WHEEL / TIRE COMBO - '98 TDI

[DRIVER]

WHEEL / TIRE COMBO - \'98 TDI

Since it seems so many of you owners got a head-start on me I was wondering if you had
any recommendations on replacement wheels and
tires for a '98 TDI. I am leaning toward a
15" wheel but would consider a 16" if the fit and ride is right. I have seen many ads
but figured real world experiences would be more helpful. I have no idea of the proper inset/offset so a little help would be appreciated.

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[colucci]

Re: WHEEL / TIRE COMBO - \'98 TDI

If you have any potholes in your area, I wouldn't go with the 16's. I want some degree of comfort and my 205/50-15s seem to be a great compromise. By the way, Borbet seems to be the lightest wheels on the cheap side of BBS. Check out other posts on this subject.

D'nardo

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Smokin into the new millenium...
98 Jetta TDI mit Wetterauer chip

 

[Ric Woodruff]

Re: WHEEL / TIRE COMBO - \'98 TDI

I would go DOWN to a 13" rim if it would fit, but I have been told that it would not fit due to interference with the brake calipers.

The reason I wanted to go to a smaller rim is that you can go to a "higher profile" tire and maintain the same outside diameter of the tire (and odometer/speedometer readings).

The reason for the desired 13" high profile tire, you may ask?

It is simple. That type of tire cost WAY less! (cheaper to produce, I guess).

My philosphy is simple: Wine, women & tires: The cheaper the better!

 

[dennez]

Re: WHEEL / TIRE COMBO - \'98 TDI

I'd go to 17" if i were you. It looks awesome
and the ride doesn't change that much.
Pro's:
- cool looks
- much better handling in turns
- drives more 'solid' at high speeds

Con's:
- the wheels sometimes 'jerk' the steering
wheel with bad roads/potholes/bumps
- the tires (i have 215/40/ZR17 goodyears)
are EXPENSIVE!

Anyway, if you want your car to look good and handle better (sportier), go for the 17".
If you want it to look good and drive more
comfortable, go for the 16".
If you don't care, leave those 15" with
the UGLY hubcaps on...

Dennes
Indigo Golf IV TDI

 

[Robber]

Re: WHEEL / TIRE COMBO - \'98 TDI

I'd go with the 16's. Its a comprimise between 17 and 15. That is what I plan on doing.

 

[Switca]

Re: WHEEL / TIRE COMBO - \'98 TDI

I got the cheap factory 15" wheels and tires and I buy the arguement that 16" is a good compromise between 15" and 17" wheels and tires.

If tire ware was not a concern and all you were concerned with was GRIP, what 16" tire would you buy?

Who makes the 5 spoke wheels for the GLS's?

 

[Robber]

Re: WHEEL / TIRE COMBO - \'98 TDI

Switca, I usually buy Goodyear they have some high performance tires that you can buy cheap. However, they do not warranty them for any type of mileage, since the ARE high performance tires, but hey their cheap. Right now I have the factories on 15" I am considering using them up before I go to the 16s.