Jetstar

I am looking at a 2010 RX 450h at a Lexus dealer through their internet sales. It has 19" wheels which appear to be polished chrome. The Vehicle Inquiry Report shows it came with option code "FT", "19" Aluminum Alloy Wheels w/Mud & Snow Tires." Did the the original "Aluminum Alloy" wheels have a polished chrome appearance, or should I assume the original wheels have been replaced? Thanks.

BertL

The larger OEM wheels come with an alloy coating that looks similar to, but not the same as after-market chrome wheels. The "aluminum alloy" is more matte in finish than real chrome -- you can't see yourself in them. Take a look at my 2013 RX450h with the 19" here. I personally prefer the "alloy coating" version and will always have them given a choice. I had it on my 2006 RX400h until I traded it in on my 2013, and my new MBZ will have their version of the same sort of finish on it's wheels. This coating is very simple to maintain (I squirt them off with Griot's Wheel Cleaner, then hose them off), requires no polishing like real chrome will, and my experience is the coating lasts for the long haul. It can still chip, just as chrome will. If you want more bling, after-market chrome is still the way to go, but there are stories about bad chrome plating jobs not lasting as long as one would expect . Any RX you see on a lot with real chrome wheels that shine like a mirror, are aftermarket -- perhaps put on by a dealer, but not something that is a true option that can be ordered from a Lexus plant. If I ever considered real chrome wheels, I'd want to carefully understand the warranty points from a dealer -- as I doubt they would be be backed by Lexus NA as the rest of the vehicle is.

Jetstar

Thanks. That was very helpful.