First Car, New Wheels

Fizman

Hi all,
I'm thinkin of gettin a VW golf 1.4 over the next week or 2 (as my first car). Prob gonna be a 00 or 01. I've looked at a few that I like, but if i purchase one of them I feel that i'm gonna need some nice shiny alloys (nothin too bling but you know) in comparison to the plain wheels that are on these models.

Roughly how much would I be talkin bout, say for new 16' or 17' wheels/alloys??

Oh and does anybody have any good links or recommendations where to buy??

Cheers

fletch

www.rochfordtyres.co.uk have some great deals and a huge selection

TomMc

Fizman wrote:

Hi all,
I'm thinkin of gettin a VW golf 1.4 over the next week or 2 (as my first car). Prob gonna be a 00 or 01. I've looked at a few that I like, but if i purchase one of them I feel that i'm gonna need some nice shiny alloys (nothin too bling but you know) in comparison to the plain wheels that are on these models.

Roughly how much would I be talkin bout, say for new 16' or 17' wheels/alloys??

Oh and does anybody have any good links or recommendations where to buy??

Cheers

Whatever you do, I think 16" wheels are plenty big enough on a 1.4 golf. Anything bigger would look out of place on such a conservative looking car. Larger rims means tyres will cost more and also have a shorter life span. Whatever alloys you buy, do not go for replicas, they tend to buckle more easily, best to go with an established brand ... manufactured to oem quality standards.

fletch

TomMc wrote:

Whatever you do, I think 16" wheels are plenty big enough on a 1.4 golf. Anything bigger would look out of place on such a conservative looking car. Larger rims means tyres will cost more and also have a shorter life span.

I would agree...that 1.4 Golf is going to be god damn slow enough as it is....adding heavy alloys will cripple what performance it does have.

unkel

Are you sure, Fizman?

The MK IV Golf is overrated and overpriced, especially the 1.4. It is sluggish in a car that heavy

There are many better (and newer) cars out there within your budget

galwaytt

There's an article in the Nov issue of Autobiz - the trade magazine, on the 02 Golf 1.4 75bhp, on the issue of diagnostics, by David Heffernan, and here are just some quotes from same:

''is very popular car....1.4 is a bit low on power"
"there are a few causes for concern on these cars..."
"most common fault.....coolant temperature switch....causes car to be hard to start, or brings the revs up when the engine is hot..."
"the engine control unit (Marelli)...is prone to cause the engine to run too weak...which will casue erratic tickover..."
"next would be the EGR valve"
"..if it stays weak (the mixture - following certain tests)...this is a control unit problem" ..meaning, you'll need a new one - not cheap.
"the engine is prone to valve guide wear, also valves and seals, and in extreme cases, the piston rings will give trouble. You will then be into a rebore with new pistions, which will have to be gauged in relation to the age and value of the car, because it will mean engine removal(an expensive job)." - :eek: EEK - on an 02 car??? :eek:
"Finally, the throttle body is another concern........."

Crumbs. And I know a person who had to consign his 1.4 to eternity on the engine wear thing - his was older, I give you, but it was the same engine. I'd avoid like the plague. I'm not aware that the 1.6 has the same issue, but the 1.4 has been historically the poor relation, so maybe they just churne it out for us Paddy's and Brian Cowen.........

Btw - Renault 1.4 16v is 95bhp - 20 more than the Golf............

bazz26

galwaytt wrote:

Btw - Renault 1.4 16v is 95bhp - 20 more than the Golf............

Slightly O/T but the Rover 400 had a 1.4 litre with 102bhp back in 1991/1992.

To the OP, I would also not recommend going above 16" rims on the Golf. Standard on the Golf 1.4 is 14" or 15" wheels so one size up is more than enough on Irish roads. Anything bigger and your speedo will be off. Also make sure you get decent tyres. It is amazing that some people will spend big money on alloy wheels and then cut costs by putting cheap rubber on them.

kluivert

Go with an Opel Astra.

The more the merrier

colm_mcm

try to get some original or replica VW alloys, for some reason VW' always look best on VW rims.

Fizman

unkel wrote:

Are you sure, Fizman?

The MK IV Golf is overrated and overpriced, especially the 1.4. It is sluggish in a car that heavy

There are many better (and newer) cars out there within your budget

The more I look into this the more I'm beginning to agree with you, and the more i'm beginning to change my mind. I dunno i just had a thing for Golfs I guess.

