Newbie intro and a couple of quick questions!

[Vekio]

Hi People,

Right, I've just bought an 03 Golf GT TDI 150. It's a black 5 door with black leather with a full VW service history, 1 lady owner and just over 80k on the clocks. It's in lovely condition with a couple of small cosmetic things that need looked at. I'm really happy with it, amazed by how much it pulls and how comfortable the things is.

As for modifying I have to admit I'm more into keeping it simple and original. Bringing it back to it's best. Having said that, I'm not going to tempt fate as I can image that may change. I'm also going to show my age by admitting I quite like the wood effect trim in it (oh dear)!

Anyway, I have a few questions that I'm sure you lovely people will be able to help me with.

Question 1 - Tyres

The car has two newish tyres on one side and two that need replacing on the other. I have no idea why they'vre been moved about, I'm guessing it's a sellers trick so they hope one side looks good and the other isn't checked. Anyway the new ones are not a premium manufactured tyre so my thinking is to replace the old ones with something half decent and follow with the others in the new year. I've got BBS 16'' Monrteals so I'm looking for a good pair of tyres that will fit. What are your recommendations and what kind of price per tyre would we be looking at?

Question 2 - Wheel Nut Plastic Covers

My plastic covers are going white/black and need tidied up a bit. Has anyone sprayed them or do you buy them on ebay?

Question 3 - External Boot Release Handle Thingy

Mine is showing signs of rust, is this a common problem, can these be found easily and would rust have spread from this? I'm obviously keen to sort this asap...

Question 4 - Local VW Specialist

I've seen on the internet that TSR Performance are local to me (I'm in Taunton) and I see they used to have a good reputation, my question is are they reputable now? As I have one of these PD diesels I'm really aware that it needs to be serviced by someone who knows what they're doing. Has anyone here used them with their diesel golfs? Also I've had county cars put a card on my previous motor a while back (I had a VW Passat). They're near in Bradford on Tone. Anyone know of them?

Thanks in advance for anyone who can help with the above, and I'm looking forward to getting to know some peopke on here.

Cheers,

Vekio

[Steve_PD]

Welcome

1. 205/55/16 is the tyre size and buy the best tyres you can afford. for 16's I'd look to spend £70-80 each

2. I painted my old set and they were good for a while until the paint started chipping off. Id now just buy some new
ones from the dealers or the 'bay.

3. Common problem, can be replaced.

4. Heard mixed reviews about TSR, maybe Wayne will shed some light.  But servicing the car yourself isnt hard if you got some tools and a jack. Just use VW oil from the dealers and a oil filter. Will cost about £40 and take 30 mins to do. Do this every 10k. Unless you want to keep up the full service history