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Thinking about going from 19" wheels to 18s, what do you all think?
Hey gang-
Thinking about going from 19s to 18s on my LS460L. Ive scuffed a couple of wheels, which is unusual for me and unfortunately wheel repair on the hyper silver wheels seems to be a challenge. Both wheels are repaired (put one repaired wheel in as the spare), and the repaired wheel thats on the car is done very well, but I can still tell it was repaired. It lacks the gloss of all the other wheels, the repaired area color is off just a little, and while nobody would notice it but me, it pisses me off.
I am 100% happy with the ride and the drive of the car on the 19s. I mean, if the 18s improve the ride even more thats a bonus. I also really like how the car looks on the 19s. My thought process is, I'm going to wind up having to buy a new Lexus wheel at least at a cost of $500 plus the mount and balance to make myself happy, and if I'm going to do that should I buy a set of 18s which will be less likely to have wheel damage in the future if I do bump another curb? It has a long wheelbase and I often maneuver in tight parking lots and garages and thats when it has been curbed already, concerned it may happen again.
So, here are my options:
1. I can buy one hyper silver wheel to replace the one that was damaged and repaired, cost all in about $600 probably. I would be worried about a refurbished wheel not matching the other 3. These are the wheels I have, which I like:
2. I could purchase a core exchange PVD option and receive a set of the same wheels in chrome. I wouldnt want bright chrome on the silver car, and the really dark onyx chrome is a little too dark. I have found a place where they have a middle of the road "black chrome", but they are expensive, total cost of this would likely be about $1,600. This is the color of the finish, imagine this color finish on the wheels above:
Of course, those options dont help with the potential of curbing another rim and being back in this position.
3. I could go to the OEM 18s from the 13-17 LS, I would likely try and get these in the same black chrome finish as above, of course I would have to buy tires:
4. I could go to a rim I have always really liked, the Teleios 18s from the 07-12 car. Downsides here, they aren't the "noise reducing wheels" for whatever thats worth, and would the style fit the refresh 13-17 car as well? I can get a set of these brand new from Lexus in the original black chrome PVD for about $1,400. Would have to buy tires:
I briefly went from 16" to 18" on my LS400. I loved the look but ultimately went back to OEM because the wife can't be trusted with nice rims. Going to 18's likely means more sidewall and more comfort but If you're happy with the 19s ride I'd stay there.
If you like the 19's I say stay with them. Buying tires just to switch wheel sizes adds significant cost. For the price of the new 19 in wheel replacement you could have all 4 of your current wheels refinished and painted to match for the same price.
Is it a guarantee that 18s will not incur curb rash? Downsizing would only provide an additional .28" extra of sidewall profile (235 x .50 = 117.5 mm versus 245 x .45 = 110.25 mm). If the previous curb rash went in further than .28" then I'd say the risk is the same on 18s versus 19s.
I like the added comfort and lower cost of 18" tires but they look disproportionately small on a SWB LS let alone a LWB. I have never cared much about wheels yet even I would rather keep 19s over better riding 18s.
If you wait until your current tires are worn out that would negate the tire cost. In fact, going forwards you'll save money every time you buy tires (if you plan to keep the car long-term).
I'm not a fan of the trend towards low profile tires, but there are benefits in steering and handling.
When I’ve bought the car the paint was peeling on two wheels and the tires were so and so, instead of going to repair them I have ordered 4 new wheels and tires from Tire Rack and I’m very happy with them, they’re 18’’ by the way, if you’re interested I can give more details.
Why don't you just tell the place that repaired them that you can still tell a difference, one is not as glossy. There may be a way polish the finish more to bring out more gloss, you can also try adding a sealant to bring out some more gloss.
I would just wait until your tires are worn and ready to be replaced and then go from there to save money and give you time to think it over, you may find you don't even care about it after some more time especially if you are the only one that notices it. You say you are curbing your wheels in tight spaces so that is all the more reason to just hold off doing it now, you may get a new tire or switch them out to 19's and still curb them which will just make you furious.
The only Lexus wheel I like on the 13+ LS's is the multi spoke F Sport wheel but that was on a black F Sport, they were pretty dark and sporty looking.
The ride on 18s, especially with air suspension, will be heavenly. Having said this, imho, all the OEM 18" styles would take away from the car's presence (when I had my '08, I had my 5-spoke 19s and my original 18s, which I would refer to as the "ugly" set!).
Back to the 19s, I've had good luck getting the occasional one-off wheel and/or dealer takeoffs on eBay. These have been original with little or no wear, and pricing has been competitive. You may have to be patient, but they're out there.
Bottom line, my vote is for no 18s and for not buying a brand new 19" wheel from the dealer.
Is there any sort of "satisfaction" guarantee that the repair person offered? Just wondering, thinking they may be able to "work" that finish a bit more.
If you wait until your current tires are worn out that would negate the tire cost. In fact, going forwards you'll save money every time you buy tires (if you plan to keep the car long-term).
I'm not a fan of the trend towards low profile tires, but there are benefits in steering and handling.
Problem there is I have to live with the wheel I have for another 20k miles until my tires are worn out.
I'm sure the shop would work on it more, its an extremely highly regarded shop. I think the issue may be with the nature of the hyper silver finish.
04-07-19, 07:32 AM
Thinking about going from 19" wheels to 18s, what do you all think?
