Harsh ride on Primera!

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Sat 18 Dec 2004 18:19
Harsh ride on Primera! - tyre tread
After reading the thread by VTiredeyes "Amazing Megane" it has made me realise the cause of a problem with my new Primera

I just bought a new Primera and have not been happy with the feel of the car since I took delivery. Exactly as mentioned above, tramlining and harsher ride than I remember. However, after reading this it has just dawned on me that when I originally test drove one I had the SE (16" wheels) but I got such a good offer on an upgrade to an SVE (addes leather heathed seats, Cat 1 thatcham immob, upgraded stereo, sunroof (with climate already in the package?) headlamp washers, and increased size alloys) that I grabbed it and didn't test drive - same car thought I - the penny has just dropped - 17" wheels and lower profile tyres!

Is there an easy way to trade in the wheels & tyres for a 16" set or at least try them before I spend a fortune to change over?

Any advice really appreciated.

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Fri 11 Nov 2005 23:29
Harsh ride on Primera! - scott1s
You still looking for a change of wheel? I might swap you my 16" from my SE if you want.
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Sat 12 Nov 2005 01:54
Harsh ride on Primera! - Smileyman
Same here. Recenly changed from 1993 Primera fitted with 175/70 R14 to current model with 215/50 R17 and the car gives a very inferior ride. Pity as the spec is excellent, reversing camera is a gem.
Honest John printed a reader letter in the Telegraph some time ago from a Mondeo driver complaining of a poor ride, the respose was to change the tyres for a standard profile.
I shall be looking to change my wheels / tyres to the SE spec size, 205/60 R16 - my spare is already this size. (Thankfully not a soppy spacesaver). I suspect the extra size of the sidewall would make the wheel too large if I were to keep the 17" wheels. Also the 16" size tyre looks to be much cheaper.
Not worth having the speedo reset, but must tell the insurance company!!

Look at www.miata.net/garage/tirecalcold.html
and www.mytyres.co.uk/
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Sat 12 Nov 2005 09:08
Harsh ride on Primera! - Aprilia
215/50-17 and 205/60-16 have the same overall diameter, so there won't be a problem and the spare will fit in its well.
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Sat 12 Nov 2005 10:07
Harsh ride on Primera! - dodo
Same for me. Spent a weekend with a Primera with 16" wheels and was delighted with it. Offered free upgrade to SE+ and yes the 17" wheels look well. After a year I traded the Primera in for a Ford C Max (amazing car) as I could no longer stand the Primeras's harsh ride on our pot holed roads. Got a good trade in for the car but was driving past on Wdnesday and still see it on the forecourt - 11 months later!
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Sat 12 Nov 2005 14:02
Harsh ride on Primera! - Xileno {P}
Before you do anything too drastic and/or expensive, try lowering the tyre pressures 2 or 3 psi. My Renault Megane has low profile 17 inchers as well. For me they came as a bit of a shock having had previous Renaults which glided over the rough roads. This Renault bumps and thumps it way around but I lowered the psi a bit and now it's great.

My next Renny will not have these wheels...
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