The GREAT Debate: Replica Wheels — YES/NO/MAYBE SO?

Well, Spies. I've had enough.

My 2012 Volkswagen Golf 2.5 has been, for the most part, a gem. Zero issues, completely reliable except for one software flash, and fun to drive. For a daily driver that's meant to take a beating, it's done its job.

There's just one problem.

The 18-inch OZ Ultraleggeras I set the car up with have been problematic. After five — nearly six — years of running them, I think I've had upwards of four or five bent wheels. I attribute this to the New York Tri-State's punishing roads and the Ultraleggeras being only 18 pounds a corner. I figured I could get away with running 225/40s but it's just not enough, clearly. After bending a wheel this week and now feeling some more vibrations around 55 mph I've decided it's time to get rid of these wheels.

After leafing through various sources, I have to admit that there's not much that looks really good on a Golf. I've concluded that for my needs a set of Hartmann Wheels may suffice. I just hate the thought of owning replica wheels. Having done some research, it seems that they are of OEM quality, and meet JWL, TUV and VIA regulations. In additions, many owners say they've held up well.

So, I've got to ask: To replica? Yes? No? What say you, Spies?

In other news, the BMW M2 docks on June 30.

MDarringer - 6/24/2017 10:17:29 AM

-2 Boost

If wheels are getting bent, go back to stock wheels. I mean this is a basic Golf, so why waste money on fancy wheels?

Agent00R - 6/24/2017 10:59:26 AM

+1 Boost

1) No.

2) They're OEM size for the car, I am not one of those daft fools going for stretch/poke/on air.

3) Because even if it is a basic Golf for DD purposes, I want to enjoy it.

4) I've already wasted a bunch on various other mods, why not keep it going?

C'mon, you know how "the sickness" works.

MDarringer - 6/24/2017 11:34:35 AM

-4 Boost

I wouldn't waste a penny on a Golf 2.5.

Agent00R - 6/24/2017 12:33:35 PM

+3 Boost

And I wouldn't give a TVR a second look.

Your point?

Different strokes for different folks. No need to be a jerk about it.

Agent00R - 6/24/2017 11:24:30 PM

+1 Boost

Thank you!

TomM - 6/24/2017 5:02:08 PM

+3 Boost

This is a VW golf - not an exotic one off - there has to be Hundreds of possibilities for replacement wheels beyond what you have and above the stock wheels. If the Hartmann wheels are not stronger than the ones you have - I would suggest you have not begun to look at the possibilities. You work for a Auto based web-site - and getting suggestions from various manufacturers cannot be that hard for you. And remember - for every one there is in the USA - there are likely another five in the rest of the world.

I was going to suggest that you might be very picky - but then this is a Golf we are talking about - there has to be SOME logic inside you.

Agent00R - 6/24/2017 11:24:15 PM

0 Boost

Regarding your last comment, you'd be surprised.

leroisF40 - 6/24/2017 6:04:06 PM

0 Boost

00R,
I had the BBS BMW CSL replicas on my 2005 M3 and they were very good wheels. They were heavier than the genuine wheel but since I was not a professional race driver I am not sure I could discern the difference in everyday driving. It is kind of a similar rim to that one you like, the 2016 Golf R would be a direct bolt on to your car. You would most likely be able to source those from a dealer or find a wrecker yard that has a unblemished set. As for your taste in cars, I have owned 9 different models of the golf and have to say my MKII was my favorite car to drive and if I can ever come across a perfect MKI GTI I would buy it and love it. Enjoying a everyday car can be just as rewarding as enjoying a exotic. Enjoy your ride and ignore those that have negative remarks about the type of car you choose to embrace. The car community as a whole is supposed to be about a culture of diverse visions and ideas on what makes a car special. I would not ever build a lowrider ('64 on hydros) but I can appreciate the person putting his sweat and work into it. Enjoy your golf!!!!

Agent00R - 6/24/2017 11:27:14 PM

0 Boost

You, my friend, are a true enthusiast. Thank you for your perspective.

Also, nice to see another veedubber in the house. :)

You're right. I've driven plenty of exotics and plenty of super luxury cruisers, but there's something tremendously rewarding about driving the Golf. There's a reason why many enthusiasts use them as DDs.

Agent00R - 6/24/2017 11:28:24 PM

0 Boost

BTW, you mention the Golf R OEM wheel. True statement but I'd rather not be the guy trying to make his standard car look like the high-performance variant.

You know, the guy w/ a 318 trying to make it look like an M3.

vdiv - 6/24/2017 10:56:14 PM

+2 Boost

Fuggedaboudid! Get some Vossens: http://www.vossenwheels.com