MK6 Wheel / Rim / Tyre Thread

[DionM]

Okay I've got a MkV Jetta (2.0T DSG) but seems this is "the" tyre thread.

My RE050As (225/40 R18s) are pretty much shagged after 13000kms so looking at options.

Nitto NT-05 gets good mentions but are they available in Oz? I rang a couple of tyre dealers in BNE but they didn't stock Nitto.

Next choice I guess is the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asyms ?

I'm after outright performance - tired of not having any traction on launches and cornering.

Not too concerned with wear rates - don't do many kms. Not too concerned with wet performance - I'll take the other car if its raining.

[Corey_R]

If you're not too concerned with tyre wear or wet performance, and are considering the Nitto semi-slicks, then there are a few brands locally which you could try.

Federal have a nice and cheap semi-slick which is probably comparable to the Nitto.
A bit further up the performance and price range you have things like the Hankook Ventus Z221. The APR Stage 3 Golf GTI (and R? and Polo GTI in this months Motor Magazine) run them.

I did a search for them on the Hankook Australia site and couldn't find them though. So maybe you could ask APR Australia or Harding Performance where they're sourcing theirs from.

[DionM]

Thanks. That Hankook is quite pricey it seems!

The Federal 595RS-R in the size I want doesn't have the right load rating unfortunately.

[AdamD]

My RE050As (225/40 R18s) are pretty much shagged after 13000kms so looking at options... I'm after outright performance - tired of not having any traction on launches and cornering.

Damn, 13,000km... you must be really hard on your tyres, and/or have some serious alignment issues! I've been pretty damn brutal on a couple of sets on other cars in the (fairly recent) past, but have never worn a set in under 20,000. Maybe the Jetta's set up too soft?

If budget's not a huge issue, how about a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cups? $1150 from Tirerack, plus shipping (say $300), plus duty. Wouldn't be cheap, but a great tyre.

[DionM]

Damn, 13,000km... you must be really hard on your tyres, and/or have some serious alignment issues! I've been pretty damn brutal on a couple of sets on other cars in the (fairly recent) past, but have never worn a set in under 20,000. Maybe the Jetta's set up too soft?

They've worn well - been balanced and rotated as needed and no alignmenti ssues. I was a bit surprised too but then again I do make use of the car ...

If budget's not a huge issue, how about a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cups? $1150 from Tirerack, plus shipping (say $300), plus duty. Wouldn't be cheap, but a great tyre.

Hmmm they're in 235/40 ... close size. I'll do some research.

I guess the appeal with the Eagle F1s is they come on sale now and then at Goodyear with their buy 3 get 1 free deal, which drops the price by 25%.

[Corey_R]

Is that enough to make them cheaper than purchasing from Tirerack the Goodyear's anyway?

[DionM]

Is that enough to make them cheaper than purchasing from Tirerack the Goodyear's anyway?

Yes. Shipping is not cheap and over the $1k mark you have to factor in 10% GST.

The Eagle F1 Asyms are $400ea in 225/40, so its $1200 for the buy 3 get 1 free deal.

Price is not the only factor, but when a set is 25% cheaper than the others it makes it a bit harder.

[TDI DSG]

Okay I've got a MkV Jetta (2.0T DSG) but seems this is "the" tyre thread.

My RE050As (225/40 R18s) are pretty much shagged after 13000kms so looking at options.

Nitto NT-05 gets good mentions but are they available in Oz? I rang a couple of tyre dealers in BNE but they didn't stock Nitto.

Next choice I guess is the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asyms ?

I'm after outright performance - tired of not having any traction on launches and cornering.

Not too concerned with wear rates - don't do many kms. Not too concerned with wet performance - I'll take the other car if its raining.

If your not concerned with wear rates, go and find your local motorsport tyre dealer and buy some road legal race tyres. They will be the type of tyres used for club car racing and targa tas type events.
These will grip far better than any of the high performance road tyres being mentioned and most likely be a fair bit cheaper too.
You will most likely get 10K out of them - the vast majority of drivers would find that unacceptable, but you sound like you may not given the increased grip on offer.

[Corey_R]

Yes. Shipping is not cheap and over the $1k mark you have to factor in 10% GST.

The Eagle F1 Asyms are $400ea in 225/40, so its $1200 for the buy 3 get 1 free deal.

Price is not the only factor, but when a set is 25% cheaper than the others it makes it a bit harder.

Aaah, so it's cheaper to purchase from Tirerack. Ta

[AdamD]

Yes. Shipping is not cheap and over the $1k mark you have to factor in 10% GST.

The Eagle F1 Asyms are $400ea in 225/40, so its $1200 for the buy 3 get 1 free deal.

Price is not the only factor, but when a set is 25% cheaper than the others it makes it a bit harder.

When I bought my Eagle F1 Asymmetrics from Tirerack it cost me under $1200 all up, including shipping, fitting and alignment. The Australian dollar is now stronger than it was too.

I wouldn't want to dissuade you from getting the Goodyear - they're a great tyre and I'm happy I purchased mine - but I'm not sure they'll give you the outright performance that'd suit you (given your stated criteria and the useful life of your existing boots).