Tyres - Any advice please (for Polo GTI)

[noone]

I'm going to be getting some new tyres soon and I don't think I've ever paid more than $100 a corner.

But as I care about this car, i'm willing to spend some real $$$ to get something that will work.

As I'm getting my rims from Tempe, I'm likely to go with what they stock. My brand choices are:

Dunlop
Falken
Goodyear
Hankook
Kumho
Michelin
Pirelli

I'm shooting for less than $200 a corner.

I'm going from 16's to 17's and already have lowered springs, so don't want a somewhat spongy tyre.

Guess my priorities in order are:
Comfort
Handling
Noise
Wear
Looks

Couldn't find much feedback on here for tyres and I understand there are too many options to list, so if anyone has any recommendations or perceptions on models or ever brands (which are well priced, or maybe what Tempe will do cheap) I'd be very appreciative.

[Manaz]

The Bridgestone Potenza RE001 has a good reptutation at the moment, though it'll be in the upper range of your price window.

The Kumho KU31 has a good reputation lately as well, and I suspect you'd get it for somewhere south of $150 a corner.

[team_v]

Try this site.
Just input your tyre size and it will bring up all of the tyres that fit and compare them.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/SearchTires.jsp

[Manaz]

Be aware that tirerack is a US site and doesn't have all locally available tyres (RE001 for instance), and it has a number (winter tyres especially) not available here.

[VWindahouse]

From what I understand from the Polo forum Marangoni's are the tyre of choice and in your price range see here for heaps of reviews and opinions

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad.php?t=14613

[noone]

Thanks Guys.

Think getting Marangoni's on my Polo through Tempe would be painfull. Guess I could source them elsewhere, but if I have any issues, i know what will happen: Fingerpointing.

The Pirelli's are meant to be good, but can be a bit rough and I'm already somewhat concerned about going from 16's to 17's with the aftermarket springs.

Dunlop seem a bit hit and miss, some love, some hate.

I'm thinking the Kuhmo's, but mainly as they review fairly well and won't cost any more as part of the package...

Been using this site for anyone who is interested: http://www.carbonblack.com.au

[noone]

Bump - Any more opinions on tyres appreciated.

They will be a 40 Profile, little worried about a harsh ride...

[Manaz]

215/40R17? That should be fine, gives you around 86mm of sidewall.

RE050As would be a bit rough (and expensive). RE001s have a reputation as being softer in the sidewall, but it doesn't seem that Tempe stock Bridgestone.

Kumho KU31 score an overall rating of 8.2 on Carbonblack, that's pretty damned good, excellent when you take the price into consideration (RE001s only rated 8.3 overall, and they'd be over $200 a corner).

[blutopless2]

have the RE001's on my jetta. they've been on for 5000k's and been great so far. 18" and grip really well.
our polo gti has 17's on it but not sure what tyre - never looked. ride comfort has been good over the bumpy stuff etc.
how many k's did you get out of your tyres?

[noone]

My Polo has only clocked 12K Kms, but I'm looking to go to 17's.

I don't know if the current tyres are good or bad, many people on here don't like them, but on the tyre rating sites, they get good reviews.

I know there is a lot of personal preference, I just don't know much about tyres...

unless someone can tell me why not to, I'll be going for the Kuhmo KU31's. Reason: Pretty cheap and good reviews overall.

[JCM308]

The KU31's are aparently not a bad tyre. Mate of mine had them on his Liberty. The only problem with tyres is that tyres are suited for specific applications, some work well on AWD but don't work well on FWD.

Also as with most things you get what you pay for.

Double check when the tyres were made, Tempe were selling some Kumho's not too long ago that were made in 2006

[Manaz]

The only problem with tyres is that tyres are suited for specific applications, some work well on AWD but don't work well on FWD.

I find that hard to believe. A tyre has one thing to do - provide sufficient friction where it meets the ground to provide the required grip. I realise that some tyres are built to OEM specifications (and the chassis then tuned to match that particular tyre in a "partnership"), but the KU31 isn't an OEM tyre.

Also as with most things you get what you pay for.

Double check when the tyres were made, Tempe were selling some Kumho's not too long ago that were made in 2006

Unfortunately, you can often pay a lot and not get much good out of it. The Kumhos have a good reputation at the moment, they've come into the market with what seems to be a good product at a price designed to gain market share and build brand awareness. It's worth getting onto them while the price is low IMHO.

You're absolutely right on the age of the tyres - I would be refusing to fit anything that wasn't made this year - the age of the tyre can be determined by reading the codes on the side - check the sticky thread in this forum for the wheel and tyre bible for instructions on reading the tyre codes.

[noone]

Thanks for the feedback gents.

Agree about the age of the Tyre, makes sense they'd have a stockpile of something they got cheap, but its not going on my car...

Agree with the pricing mismatch, the Conti's are expensive here, but then again so are the VW's... If I liked a Daihatsu, it would have been a cheap car and part of the reason is its not expensive to import. I'd like to buy Ausie owned, but don't see the price stacking up in my favor...

[rickra177]

For what it's worth, I wouldn't go past Goodyear F1 GS-D3. They have consistently done well in Wheels tests - topped in 2007, I think. The price is pretty good, they perform really well and they give very good wear.

I've had three sets on two different Passats and have been very impressed.

[brad]

For what it's worth, I wouldn't go past Goodyear F1 GS-D3. They have consistently done well in Wheels tests - topped in 2007, I think. The price is pretty good, they perform really well and they give very good wear.

I've had three sets on two different Passats and have been very impressed.

German made are good.

Thai made are shockers.