I Was considering buying winter tires for my 06" Lexus GS430. Some people say Blizzaks? Some also say downsize to 17" instead of 18" for winter. Any ideas for the winter?

Any good spots to buy tires and or rims for winter?

 

I would stick with the OEM 18" rims if you can or find a set used on here. I had 17" and now 18" and I cant tell the difference. Most important is that your rims clear the front BBK on the GS430. Some 17" rims and even 18" rims wont clear that caliper. Best to stay OEM for what you want. It will look good and serve the purpose.

Check here or Ebay to get a good deal on them. Tires I got my from Tire Rack and the service was good. Discount tire has shops locally where they can order and mount the tires also. Cant go wrong with either for winter tires.

 

blizzack lm-25 are nice.

im trying out the older mz-01's this winter but i hear they are decent.

another good tire is the Nokian. those scandinavians know how to make a winter tire

 

I can sell you a set of 18" Akitas with Blizzack LM-25's I used for one winter. They are stored at Lexus and I am in the process of selling the ISF, unfortunately. Shoot me a PM if you are interested. The rims should be fine fitment wise. Tires are in good condition, to my knowledge. Of course I haven't seen them in months cuz they're in storage.

Let me know

 

you're selling thr F already?

 

I have known people who've downsized 2 sizes when switched to winter tires primarily to give better bite (less surface area than the original size) and to avoid any wheel well intereference since winter tires are typically 1.5 to 2 inches larger in diameter (due to extra deep treads) than the normal all-seasons of the same size. Of course clearing the brake caliper will be another concern.

I recommend the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 winter tires since they are absolutely amazing in snow especially ice. I was afraid to drive my GS4 during the wintery condition in IL even with brand new all-seasons for the first few years until I switched to 4 of Blizzak WS60 based on Tire Rack's test report. It was nite and day difference. When others were sliding all over the road, I would drive along happily without a twitch of tire slippage. I kicked myself for not getting these winter tires sooner. I highly recommend them and well worth the extra money they charge over other winter tires.

This website classified area is a good place to look for used rims and winter tires. [P.S. snaps98: Just sent you a PM]

 

I believe winter tires are cheaper in 17s then they are in 18s anyways.

And narrower tires work better in the snow then wider tires. If you can get 17s to clear your brakes and such, then by all means. Shoot me a PM if you want a place local that sells winter tires in almost all sizes.