Rims or no rims?

[PhiLep]

So basically, I lost a hubcap while driving the other day. I can either spend $80 at the dealership for a replacement, or I could go and buy alloy rims for my Jetta. I went and visited a wheels shop today with my brother. The owner is my brother's friend and was able to give me what seems to be a good deal. I don't know a whole lot about cars, wheels or even the general prices for them so I thought I would ask for some opinions here.

The guy thinks that I should put 18" on my Jetta. My brother has 30% profile tires on his car (I think that's what they're called) and his rims often crack when he goes over bumps or potholes or anything like that. I told him I strictly don't want this.. If I lose a hubcap, I'm guaranteed to crack rims with low profile tyres..

Do you think that 18" rims with appropriate tyres would be durable and not likely to crack if I went over potholes or anything like that?

He also gave me a catalogue of some rims that he is getting in tomorrow.

He offered me a price of $1400 for a set of rims (any on the catalogue), including new tyres (to fit the new wheels), installation, etc. All included in one package for $1400.

This is the catalogue:



The W-12 and R8-10 are what I'm possibly looking at getting.


Also possibly the GTI-2


What are your opinions on these rims on a black MK6 Jetta?

Also, anyone have any idea which brand these rims are?
They have this logo on them.. (it seems to spell "AG")


thanks in advance

[JustCruisn]

+1 on the W-12.
$1400 seems about the right price for replicas and decent tyres. That's what I paid for the A8 style a few years back with Kumho KU31 tyres.

What Brand of tyre is the guy offering ?
Can you get VW centre caps on them ?
How much do they weigh ?

[ziggyboy]

W-12 gets my vote too. That's a food local price but buying overseas will still be cheaper. Your brothers friend won't like you though lol

oh and if you've got hubcaps I'm assuming you've got the 118tsi? Got the same, upgraded to 17" alloys and it is noticeably less fuel efficient, and slightly slower at takeoff. Bigger wheels add weight.

[remy]

I like the RS-4's

[PhiLep]

What Brand of tyre is the guy offering ?
Can you get VW centre caps on them ?
How much do they weigh ?

I'm not really sure on any of this, I'll have to ask him all of that.

I've been looking at other VW forums and have seen some different rims that people have put on MK6 Jetta. The best I've seen so far are called "Savannah" (I think?) and seem to come standard on some GLI models of the jetta.

Like this:

although not lowered like that car. I can't seem to find them anywhere, anyone have any ideas?
and opinions on those rims^?

[PhiLep]

Another pic:

[spiff]

Agreed. The W12 or GTI2. Please don't get the R8 (looks too much like a japanese ricer).
I'm on the factory 18" Charlestons. I personally think 18" make the car look much nicer.
AG = Avant Garde. Do a google on them to see what other car enthusiasts say.
Here's the website for the company - AG WHEELS

Price wise, I looked around a couple of years ago and had quotes of $1200 just for wheels alone. I guess it's just the nature of prices here in Oz. Agreed that the cost of the wheels from overseas will set you back a lot less, but then again.. if you must, you must. Do find out what tyres you're getting..the last thing you want is to be running on crappy tyres because you saved a buck.

[edit] according to this thread - Avant-Garde wheels. Anyone have them? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum - E90Post.com - AG uses low pressure casting, same as most factory OEM alloys. Here's some info: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/....jsp?techid=90[/edit]

[PhiLep]

Hi Spiff, that actually helped me a a lot. Thank you! The rims I was thinking of were actually Charlestons 18" and not Savannahs.
I am looking around for Charlestons but am having a hard time finding any for sale (other than in the US). Do you think my dealership would be able to order Charleston's in?

I agree with you that the R8 rims might look a bit iffy, I wasn't sure about them and was planning to look up some Jetta's with them. I'm leaning towards the W-12 the most and possibly the GTI12. However, my most preferable rims would be the Charleston's. But I can't find them ANYWHERE They are the best rims I've seen on a Jetta.

[spiff]

I guess they will if they don't have them and assuming it's still a current product. The list price I was given by my dealer when I bought my car was $1990 (set of 4). When mine got scuffed (by others running me into the kerb), I asked and was given a price over $1500 (one wheel) ex-Sydney. I am probably going to sell mine when I get around to touching up (maybe) the scuffs, cos the look of the Charlestons - while nice - is not the look I want. I'll be after something black with a machined mirror-finish lip.

I'm heading to VW tomorrow cos a friend wants to buy a Polo/Golf, so I might ask them whether Charlestons are still available and how much they cost. I'd be curious too.

[gareth_oau]

I'm a bit surprised that your brother cracks rims from hitting potholes - it seems he has nil respect for his wheels and tyres, or the wheels are rubbish.

a quick search on the net suggestions you are looking for a PCD of 5x112

I can see the OEM offset is ET47mm, but I cant find what rim width you have.

this is important information if you are looking at replacing your rims, and the offset and width will determine how well the wheel sits inside your wheel arch (or not) and whether or not the new rims will look wider (more stance) than what you currently have
.

As a guide you will want an ET47mm or lower.

Heres a list of high quality aftermarket rims out of the UK that may be suitable for you to consider.

VAG 5x112, BM Autosport Ltd

prices shown include 20% VAT so take that off, and add around £320 for freight