XenonES3

I'm planning to drive the ES for about one more year. Therefore, I don't plan to spend money on suspension upgrades.

The Situation:

I'm definately upgrading to larger rims, but I can't decide whether to go with 17s or 18s.

As Kyle Harty said, going with 17s or 18s would look funny because the width of the tire is less than the fender gap, therefore the car should be lowered.

However, I'm not going to lower the car. With that said, which would look better: 17s or 18s????

squarehat

I'd go 17"

1.) There's more rubber on the tires 215/50/R17 than on the 40 series tires you'd need with 18". So there'd be a better sidewall-to-fender gap ratio.

2.) There are some tires available in 215/50/R17 that are competent all-season tires, so they could be used in snow. There are very few 40 series tires one would want to drive on in a blizzard.

3.) With more sidewall on the tires, there's less chance for pothole damage.

4.) 17" wheels and tires are cheaper than bigger wheels and even lower profile tires.

I'm personally a fan of the OZ Opera (also available in chrome). I think you saw the chop I posted of the silver ones on a black ES like mine. True, they're more of a dish than a fat 5-spoke, but I'd keep them in mind. I like the L-Sportline Model IV 1-piece, (which is a thick 5-spoke) but the smallest they come in is 18". They're also not cheap, so if you don't want to spend the money on a drop, you probably wouldn't want to shell out the money for L-Sportlines (especially in chrome).

https://www.clublexus.com/gallery/sh...php?photo=8875

Above are 17"s on a FrankjrES's ES (with a 1" drop). Note that these were pulled off an IS300 and have 215/45/R17 on them. 215/50/R17, the next size up, is what matches up closest to the stock 205/65/R15, and will have a bit more sidewall. As it is, there doesn't look like much of a gap at all on the rears.

XenonES3

Great information squarehat!

The 'shopped' pics of the OZ's on your car look great!

I've been wavering between 17s and 18s. I figure 18s would look more impressive, but at the same time look funny because of the fender gap.

17s just seem more practical and will get noticed on the ES since its body was designed for use with 15s.

You brought up a great point, 17s can be used in the snow with tires with thicker sidewalls (all-seasons of course).

Additionally, there would be no rubbing against suspension parts as would occur with 18s.

Finally, the 17s would offer a smoother ride and more controlled handling.

I'm almost sold. Now it's time to find the right rim. I'm debating between OEM chrome IS 17s and 17 inch chrome Kruz Atlas rims (ghetto-pimp has them on his in 18 in).

ESES

IMO if you are going to drive it for only 1 more year i don't think it's such a good idea to spend money on rims especially if you are not going to drop it...
I mean if you are going to get rims get the drop also... because just getting rims without drop will just look ugly instead of looking good...
I think it's better if you save up the money and use it for new rims for your new car...

meZoom!

i second the statement bout concern for dropping so much $$ on a car you're only gonna drive for another year or so.

but anyhow, to answer your question (sorta), it would probably be easier to drive w/ the 17s than the 18s. if you went 18 w/o dropping the car, your car will actually be raised some, and might end up w/ a 4x4 look to it. i am also not sure how much ruggedness you are willing to give up for the bigger rims...even if you got the 17s, w/ profile under 45, you'd probably have to drive granny style much of the time. sorry if it sounds like i am discouraging you, i am not, but those were some things that popped into my head.

Baby Lex

Yeah really. If you not gona have her for much longer, why waste money? Save it for something else. But in my opinion as to rim size, I say 18's. 225/40's will be good enough for daily driving. You still should be careful around deep holes or what not, but will suit your needs. I have them and looked good before and after lowering. That's only my 2 cents. good luck!

XenonES3

Thanks....I appreciate all of your opinions.

I should clarify that I WILL still OWN the ES, but not be driving it often (college bound in just over 1 yr...probably leaving the car at home).

If I take the car to college, I'll drop it and put on some 18s.

For now.......15 INCHES