Thanks for all the helpful input on my manual vs automatic question. Now I'd like input on the pros and cons of upgrading to the more expensive wheels on the Jetta TDI. The option I'm talking about adds about $1300: 17" Vision V Alloy Wheels w/All-Season Tires Includes 17" 'Vision V' design alloy wheels with P225/45R17 all-season tires.
Worth it? why? or why not?
Thanks! Sheila
To me, no it would not be worth it. To you maybe. Your question is a lot like asking if I should by an apple or a cherry pie.
The fancy larger wheels can give better road feel and grip or good dry roads. They also don't give as good a ride, cost more and are far less reliable, especially if you are in pot hole country. The kids with ricers like them. I would pay more not to have them.
Bascially just decoration. Whether you want to pay $1300 for looks is up to you.
If you live or drive anywhere where you get snow, buying good set of snow tires is a lot less expensive and more useful. You should consider "all season" to mean "three season, any season but winter". The difference is amazing.
If you drive primarily on smooth roads, go for the 17 inchers. If your roads are more bumpy stay with the 16 inchers. While 17 inchers looks cool, they do give a harder ride. 17 inchers will corner slightly faster if you really press on, but if you drive "normally" the 16 inchers will suffice.
Incidentally, what was your decision regarding the gearbox?
Thanks again everyone. This was also helpful. Given where we live and how we drive and that looks don't matter I think we'll stay with the 16". We haven't decided for sure onthe auto v manual but leaning toward manual. Still getting interest input. May need to test drive both again now and watch how the shifting feels at slow speeds.
Sheila
Not worth it. The instances in which they will provide any real, useful difference in performance are rare. That $1300 could go to a lot more useful purposes.
If it were me, I would want steel wheels. Alloys are cool and a big ego boost, yes -- but aluminum is not as strong as steel pound-for-pound, and many alloy wheels with the correct load capacity are heavier than the same-size steel wheel. That addition in unsprung weight will erase any other real or imagined performance gain. And, the first time you slide on ice or snow and whack a curb, denting your expensive alloys, you'll cuss yourself out for ever getting them in the first place.
Also, if you're in snow country, you'll find out very quickly that wide, low-profile tires are terrible in snow. My experience tells me that VW's idea of "all-season" tires only encompasses three seasons -- and none of them are winter.
Just my grouchy opinion.
I don't think that VW has any part in that, it's the tire companies that label those tires as "all" season. I've never encountered any tire that is good as a snow tire in the winter, and is also as good as a "performance" tire in the summer.
VW chooses the tires. They place a greater emphasis on dry, warm performance than they do on wet, cold or frozen performance -- and depending on where you live, that might be the right choice. But it sure isn't, here in Wisconsin! I know of plenty of good wet and winter tires that are perfectly adequate summer tires -- the BFGoodrich Traction T/A is a good example. On the other hand, the Michelin "Energy" tires that VW puts on at the factory are terrible tires in either rain or snow.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.