Hi all,

Long time Lexus owner here. I am currently looking to replace my ES with a (hopefully) gently used RX and am looking a a couple of 2017s and a 2016 that are a few hours away so have not driven them. I have driven a 2017 locally with the 20” wheels. One of the 2017s has 18” wheels and all the options I want in a color I like. The other 2017 & the 2016 have 20”. I thought the one I drove with the 20” wheels drove nice but was wondering if anyone had opinions on the 18” wheels. Better ride, no noticeable difference, worse handling? In my area the winter potholes can be pretty extensive and deep. I have not had any issues but have friends who have damaged tires and wheels on the potholes here. I was thinking the 18” might fare better in the winter.

FYI the 2016 has Lexus Safety Plus and is similarly equipped with about 6,000 miles less than the 2017s. All appear to be lease returns and are L Certified.

thanks in advance!

 

I like my 20" wheels but that's just me -- I doubt a person could drive one without knowing whether it had 18" or 20" wheels, and say with any confidence which wheels were on the car.

However, I will give you this advice -- whichever you choose, make your deal on condition that they check and align it as necessary to put it in alignment spec. I was unpleasantly surprised when my 18 month old lightly used 2018 RX turned up badly out of alignment when it had maybe 20,000 miles on it. Apparently the first year of use "settles" the suspension and it ends up out of spec, maybe by quite a bit.

 

I see you live in Ohio, do you have Man earring potholes there or are your roads better than ours? Last winter several people I know had to replace tires, wheels and suspension parts after hitting a pothole at 65mph. Go any slower and you get run over, even in bad weather here.

thanks!

 

Yes, there are high-traffic places where potholes can develop over winter and once in awhile there's a doozy that could break a wheel. The ones I hate are where the road is otherwise in good shape, but one place develops a hole, and you're breezing along not suspecting anything and then WHAM!

 

Don't know about the ride but like the rims on the 20 inch much better. What ever you choose go on to lexus/owners web site and check service history on both. If you have trouble post the VIN #'s and I will check. By the way love your SC430. Bought a 2002 used in 2006 and had it for eight years. If we had a three car garage would still own it.

 

I love it too (and have a 3 car garage). Best convertible I have owned even though it has more miles than any other I have had (126000).

I have had a change of heart on the RX though. Local dealer just took in a 2017 with Luxury pacakge, Mark Levinson, LED headlights, panoramic sun roof. orig MSRP over $60k. has a few more miles than the other, but I only put 8,000 miles a year on my "daily" as I drive the SC most of the summer. CarFax shows it has had every recommended service since new, bought, serviced and traded at same dealer. Going to see this afternoon. It has 20" wheels so...

Thanks for the input.

 

Go for it! If you're buying certified/used it is worth it to search for one that's fully loaded. I bought a certified fully loaded 2016 and it was only ~$1,000 more than similar vehicles missing those options.

 

Go for the 20" wheels. The 18" look awful.

 

I hope you ended up buying that luxury package one. I bought mine last October and couldn't be happier. Has every option down to the power rear seats and tow prep package. I was originally looking for an F sport or just the regular one but I'm so happy i bought the luxury one. Ended up convincing a coworker to buy one too. lol

 

I put a deposit ont he one with luxury package. It has a few issues with the paint: deep scratches, scuffs, prior owner was a pig.. I have been assured the panels will be painted and blended and everything will be up to L certified specs. I really like it but have not driven yet because it had not been inspected yet. Has panoramic camera, but not power rear seats. Has tow prep as well. White Pearl is a tough one to match so I have the option of backing out with a full refund if the reconditioning is not up to what I expect (I know its used and won't get perfect but...) or I find any issues on test drive.

 

Good luck that’s a Killer combo the white with the black roof! Just inspect the paint, don’t assume they’ll do a good job because it’s the dealer.

 

Born.....if it was me, I'd pass. Why buy a re-painted car?

 

Get an indy PPI

 

Most used cars (especially lease turn ins) have paint damage to some degree. Its not like they are repainting a major portion of the car and there is no body damage. That said, if I don’t liKe the repair, I will pass.

 

Thanks for the advice. I have long experience with this dealer and have been treated well (but not necessarily cheaply) and have a family connection with one of the service managers who looks out for me. if it were anywhere else i would not hesitate to get a PPI somewhere. I will also have our Godson (a mercedes tech) take a good look.

And although I may be paying a little more for it being L certified, this dealer does an extensive reconditioning of all its used vehicles. I have seen their work and the work orders Overall, their price is only a few hundred $ more than comparable non-certified vehicles in our area that will still need reconditioning. On a $30k + vehicle, whats a few hundred more.