Author Topic: Pretoria Wheels  (Read 6068 times)

Offline juggler

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Pretoria Wheels
« on: 27 January 2017, 17:35 »
Was contemplating changing the standard Austin's to the Pretoria's off the R.

Just out of curiosity. What are they made of? I'm assuming it's Platinum judging by the price? REALLY? Christ... Actually, I do quite like those Austin's... :huh:
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1996 MGF VVC
2001 E46 2.5 Conv
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2012 500 Abarth
2013 Punto EVO Abarth Supersport
2016 MK7 GTI

Offline kalimon

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Re: Pretoria Wheels
« Reply #1 on: 27 January 2017, 18:43 »
They are stupid money.
Better off going after market or sticking with the Austins imo.
The Prets ARE a nice wheel though  :cool:
5 DR Mk 7 GTI PP
Carbon Grey, Dynaudio, Car Net App, High Beam Assist, Rear View Camera. Collected 14/03/16

Offline Cossieian

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Re: Pretoria Wheels
« Reply #2 on: 27 January 2017, 19:36 »
Agree that prets are extortionate price wise , bought a few sets over the past year or so ranging from £1200 to £1800. :laugh:

Agree with above to go aftermarket, I have a couple sets of TD 1.2s for sale but in 18s, I assume your after 19s
Current: MK7 Golf R (Limestone Grey) DSG, 19 Prets, Winter Pack, Rear Camera, High Beam Assist, Apple Connect, Gloss Black Mirrors
Gone: MK7 Golf R (Tornado Red) DSG, Winter Pack, Keyless, Gloss Black Mirrors
Gone: MK7 Golf GTD (Pure White)

Offline Raffe

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Re: Pretoria Wheels
« Reply #3 on: 27 January 2017, 19:48 »
I swapped my Cadiz for a set of mint Pret's with MPSS tyres with great tread for £650...there are bargains to had if you look hard enough.

The difference in weight as I was swapping the wheels over was quite remarkable too, my understanding is that they are a forged wheel hence the lightweight.
2016 Golf R | 3dr | DSG | Reflex Silver | 19" Pretoria Alloys | 90% Tints | Nav | Winter Pack | App Connect

Offline JamesR27

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Re: Pretoria Wheels
« Reply #4 on: 28 January 2017, 08:21 »
Raffe, that is a bargain and I think they have transformed the look of your car from the pics I have seen on the R forum.
On Order - Mk 8.5 Clubsport Pure White, Queenstown, DCC.
MK 7.5 R Pure White, Pretoria Silver, DCC, Rear Camera.
Gone - MK 7 GTI Carbon Grey, Rear Camera, Service Pack.
Gone - MK 6 GTI  Reflex Silver, Monza Shadows, RCD 510, Rear Camera, Bluetooth, Tyre Pressure Sensor, Xenons Convenience pack, Service Pack :)
Gone - MK 5 GTI Reflex Silver, Monza II 18's, Luxury Pack, Mulitchanger

Offline Raffe

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Re: Pretoria Wheels
« Reply #5 on: 28 January 2017, 13:09 »
Thank you, and yes I agree I dropped a you know what when placing my order by letting the salesman talk me out of the Prets as I didn't want the DCC  :whistle:

All sorted now though and with Prets a £900 option with Bridgestone/Pirelli/Conti tyres as OEM spec I think it was a rather positive outcome (that's how I have justified the expense to the wife :evil:)
2016 Golf R | 3dr | DSG | Reflex Silver | 19" Pretoria Alloys | 90% Tints | Nav | Winter Pack | App Connect

Offline Booth11

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Re: Pretoria Wheels
« Reply #6 on: 28 January 2017, 14:12 »
Was contemplating changing the standard Austin's to the Pretoria's off the R.

Just out of curiosity. What are they made of? I'm assuming it's Platinum judging by the price? REALLY? Christ... Actually, I do quite like those Austin's... :huh:

As well as the lighter weight of the Prets, and their good looks (IMO anyway), the fact they are powder coated as opposed to Diamond Cut finish is a big plus in terms of if they need refurbishing.  However, a word of caution, some that have had theirs refurbed have had issues with refusers being able to exactly match the paint when using the official paint code LZ49, with the results coming out darker than the original colour.  Just something to be aware of if you do go down the Prets line. That said, it is possible to get an almost perfect match, Lepsons refurbished one of mine last year (damaged in an accident) and the colour match is spot on, but they use their own colour mix and not LZ49. 
Black Beauty: MK7 R 5dr DSG, DBP, 19" Pretoria, DCC, Vienna leather, Keyless, Dynaudio, DNS Pro, Rear camera, HBA
2012 MK6 GTI DSG
2008 MK5 GTI DSG
2005 MK5 GTI Manual

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Offline Zayd

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Re: Pretoria Wheels
« Reply #7 on: 30 January 2017, 07:57 »
Was contemplating changing the standard Austin's to the Pretoria's off the R.

Just out of curiosity. What are they made of? I'm assuming it's Platinum judging by the price? REALLY? Christ... Actually, I do quite like those Austin's... :huh:

As well as the lighter weight of the Prets, and their good looks (IMO anyway), the fact they are powder coated as opposed to Diamond Cut finish is a big plus in terms of if they need refurbishing.  However, a word of caution, some that have had theirs refurbed have had issues with refusers being able to exactly match the paint when using the official paint code LZ49, with the results coming out darker than the original colour.  Just something to be aware of if you do go down the Prets line. That said, it is possible to get an almost perfect match, Lepsons refurbished one of mine last year (damaged in an accident) and the colour match is spot on, but they use their own colour mix and not LZ49.

Lepsons are the daddy when it comes to alloy wheel refurbishing. I've used them a number of times and the paint match is always perfect. Their finish is just like factory. Only when you compare one of their jobs against a competitor will you really notice the differences. I had that unfortunate experience many years ago and hence why I only use them now.
Turbocharged and liking it...

Offline Mr GTD

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Re: Pretoria Wheels
« Reply #8 on: 30 January 2017, 08:51 »
Yep can vouch for Lepsons they refurb one of my shadows back to a immaculate factory state.

http://www.lepsons.com
Collected 1st March 17 - MK7 GTD 5dr DSG Pure White With Optional Extras - Tech Pack - Sports & Sound - Pan Roof - Tints - Leather

Offline Hertsman

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Re: Pretoria Wheels
« Reply #9 on: 30 January 2017, 09:45 »
To option the Pretoria was my biggest dilemma as monetary it's wasted money, and at near a £1000 a lot of wasted money

But truly think the R deserves them, they should be the standard and as have to walk up to and live with the car for next 3 years the heart ruled the head and I paid the VW man.

Options are subjective so never will say anyone is right or wrong but for me Pretoria are must have.
Present - BMW 128Ti Alpine White, 18" Performance Tyres, Sun Protection Glass, Parking Assist, Heated Steering, Boston Trim, Split Folding Rear Seats, Electric Lumbar Support
- 2nd car: 2019 Golf R DSG Pure White 19" Black Pretoria, Privacy Glass, Rear View Camera, Dynaudio, Keyless
- 2019 Pure Grey GTI TCR 5 Door DSG Reifinitz Wheel DCC Climate Screen 90% Tint
- 2016 Lapiz Blue Golf R 5 Door DSG Pretoria DCC
- 2013 Pure White GTD 5 Door DSG DCC