Aftermarket Wheel Experiences?

[JTI]

Would like some new wheels for my MK5 but can't really justify shelling out best part of a grand at the moment on some new OEM ones. I was wondering what people's experiences are of buying aftermarket wheels that are out there? Of course I'll be avoiding the cheapo Chinese rubbish on ebay but have seen UK companies selling sets of replica ones for £400-£500.

[slix]

I'm in the same boat lol. Plus not knowing what will clear my brakes is annoying as can never see the insides of the spokes untill you see them in person.

I'm pretty sure 90% of replica wheels are heavier than oem too. But I know plenty of people who run replica with no problems. And how do you know the 'uk' sites arnt buying from China and selling over here lol.

[JTI]

I'd not even considered the brakes! I know what you're saying about the reselling of poorer quality ones, but I've noticed some sellers will mention a manufacturer's warranty, where others won't. I think as long as I had the reassurance of say a 1 year warranty I'd be happy.

[Nodz]

What wheels have you got on the car at the moment? Would it be better just to get them refurbished instead of shelling out for new wheels twice?

Other options would be a set of BBS wheels or team dynamics 1.2's as they are usually around 600 a set depending where you go.

Reps are just normally heavier and as you say depending where they are from depends on the quality.

[JTI]

Just the standard Monzas. They're in ok condition I just find them a bit plain looking, but would probably keep them as winter wheels.

I do like the BBS wheels and am considering some anthracite ones, although after putting tyres on them you're talking over £800 still. I like the Santiago ones also but they're like £400 per wheel, whereas you can get replica ones for like £500 a set.

[PatchySan]

You can get a good set of aftermarkets on the used market for not that much money if you keep your eyes peeled on the classifieds or eBay. I managed to snag a genuine set of BBS CO's from a Skoda VRS enthusiast for £250 but they all needed a good refurb so it costed me about £400 overall. I had them on my old Golf and transferred it over to my GTI now.



They are so much lighter than the stock wheels which is a good thing - a smidge faster off the line and better mpg overall! The only thing I regret is going for Gunmetal Grey on the wheels, having a dark paint colour I should've stuck with Silver for better contrast!

[Madone]

You can get a good set of aftermarkets on the used market for not that much money if you keep your eyes peeled on the classifieds or eBay. I managed to snag a genuine set of BBS CO's from a Skoda VRS enthusiast for £250 but they all needed a good refurb so it costed me about £400 overall. I had them on my old Golf and transferred it over to my GTI now.



They are so much lighter than the stock wheels which is a good thing - a smidge faster off the line and better mpg overall! The only thing I regret is going for Gunmetal Grey on the wheels, having a dark paint colour I should've stuck with Silver for better contrast!

How is the ride quality ?, feel any different ?. Interesting to hear you see better mpg. This should be the case in theory, but nice to hear it confirmed.

[PatchySan]

How is the ride quality ?, feel any different ?. Interesting to hear you see better mpg. This should be the case in theory, but nice to hear it confirmed.

My BBS are 17s so the ride quality is spot on, 18's a bit firmer as the sidewalls are thinner so you'll feel more of the road as I found out when I had the R32 Zolder wheels on. In truth the ride quality is not that much different to stock though it does feel more agile as there's less weight shifting during accelerating and braking.

Overall if you're replacing the stock Monza wheels with quality aftermarkets of the same size you won't notice any detrimental effects, just a win-win in my experience (unique style and better handling). Upping a size from 17s to 18/19s, while having better aesthetics most likely you would hit the ride quality due to thinner side walls and extra weight from stock (unless you get something like those Ultraleggras) - not mention the extra cost for having an extra inch on those tyres too!