Couple of pics...

[orca]

Living in a terraced street is a nightmare to park.  I've touched the kerb a few times but the damage is only noticable close up.
I've not driven a GTI with 17's so can't really compare the two but I find the 18's to be pretty good.  It all depends on the road surface really.  The ride quality on pothole riddled town roads is quite harsh but on half decent tarmac it is fairly smooth.  You still feel every little bump though but it is not bone shaking.  It corners very well too.

[Trickyboy]

If I had the choice i would have gone for 18's but seeing as it took nearly 2 months to find the right colour and amount of doors im happy with what ive got, 18s would have been a bonus though.

[Kermit]

If I had the choice i would have gone for 18's but seeing as it took nearly 2 months to find the right colour and amount of doors im happy with what ive got, 18s would have been a bonus though.

You could always retrofit later or get some replicas if you badly want them - nothing wrong with the 17s, ride is probably better and quieter but the MK5 does look good on the Monza II - only arse is the white worm, mine is 2 years old and already had 4 new ones and its starting again even after being increadibly anal about cleaning and sealing!

[smartypants]

Parked right in front of a GTI this morning with the 18s on and took the opportunity to eye it up right next to mine (which has 17s). I honestly couldnt make up my mind which I preferred. The 17s are more simple by design which gives it a bit more "grown up" feel, but I do like the design of the 18s.

I think the fact I am even contemplating which is best suggests I am not 100% happy with the 17s, so it might be a purchase in the future

Then again dont intend on keeping the car that long and dont think it will put much on its resale value