[ksing44]

The MkVI Golf can handle a full size wheel and tire in the compartment, right? I am thinking of getting another rim and tire eventually.

Great question. I would also like a matching spare. There did seem to be a little room to go wider in spare storage area and the spare appeared to be the same diameter, so it seems it might work. The definitive test would be if someone popped off their wheel and tried to fit it in the spare storage area.

I can't test it myself, but I would love to know the answer. I don't have my TDI yet. It should be here in a week or two. My TDI will have the 225/45/17 tires.

 

[ksing44]

I'd have to try it out myself, I'm thinking that it should fit. Btw your are giving your W124 E320 battle tank to your son? That's a great car! You'll love the TDI too!

My son is getting my old car, at least for now. I may gradually work to fix some things and may even take the car back someday. My commute just went from 3 miles to 40 miles each way and my car clearly had too many issues to think it could be dependable enough for commuting. My car is perfect for my son's local trips to school, soccer practice, and his girlfriend's house. I know he may destroy the car, but the reality is the car really isn't worth much of anything except to me. I think it is safe vehicle, so that is another good thing for a new driver like my son. My son also thinks it is pretty cool driving around in his father's old Benz that he cared so much about for so many years.

I think I will love my new Golf TDI. I had an old Golf years ago and drove it from coast-to-coast camping in 11 National Parks. I had a lot of fun in the old Golf and this one is going to be a huge step forward compared to that car. I will miss driving my E320, but at least it will still be in my driveway and under my care.

Actually, the new Golf will even be nicer than my old Benz in some ways. I have to admit I still lament the lack of a leather seating option in the TDI, but maybe that will be available in the future. I can imagine someday giving the 2010 Gold TDI to my son and getting a newer version with leather, maybe even a GTD. We will have to wait and see.

Bye the way, I have 5 wheels for my Benz. In fact I have two different sets of 5 wheels for the benz. One set for winter and one set for the rest of the year. I hope to be able to fit a full-size matching Porto in the spare storage area.

 

[ksing44]

Getting back to the Golf- There should be Porto's surfacing on the internet in the next few months. I am considering the second set also with winter tires- I like the OEM Continental tires but seemly they have bad snow reviews at Tire Rack.com. This past winter was a good one in terms of snowfall as you know. At some point I may keep the Porto's for the winter set and go with a different wheels for the warmer weather. We shall see.

Compared to my rear-wheel drive Benz, I think the front-wheel drive Golf will be like a mountain goat in the snow. I know my wife's Honda goes like a 4x4 in the snow, even without dedicated snow tires. A Golf with 4 snow tires would definitely kill it in the snow. Honestly, I don't know why anyone worries about getting 4-wheel drive, when the front-wheel drive cars are so capable in the snow. The 4-wheel drive was a great addition for the rear-wheel drive cars, but I don't think it matters with a front-wheel drive car. Maybe it matters if you live in Alaska, the western mountains, or the lake region snow belt, but I definitely don't need 4-wheel drive in PA.