Buying Genuine VW alloys

WilliamEgan

Hey,

I am looking to get a 2nd hand pair of GTI alloys for a 07 Golf. I only have the 1.4 basic model but would like to add the alloys to it.

I spoke to a guy who repaints alloys recently at top gear and he said to only buy genuine VW alloys as the replicas are made of a cheaper metal and break easier.

How can I tell that a genuine alloy from a replica? Any stamps, marks?

Also do I need to worry about the size of alloys I get, 17', 18' etc?

Thanks,

Will

Gumbo

you can get OEM 17" and 18" GTi alloys.
17" are normal silver and the 18" have the darker shadow effect going through them.

you'll pay a hefty price for OEM so me personnaly, for the 1.4 you have, i'd buy reps.
some reps are better than others so i'd research where you buy the reps from, maybe try http://vagdrivers.net/forums/index.php?

WilliamEgan

I have been looking at getting a second hand pair and then repainting them if they looked rough. The car is gun metal grey so I was thinking of a mat black finish.

Thanks for the link, I will check it out.

Stevie Dakota

Bear in mind that your 1.4 won't have the lowered suspension of the GTI so it won't look anything like the real thing.

PARKHEAD67

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

Bear in mind that your 1.4 won't have the lowered suspension of the GTI so it won't look anything like the real thing.

Or drive anything like the real thing:D. i wouldnt fake a 1.4 to look like a gti. 2 completely different animals.

Stevie Dakota

PARKHEAD67 wrote: »

Or drive anything like the real thing:D. i wouldnt fake a 1.4 to look like a gti. 2 completely different animals.

I wouldn't either, but I'm not the OP!

WilliamEgan

Barring winning big on the scratch cards its all I've got. And the GTi alloys are the best looking that I can see, anyone suggest other choices?

PARKHEAD67

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

I wouldn't either, but I'm not the OP!

I know. Was directed at the OP.

paddydriver

Whether 17" or 18" - check the state of them; 18" especially are kerb magnets:(

I have the 18"s and as careful I have been over the 5 years I have it, there are still a lot of nicks etc on them. There is a different coating on the 18"s too and it is prone to getting water under the laquer and you get long white lines like little worms.

Seanieke

Keep an eye on your gearbox bolting 18"s onto a 1.4...

pajero12

PARKHEAD67 wrote: »

Or drive anything like the real thing:D. i wouldnt fake a 1.4 to look like a gti. 2 completely different animals.

OP never said he wanted to fake a GTI! hes only looking for the wheels

Nonoperational

You'd get a set of the 17s for cheap enough if you keep an eye on donedeal. Then get them repainted and you could have a nice set of genuine BBS VW GTi 17s for around €700 or so. Much better value than reps.

Reps are variable in quality and can be quite a bit heavier than OEM wheels. 18" reps on a 1.4 golf could have quite an effect on the car. And with the softer suspension I'd guess there cold be some rubbing etc over bumps and rough roads.

tossy

Genuine all day everyday,for a 1.4 i'd go with a max of 17" rims.

Theboinkmaster

WilliamEgan wrote: »

Hey,

I am looking to get a 2nd hand pair of GTI alloys for a 07 Golf. I only have the 1.4 basic model but would like to add the alloys to it.

I spoke to a guy who repaints alloys recently at top gear and he said to only buy genuine VW alloys as the replicas are made of a cheaper metal and break easier.

How can I tell that a genuine alloy from a replica? Any stamps, marks?

Also do I need to worry about the size of alloys I get, 17', 18' etc?

Thanks,

Will

Seriously don't do it - everytime i see a 1.4 golf with the GTI alloys i feel pity/shame for the driver, it's quite sad looking. It's like seeing an m3 badge on a 318.

I have a 1.4 golf and have the OEM 17" zandvoort alloys and they look great IMO if you want to look into them.

The GTI alloys should stay on the GTI.

EPM

Seanieke wrote: »

Keep an eye on your gearbox bolting 18"s onto a 1.4...

+1

Also, check the sticky miata owners club website for the effect it will have on your speedo. Google is your friend