ESLexus300

I'm quite fond of this wheel and I've been debating for days whether or not it would look good on my Sage '97 ES300. I'm a big fan of multi-spoke "mesh" style wheels, but I just can't make a decision.

I don't have a pic to post, but I will provide a link to the Axis website.

Axis Supermesh

If I choose to buy these, I would opt fot the 18x8 +40(not currently listed on their website, but available) with 225/40-18 tires.

What are your opinions? Think they would look good?

Car is currently lowered 1.7F and 1.4R w/ Tein S-Tech springs/KYB struts.

Thanks guys!

LexFather

18x8 is really pushing the width on an ES. With 225 tires, you won't have any protection for your wheel.

ESLexus300

There are several people here on CL that run an 18x8 +40 with very little/no rubbing. In fact, after searching various Camry/Solara forums, I found numerous people running that combination with no problems.

How can a 225 not "protect" the wheels? Are you referring to sidewall/rim lip protection. A 225 tire is more than sufficient, in fact, TireRack only recommends a 215 for an 8" wide rim. Please elaborate.

Thanks.

Anybody have some opinions regarding the appearance of this wheel?

MCV20

nice wheel man....

LexDiamond

I've ran 225/40/18 On my ES300 since 1996. I had them on a 92,95,and my current 1997. I found that the 92-96 would sometimes rub when going over a bump with anyone in the rear seat (due to weight)

I think that type of wheel looks HORRIBLE on an es300. It's a luxury sedan not a sports car. But hey whatever works for you. Racing/spoke style wheels just dont complement the elegance!

ESLexus300

Hey, everybody has their opinions. That's why I asked!

However, it's kinda funny that you say that they are meant for sports cars, not luxury sedans. As I was researching these wheels and looking for pictures of cars with them, all I found them on were LUXURY SEDANS. Even the Axis website shows the wheel on aMercededs sedan, Audi sedan, VW sedan, etc. Other searches yielded picks of these wheels on Acura TL's, Infinity G35's, and various Lexus GS sedans...all luxury sedans.

LexDiamond

"Mercededs sedan, Audi sedan, VW sedan"

Vw are not luxury my friend they are designed for the masses. For christ sake there taxis in germany LOL.
Mercedes does have sporty models like the E series and such.
Audi is definately like BMW;more SPORT then Luxury.

"wheels on Acura TL's, Infinity G35's, and various Lexus GS sedans...all luxury sedans."


Those are Sport Lux.
An ES300 is Luxury! ZERO SPORT! it is NOT sport lux. ES300's are generally a senior citizen mobile.
You don't see 65 year old women driving IS or GS's why? Too sporty!
You see them driving ES's everywhere. Why?They like the suptle Luxury of the ES330/300

The gs is a totallyyyyyyyyyy different ball game then the ES300, apples to oranges in my book.

Maybe you'll never get it. Those type of wheels look MUCH better on sportier cars with more aggressive styling. The ES300 has never been under a sharp knife. ES Are bling cars not hot rods!
I know its just my 2 cents but it's based off the general perception of Luxury vehicles.

What is my point?

Chrome wheels dont belong on sports cars, and racing wheels dont belong on luxury.
Chrome looks nicer on a ES then a IS and racing wheels look better on a IS then a ES.

ESLexus300

Guess I just don't get it.

But thank for the in depth analysis of lux, sport lux, etc. I was clearly confused

IMO, you're a bit too hung up on the ES being a "luxury" car.

Davtown

On my 2 week trip to Germany last year I never saw any VW taxis...... the only car i saw that were taxis (and rode in numerous times as well) were E-Class Mercedes. not to say there aren't any VW taxis, but i didn't see any.

LexDiamond

I should have not been so specific. In "EUROPE" VW's are taxi's.


Thanks for the Sport Lux/ Lux compliment.

Yes i am hard pressed on the ES being Luxury because thats what it is.

Look at a 2004 es you tell me what Lexus built. Or even my 97 its all luxury!

ESLexus300

I was actually being sarcastic about the Lux/Sport Lux analysis. I'm fully aware of how each of those cars are classified and marketed to consumers

I think it's rediculous to say the an ES deserves "chrome" wheels or wheels only of a specific design. But, to each their own.

I have owned cars from several of those "classifications", including a german "sport coupe", various sport compacts, etc. I like my ES, but I certainly didn't buy it because it was luxury car..an entry level luxury car at that. I bought it because it was inexpensive, comfortable, reliable and could withstand the 35-40K miles I drive per year for work.

Hey, we have different opinions...no big deal. Thanks for sharing.

MCV20

for some reason i dont think the ES is that LUXARY as other feel.... the ES was nice but not really that LUXary IMO....

ESLexus300

I couldn't agree more!!

amf1932

OK guy's.....then what do you consider luxury???

XenonES3

I have to disagree on that one. I see mostly "older" people driving GS's (particularly the 300).



Not necessarily. The IS and ES yes. They are very different. But, aside from the RWD/FWD difference, the ES and GS(300) have similiar performance/suspension characteristics.