225/45/17 are the correct size for a mk4, budget tyres are always going to be a compromise to be honest, there's a huge difference in quality between a budget tyre and a mid range, probably less so between a mid range and branded, (conti, michelin, bridgestone etc) as with anything you basically get what you pay for. i'm running toyo proxes t1r at the moment and they're great in the dry, and pretty reasonable in the wet and seem to be wearing pretty well so far, they don't cost a fortune and i really can't fault them. yokohama s drive are a good mid range tyre too, apparently they feel a bit more positive in the wet than the t1r's. have a look at buying your tyres online as i
t'll save you a few quid and you'll be able to get a better tyre for your money. black circle or tyreshopper will sell you tyres online and fitting is included in the price. i've been working in the tyre business for 14 years now and buying from a decent online retailer is definitely the cheapest way to go. if you're after a softer tyre for the 'ring, have a look at demon tweeks, they do more of the higher performance ranges, like toyo 888 or r888, yokohama advan neova etc. these are basically a road legal track day tyre, and if you're after massive dry weather grip these are the ones to go for, although they'l be a little sketchy in the wet! ther's little grip to be gained from dropping to a lower profile, as like has already been said, they'll just feel harsher, and there's more chance of damaging a wheel on potholes etc. wheel alignment and correct tyre pressures will also make a huge difference to how your car feels to drive, a little toe out will give a more positive turn in, a little toe in will add stability but factory settings will give a nice balance between the two. if the car's been lowered, it's worth getting a full alignment set up including camber / caster as this will have been affected by lowering the car, and once your alignment has been set up, don't be tempted to adjust your ride height, as this will throw out all the hard work setting the car up. so..... sort your bushes first, then get your ride height where you want it, then get the alignment done. and you'll have a great handling golf!
