Changing Neptune alloys, any advice welcome.

[Bigun37]

Hi I am looking for some advice about changing my Neptune alloys to an 18 or 19 inch replacement wheels.
Have any members changed their wheels on none r design models which have a different suspension set up?
What are your experiences with moving up to 19 inches?
I am not too concerned about tyre prices but more concerned about ride, turning circle and fuel economy.
I have been slightly put off with the forums comments in previous threads.
Any help or advice would be appreciated, many thanks in advance.

[Bigun37]

Has anyone replaced their 17 inch wheels with aftermarket 17 inch wheels? Any photo's?

[mauser1905]

My XC90 has 19" galateia.

I am currently contemplating of changing down to 17" initially for winter set.

And if and when finances allow get rid of the 19" and move down to another 17" for summer set. I like the feel of chunky rubber profile.

The thin profiled tyres and alloys look great but honestly with the pot holed conditions up here in Aberdeen, I would desparately want higher profile tyres aka 17" rims.

Hope I have added confusion to your question.

Regards

[Bigun37]

Thanks for the reply. I've opted for some aftermarket polished anthracite 18 inch wheels which I am having fitted on Friday. My Neptune alloys are mint with two 7 or 8 mm conti 4x4 contact, one brand new in April conti cross contact. Th other tyre is a sumner with about 3mm on. Just a pity you live in Scotland

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by mauser1905

My XC90 has 19" galateia.

And if and when finances allow get rid of the 19" and move down to another 17" for summer set. I like the feel of chunky rubber profile.

Since your car is an Exec model Mauser, will that not effectively devalue its resale since it not on its factory 19" rims ..... very expensive to replace I'd guess and could be a deal breaker or a substantial discount come resale if the buyer is savvy.

.

[mauser1905]

Originally Posted by TruckbusUK

Since your car is an Exec model Mauser, will that not effectively devalue its resale since it not on its factory 19" rims ..... very expensive to replace I'd guess and could be a deal breaker or a substantial discount come resale if the buyer is savvy.

.

You made perfect point TruckbusUK.
I havent considered selling it anytime soon. But one never knows when the situations change.

[judgeman]

I've the 17" Anteaus, were on car when bought it 4 years ago. Been hankering for 19s since, but have been put off by risk to ride comfort - 17s really are comfy.

But as need new tyres soon thinking of a halfway house and getting some aftermarket 18s so car looks better, but I don't lose ride comfort.

BUT I've not yet convinced myself it's 'safe' to get aftermarket alloys due to such a heavy car and risk of serious consequences if I get wheels that are not up to the job (even if vendor says they are - no point taking it up with them after the event if I'm toast...).

http://www.wheelbasealloys.com/alloy...lished/18-inch

http://www.rimstyle.com/alloywheels/...cuMDA=&tyres=Y

[Bigun37]

I will gladly post some photos of my upgrade over the next few days. I completely comprehend the safety issue. I trawled through loads of sites and they will sell you anything in my opinion. I am lucky because near where I live I have an alloy wheel specialist which I've used a few times over the last 20 years. The owner and myself spoke to the manufactures direct over the phone to see what was available. I've plumped for fox racing alloys rtt riva wheels with volvo badge inserts in the centre. I was advised that 19 inch rims would alter the ride but not vastly. The compromise was 18inch,it's only a drop to 60 on the tyres from 65.

[judgeman]

Very much like the look of those! Would definitely like to see some pics.

Would you share the details of the dealer? May not be too far from me and would appreciate dealing with a recommended outfit.

[Bigun37]

I can report the following information for the forum users following my upgrade to 18 inch fox racing rtt riva alloys on my active 2010:Ride improved over 17 inch wheels,feels smoother.
Turning circle improved!
Handling improved, feels more solid and smoother on road.
Road noise, slightly quieter I believe.
Aesthetics vastly improved !!!

I purchased the lot from Pemberton tyres, paid £833 with four mid range tyres. The tyres are great in my opinion.

http://www.pembertontyres.co.uk