RCFun

Hello all, I leased my LC exactly 27 days ago, with the touring package that comes with the 20" Chrome wheels. I purchased the T&W protection, because the universe tells me, that if I don't buy it I'll have 15 flats and curb rash every week. However, today I'm reading the contract and it explicitly excludes chrome wheels from the "cosmetic repair" section. Therefore I basically only have tire protection. I can still cancel in the next 3 days. Has anyone gone through this or reached out to the dealership? Thanks!

PCW

I was told that the wheels on the LC Touring Pkg are not chrome but polished. You may want to clarify that with the Sale Mgr.

RCFun

Hmm, it does says "polished" but they look chrome. I'm just worried about having to fight down the road. A sales mgr can't alter the agreement. Do you think they would put something in writing?

uchujin

If you think you may consider changing your wheels/tires at any time, I recommend foregoing the extra cost for the protection package. Many owners with the 20" setup have changed to the stock 21" setup (some available on eBay), or aftermarket 21" or 22" wheels/tires. If you're happy with the stock setup, the peace of mind of the protection package is probably worth it. Make sure your dealer agrees in writing to cover curb rash for these wheels, as already suggested.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

The wheels come from the factory polished with a clear coat. The dealer may or may not have chromed them. If he did, there would have been a dealer charge for chrome. I doubt your wheels are chrome. IMHO, wheel insurance is not necessary unless you are a habitual wheel abuser. If you are not, you are paying, in the premium, for those who are.

Lou

RCFun

Here's the language which makes me more nervous (I will call the dealership):

"Chrome wheels/rims and alloy wheels/rims with chrome simulation are not covered by the cosmetic Damage portion of this agreement"

VicAndRay

Before you make a claim... just convert that cosmetic damage into real physical damage.... by accident of course.


Just kidding. I always look at those contracts carefully and have never purchased. With the LC, I was offered a windshield replacement policy, not cheap, but when I read the fine print it excluded luxury cars like "Lexus". This was being sold at a Lexus shop. Asked the finance dude about it and he said they never have had a problem with claims. I naturally walked. I'll just self insure.

RichKeagy

I used a magnet to confirm the 21" wheels on my LC are not steel or iron, therefore they are probably aluminum.

uchujin

I believe most vehicles are now equipped with aluminum alloys, which are lighter and stronger than steel. Forged 21" steel wheels would be quite heavy. Aluminum wheels can be chromed too. There happens to be a set of 21" chrome LC wheels on eBay presently: https://www.ebay.com/itm/123012247662

mcomer

We used the PVD Physical Vapor Deposition treatment on our ES300h "17 aluminum wheels and it looked
nice and was very durable through out the 48 month lease. We bought T & W for the "18 wheels on the
previous 2010 HS250h and it paid off with two 50 section low profile tires and one curb rash event. As we
also read the disclaimer for Chrome wheels and passed on it for the 55 section tires I guess we lucked out
by having no major trouble. One nick on the two left wheel coatings likely by a gas station car wash I ought
to have known better than to use!