Fizman

galwaytt wrote:

There's an article in the Nov issue of Autobiz - the trade magazine, on the 02 Golf 1.4 75bhp, on the issue of diagnostics, by David Heffernan, and here are just some quotes from same:

''is very popular car....1.4 is a bit low on power"
"there are a few causes for concern on these cars..."
"most common fault.....coolant temperature switch....causes car to be hard to start, or brings the revs up when the engine is hot..."
"the engine control unit (Marelli)...is prone to cause the engine to run too weak...which will casue erratic tickover..."
"next would be the EGR valve"
"..if it stays weak (the mixture - following certain tests)...this is a control unit problem" ..meaning, you'll need a new one - not cheap.
"the engine is prone to valve guide wear, also valves and seals, and in extreme cases, the piston rings will give trouble. You will then be into a rebore with new pistions, which will have to be gauged in relation to the age and value of the car, because it will mean engine removal(an expensive job)." - :eek: EEK - on an 02 car??? :eek:
"Finally, the throttle body is another concern........."

Crumbs. And I know a person who had to consign his 1.4 to eternity on the engine wear thing - his was older, I give you, but it was the same engine. I'd avoid like the plague. I'm not aware that the 1.6 has the same issue, but the 1.4 has been historically the poor relation, so maybe they just churne it out for us Paddy's and Brian Cowen.........

Btw - Renault 1.4 16v is 95bhp - 20 more than the Golf............

Hmm, quite a lot to digest there alright. Funny that the original posting was me looking for advice on new wheels for this car....and the majority of posts are putting up valid cases against purchasing one :rolleyes:
I've been looking at a few 1.4 Bora's (99, 00, 01) and a few have caught my eye.
Anything of note I should know about them??

bazz26

Fizman wrote:

Hmm, quite a lot to digest there alright. Funny that the original posting was me looking for advice on new wheels for this car....and the majority of posts are putting up valid cases against purchasing one :rolleyes:
I've been looking at a few 1.4 Bora's (99, 00, 01) and a few have caught my eye.
Anything of note I should know about them??

The Bora is just a Golf with a saloon boot. Everything else is shared with the Golf MKIV. The Bora doesn't hold it's value like the Golf. But the same advice given about the Golf would apply to the Bora.

TomMc

1.4 Bora ... A Golf with a boot and even blander. Otherwise more of the same.

Fizman

Ok lads, so what would you all recommend for my budget (ive about 8k to work with and would only consider going over it for a pretty good deal)?

In the new year I will be doing a fair bit of driving with work so comfort will be pretty important.
I've mainly been looking at 99, 00, 01 and some 02's.....ideally under 80k mileage. (and its my first car so 1.4 will have to do for now)

gary the great

What about a Puma? The lads from top gear voted it the car of the year a few back and said it was great fun to drive.

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=497675

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=536116

TomMc

Fizman wrote:

Ok lads, so what would you all recommend for my budget (ive about 8k to work with and would only consider going over it for a pretty good deal)?

In the new year I will be doing a fair bit of driving with work so comfort will be pretty important.
I've mainly been looking at 99, 00, 01 and some 02's.....ideally under 80k mileage. (and its my first car so 1.4 will have to do for now)

If you need something practical ... wearing your sensible shoes and not a plaything, then a 1400 Corolla or Civic, 1500 Mazda 323 or 1600 Mitsubishi Carisma ... bit long in the tooth I know, but decent spec, reasonable amount of space, comfortable and reliable.

galwaytt

Fizman wrote:

Hmm, quite a lot to digest there alright. Funny that the original posting was me looking for advice on new wheels for this car....and the majority of posts are putting up valid cases against purchasing one :rolleyes:
I've been looking at a few 1.4 Bora's (99, 00, 01) and a few have caught my eye.
Anything of note I should know about them??

All VW 1.4's share the probs...........see here too: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054957101 and just file it under QED....

If you can, you won't go far wrong with a Jap car for high miles, so I like Civic's, but there's too many of them around for my taste. So, a good spec 323 would be my choice.

Could you get a Levin for that money?

Plug

galwaytt wrote:

There's an article in the Nov issue of Autobiz - the trade magazine, on the 02 Golf 1.4 75bhp, on the issue of diagnostics, by David Heffernan, and here are just some quotes from same:

''is very popular car....1.4 is a bit low on power"
"there are a few causes for concern on these cars..."
"most common fault.....coolant temperature switch....causes car to be hard to start, or brings the revs up when the engine is hot..."
"the engine control unit (Marelli)...is prone to cause the engine to run too weak...which will casue erratic tickover..."
"next would be the EGR valve"
"..if it stays weak (the mixture - following certain tests)...this is a control unit problem" ..meaning, you'll need a new one - not cheap.
"the engine is prone to valve guide wear, also valves and seals, and in extreme cases, the piston rings will give trouble. You will then be into a rebore with new pistions, which will have to be gauged in relation to the age and value of the car, because it will mean engine removal(an expensive job)." - :eek: EEK - on an 02 car??? :eek:
"Finally, the throttle body is another concern........."

