jayclapp

If you want no compromises, use the OEM size wheels for each year and model. Lexus was very careful in what they chose and designed the car for.

warminwisc

I would prolly agree with ya Jay on a conservative level. However the design of the model years are so close, I think in 04 they got a suspension twist, is there really much difference in an 01 with 16's and an 06 with 18's? They offered wheel upgrades without the Euro Sport also, summer tires, etc. I think?

Jabberwock

I think 16/17/18s with good tires would work just fine on any LS430 - the tire and wheel combo you chose and resultant sidewall profile should depend on what is the driver's priority in terms of "cush" ride or handling - in general you can't have both take priority. Also note that larger wheel/tire combos can easily increase unsprung weight which is actually bad for handling, suspension and brakes. So if you go with 18s pay attention to total weight of wheels and tires to insure it is not hire than OEM.

blueman2

Sorry to resurrect this thread, life got busy and have not had a chance to do much about these wheels.

Thanks for all the informative comments regarding ride and feel. As it turns out, my wife has taken over this car and she likes the softer ride so for now I am just going to replace the rashed wheels.

I will post a couple of pics of the rash for those interested.

I need to get new tires on this car, the date code on the tires now says 2001. The local Discount Tire would not fix a slow leak, saying their policy is not to work on tires over ten years old. There is plenty of tread left but these tires are really slick in the snow so will probably throw on a set of Primacy MXV4. Had those on the LS400 twice with great success.

Kinda strange, the spare is also dated 2001 but it is a Dunlop while the four on the car are Michelins. Car had 63K when we bought it last July. Unless the Michelins were swapped on at time of purchase, it seems odd to have 2001 tires with little wear on an 2002 car.

jayclapp

The only time the spare has been out of trunk was when I replaced one of my chrome wheels because of rash from a curb. I took the chrome wheel and put the spare tire on it. The spare tire was not a chrome wheel ( also was a different number of spokes) and did have a Dunlop tire on it. Since the chrome wheels were factory equipped I assume they did not include chrome in the trunk. My car is an 04 UL.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

get the 04-06 18" sport wheels, would make your car look 10x better.

Gene01

Jayclapp - At least the '05 with 18" chrome wheels does come with a matching spare.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

My 04 UL spare is chrome but I can't be 100% that this is factory as I did not buy the car new.

Tom57

'06 CL has 18" OEM chrome spare.

campisi

My 03 UL came from the factory with full-size chrome spare just like the ones on the four corners.

FWIW, I used to swap 16" '02 LS430 wheels/tires with my OEM 17" wheelset and found that I could notice ZERO difference in ride .... but I definitely drive like an old man (mostly because I am one!). I eventually got rid of the 16" wheelset and settled on the 17's to retain the OEM look.

fensterlip

My '04 UL has a matching chrome wheel spare. The difference between those different wheels will be subtle.
I personally would make friends with a local wheel refinisher.
Rite Way Wire and Wheel is in the SF Bay area (Walnut Creek) but I'm sure they are everywhere. Read reviews to determine whose good and whose not. Otherwise you could end up doing a lot of wheel and tire chasing.
These wheels not only get scuffed but, more importantly bent and you might not easily see it. It's important the wheels be true for tire wear and handling. Someone could pawn some wheels off with a subtle bend you can't see. Trust me on this. It happened to me. Your wheels when refinished properly can look better than new for around $150 a wheel.