View Full Version : 18" alloys.... factory or dealer fit?
Tavia4x4
18-05-2005, 11:58
Hi,
Thinking about the 140sport...
The 17" wheels on the option list are costed based on "not having to supply the standard 16" alloys" - can you get them to supply the 18's in the same manner?
Only price I can find for the 18's is "dealer supplied" hence £672, not including tyres, and I'd have a set of new 16" sport wheels and tyres to sell \ lose money on.
i wanted the 18's too - but got told the same - you can't get a car supplied from factory with no wheels :)
you'd have to get the std fit 16's and then buy wheels and tyres from dealers, then sell yours on.
With my car being a lease car its not worth the hassle to try and get this process approved by lease company, so i settled for 17" wheels.
But would you want the 18" ride thou... I dealt it.
i was going to order an Audi A3 2.0 TDI S-Line DSG Sportback with its 18" alloys - looked brilliant, but a very expensive car, and the altea gave me the same kit (or even more) for a lot less money - the test drives in the Audi were harsh, but managable - getting 18"s was more a style statment - it keeps the car looking fresh.
My Golf came with 15" alloys, which 3 years ago was acceptable, as the GTI's had 16" alloys - 17" alloys were for things more exotic, but look at cars nowadays - anything with 15" alloys is considered a to be a Kia or a wheelbarrow, and 17" wheels are standard fit with 18"'s being options, it wont be long before 19 and 20 inch wheels become factory/dealer options ! :)
Tavia4x4
18-05-2005, 21:04
I was kinda hoping to think about the 18"s and the sports suspension, yes it would be firm but I do like to hurl things about a bit....
My octy is pretty soft, but the Altea will have a higher C of G, so want it to be pretty taut, even if a little crashy.
Am going to test drive at the weekend, not even sat in one yet, just could be a possible replacement....
cheers for the help....
Think you will find it's "pretty taut" on 17" in the TDI 2.0 Sport option.... you won't be disappointed. It's funny although you feel every nook and cranny in the road when going slow, it takes sleeping policemen very well at slow speed - I don't do them fast. On a good road surface at high speed it's a delight. Even after six months I'm still getting use to the variable speed steering wheel. You wouldn't want to sneeze at 80 MPH.
Tavia4x4
19-05-2005, 09:50
Is it the assistance that varies, or the actual turning lock to lock (like the new BMW 5series) at different speeds? Have heard it actively fights against crosswinds - how?
(off topic I know :D)
I spend all my time off topic on boards so don't worry about... the lock or the number of turns is going to remain the same - I think. But how far the wheels moves to a small turn of the wheel varies by speed. I've haven't been affected by crosswind - true. But you do know when it's windy. OK better take it for a mini spin now and get some work done. Somewhere at the moment where I do get to drive it in the morning rather than just pleasure.....
Tavia4x4
19-05-2005, 11:21
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/steering_assistant.html
This talks about the electric assistance, seems like another Bosch setup, working with the ESP.. Sounds an interesting setup...