Crumbs. And I know a person who had to consign his 1.4 to eternity on the engine wear thing - his was older, I give you, but it was the same engine. I'd avoid like the plague. I'm not aware that the 1.6 has the same issue, but the 1.4 has been historically the poor relation, so maybe they just churne it out for us Paddy's and Brian Cowen.........

Btw - Renault 1.4 16v is 95bhp - 20 more than the Golf............

My father has a 1.4 golf 01 with 135000 miles, never had any problem. Only occasional service's and 1 change of the timing belt.

Volvoboy

Dont go with the golf's very bland looking car as is the bora- even the name remindes me of boring, go with the astra and the money you'll save on repairs from the golf should get a nice set of alloys and a boot spolier,

i'd recomend the Octavia you can get them in 1.4 but there are'nt many about or the almera(AHEM!!) 6kmls on me driving it and it still goes like the clappers!



-VB-

Plug

Volvoboy wrote:

Dont go with the golf's very bland looking car as is the bora- even the name remindes me of boring, go with the astra and the money you'll save on repairs from the golf should get a nice set of alloys and a boot spolier,

i'd recomend the Octavia you can get them in 1.4 but there are'nt many about or the almera(AHEM!!) 6kmls on me driving it and it still goes like the clappers!



-VB-

I'd say the astra is worse;) He might want to take a look at the Skoda though!

sk8board

galwaytt wrote:

Btw - Renault 1.4 16v is 95bhp - 20 more than the Golf............

I've got one of these outside at the min, and its a great wee car for an old 1.4.
Its a '00 Rxi Megane. Reckon you'd get one for 5-7k, and they are as fully-loaded (as standard) as you are likely to find; low(ish) profie tyres make it feel real nippy and sharp with the 96hp engine. very revy.

Yes, i'm aware I'm describing a 6 year old renault, but it really is great fun to drive, IF you are looking for 00 or 01 1.4 5 door hatchback (as the OP seems to be).

extras include:
alloys,metallic paint, crome back, 3rd rear light, rear spoiler, electric mirrors, sun roof, leather gear shift and steering wheel, sports seats, trip computer, auto wipers, CD, blah blah blah.
Nothing has ever gone wrong with the electrics! Unfortunately that can't be said about the newer Renault's (pity really).

I don't think the big fat blubbering 1.4 Golf compares in any way whatsoever.

Would be interested to hear if the OP holds firm to the age old irish love of the 1.4 Base VW Golf

Spitfire666

the skodas are great cars, nearly bought one myself as my first car. i dont know about the 1.4 octavia though. a bit small maybe.

JHMEG

Surely a 1.4 Octavia is gonna potentially suffer the same engine problems as a 1.4 Golf?

Personally I'd go for a 3-dr Civic, or a 5-dr Corolla 1.4 (97bhp).

Spitfire666

JHMEG wrote:

Surely a 1.4 Octavia is gonna potentially suffer the same engine problems as a 1.4 Golf?

Personally I'd go for a 3-dr Civic, or a 5-dr Corolla 1.4 (97bhp).

Id go with the 3dr civic if its a cheap reliable run around your after. cant get much better for your yo-yos then a civic.

Even 10 year old ones are still going strong.

Fizman

sk8board wrote:

Would be interested to hear if the OP holds firm to the age old irish love of the 1.4 Base VW Golf

My online searches now don't just have VW in the Make field so I'm beginning to open up to other options

The 1.4 Renault and Corolla are interesting me, they both seem to have a nice bit of umph about them.

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=551069 This seems like a pretty good deal to me, opinions??
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=506300 Do ye reckon this is a bit pricey?
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=490203
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=509267 Nice car....Good deal?
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=538677 Seems like a v good offer... v low mileage too.

Any opinions appreciated..... cheers. (I'll be searchin the Corolla soon)

JHMEG

Spitfire666 wrote:

Even 10 year old ones are still going strong.

Aye, my 1995 Civic is still going strong (in the hands of my brother-in-law)... 175,000 miles on the clock and all it has needed has been a new radiator and a couple of CV joiints...

Fizman

Also looks good

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=461736
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=552043

Fizman

.

FX Meister

TomMc wrote:

Whatever you do, I think 16" wheels are plenty big enough on a 1.4 golf. Anything bigger would look out of place on such a conservative looking car.

Would completely disagree. 18" wheels look much sweeter than 16" on a Golf. Maybe not as practical but they do look much better. FACT