Maverick18

Hi. Been lurking on forum for a few weeks since father-in-law just gave my wife his old 2001 LS 430. (Very nice guy) Even with 90K, its in pristine condition and drives like new but she is not big fan of style, saying it looks stodgy.

Been considering changing out stock 16 rims for something a little more contemporary but wonder if I should be going up in size to 17, 18 or 19 inch rims and perhaps adding some width. Don't want the full VIP lowered look and don't want to deal with any wheel well alterations. Just want something to bolt on that will roll with qualities similar to stock but sportier look.

What kind of sacrifices in ride/mileage/handling come with larger rims? And how critical is rim weight? There are so many options on TireRack I'm frankly baffled and the idea of dropping $1500 or more and screwing up a great ride worries me.

Any advice appreciated.

alredxiii

iTrader: (13)

First what do you mean by stodgy?.What kind of wheels and size of tires do you have.If you move to 17 or 18 wheels and some soft michelin primacy tires the ride would not be compromized.The problem is going to 19 you will probably have to go with low aspect ratio on the tires 30/35 and that usually is a much harsher ride.

Maverick18

Thanks for reply. I will stay away from 19s, then.


By stodgy I meant, to use my wife's word, "dated.'' .

The tires are the standard P225/60R16 on the lexus rim, the original one with the oval-hole design on the rim. I think some sort of spoke design would be a bit more timely. Thee tires are currently michelin primacys and they have a bit of life left.

caddyowner

I doubt changing the wheels will substantially change your wife's opinon of the styling. Heck, my GF, who's nearly my mid-50s age, thinks my LS looks great - for her 85 year old dad - right down to the "paneling" on the dash. She thinks my Prius looks better. (Despite her lack of appreciation for a fine automobile, she's a definite keeper.) The LS has conservative and timeless styling that many folks consider dated or stodgy. I remind them that today's cutting edge designs will soon look silly in the relatively near future, while cars built along classic lines will continue to look timeless.

SQuester

Have you thought about the OEM 18" wheels?

alredxiii

iTrader: (13)

exactly 18s with some soft riding tires.I might have a set of 18 chromies available soon

SQuester

But even with 19's, you're still using 40 series tires. Ive never really had an issue with comfort on low profile(35 or 30 series) tires, but its all personal preference really.

Best bet is to find a local with 19's or 20's and take a ride to see for yourself if at all possible.

JSDND1980

I like the optional 18's I got when I recently bought my '04. They're the 5 spoke with 245's on them.

Maverick18

Thanks for feed back, gentleman.

As to whether new rims would wow wife, not sure. But I know new mags did wonders for my 1968 Ford Galaxy back in high school! ;-)

I will take a look at OEM 17 or 18s as well. Thanks.