a search on the on-line tyre sites for prices of the 2 sizes to help your decision.
Fuel consumption shouldn't be hugely different.......overall diameter of either wheel/tyre combination should be pretty much the same but bear in mind the 16" could be low rolling resistance tyres.

[bigstuff]

If you don't like the ride the normal match wheels come up on the bay from time to time.

Salamancas are worth more so would be easy to sell on.

It wouldn't put me off.

[james_tiger_woo]

Top tip - DON'T go for 18s. Not a good ride - too crashy, too noisy and not worth it.

[Ace_rimmer]

Top tip - DON'T go for 18s. Not a good ride - too crashy, too noisy and not worth it.

I agree with avoiding the 18s, but i find that 17s are a happy medium. they look alot better and dont take too much away from the ride quality.. I have 17" portos on my 2.0 TDI Match. I still get good mpg on a decent run, 60+ mpg.

[Taliska]

Hi,

Did try to buy the car with the 17" Salamancas from the VW dealer, but walked out of the showroom when we could not get to the price we wanted.

Am now getting one with 16" alloys at the price I want (also newer and lower mileage) and feel that we will be happier with the 16" ones in the long run.

Thanks all for your advice!

Taliska

[snozzle123]

I roll with the 17's on. They look so much better than 16's. The Golf goes from a mundane hatch to a luxo-hatch. You could say they offer a better ride but then then 15" steelies would be smoother than 16" alloys.

I've owned cars with 18's before with 255/20/18's on so 17's are fine with me. I drive careful anyway and pick my way around our potholed roads.