good handling?

[Niall]

Depends what route you want to go. Alot will say get gaz coil overs but you can also go down the route of decent shocks and springs.

As said, T1rs, rainsports and parada spec 2s are all budget tyres. Decent but by no means great. Theres much better out there for slightly more money.

Also depends how much you want to compromise comfort. Coilovers tend to be rather harsh but obviously handle well. Bilstein B8s and Eibach springs are regarded on the 6 forum as being one of the best all round setups for comfort and handling which is the route im going down. currently got B4s and eibachs and its a great set up. B4s just lack the adjustment really.

Hybrid rear arb and xsara vts torsion bars are a great upgrade for the rear but both are quite difficult to get hold of. Also, solid rear beam mounts are just personal choice really. The idea of the standard rear mounts is to allow passive rear steering. Fitting solid mounts removes this. There are many pros and cons for both so it really is personal choice.

Rear shocks, not expnsive really. A set of gaz rear shocks can be picked up for £100 although there is better out there (that will last longer as well. Gaz shocks dont seem to weather well at all)

You can also go down the route of eccentric top mounts (coilovers only) where you can adjust camber and castor of the front wheels for better handling. Compromise is you might wear front tyres quicker but not stupidly.

Wishbones, several choices. Standard replacements do not last long so are not worth buying. You can go for melye hds (about £120 a set). they last very well and handle very well. Can also get roller bearing wishbone mounts for much better handling but this is a big compromise on comfort.

It all depends on what you use your car for. If its daily, i would go for a compromise. Even standard these handle well. If its a weekend car, go all out and have some serious fun!