Hello, I have an 05 ES330 with 232,000 miles, and would like to keep it another 100,000. The thing just keeps on going, and the only thing I've replaced so far is the alternator.

But now, I need to replace the wheels. The car came with 6-spoke chrome wheels, and the oxidation is causing three of the tires to leak. New chrome wheels like what I have are $300 each, and the silver painted ones are $125.

I'd like to stay with chrome, but don't want to spend $1200 on wheels for an 11 year old car. Has anyone used another style of generic wheels that still look tasteful? I've looked on sites like TireRack, but my eyes go blurry sifting through all the bling and trying to isolate the selections down to a few conservative styles.

If anyone has already gone through this, I'd like to hear about your solutions. Thanks!

 

You can get refurbished rims for much less.

 

Hi Toledo777,

check out my posts here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...s-fitment.html

The RSX wheels look and fit great, are lighter than stock, much sportier but still tasteful, and you can reuse your tires, all you need is hubcentric rings which are a few bucks online.

 

Have you looked at chrome rims from other Lexus models? Perhaps the GS, LS or IS with spacers, or from the 4ES and 5ES?

Becareful with the fitment of Honda/Acura, and Mazda wheels. They have a high positive offset which sets them in closer to the brakes and struts. It also makes the car's track slightly narrower and gives it that narrowed look as if the wheels are too small.

 

Always a consideration but the 16" RSX wheels only weighed 16.1 pounds apiece and are the same 6.5 (or 7 for the 17") width. Offset is close to stock, no rubbing at full lock. RX wheels, they are an offset consideration.

 

The 5 spoke wheels from the IS convertible look great but not enough sidewall for me. If you like a stiffer ride these are awesome.

 

I actually really liked how the chrome lugs stick out from the wheel some mm on the RSX wheels.

 

If your wheels still look ok, you can just smooth the inner bead and your seal will be leak-free. Any good tire shop should offer this servicer, and usually for free when mounting.

Chocolate: good tip on RSX wheels; I want a different style on our next tire change. Even later 330 wheels would be OK, but more options are good. Q: In the pic of your car, what are those bumper strips?

 

Hey Oro, those are great - they are kind of permanent though once they adhere. They come in a set of four, and I double stacked them for extra energy absorption. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They do a great job of protecting the most vulnerable part of the bumper, and the front license frame is a clever product, which I painted silver, called Flexyframe which protects the leading edge. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Keeping with the theme I also had a product for the rear: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The fronts were matched with factory touch up paint, the Bumptek rear guard was Plastidip Gunmetal with Metalizer (which I had when I dipped my wheels for a while) which actually matches the Mystic Sea Opal very closely.

 

Thank you, Chocolate, for that detailed reply.

We had a deer jump out in March, then a rear-end. Our 2002 is now sporting new bumpers all-around and looks sharp, frankly. That is why I was interested; to keep it sharp. I have some color-matched spray paint, adhesion promoter and clear coat on hand. So if that comes black it's just a long afternoon to match it up. Getting that "Mystic Sea Opal" matched was B**ch! Thanks for the tips on that for the future.

The license surrounds I have to think about. Damn good idea, though.

Thanks for the reply, I am going to probably copy that this summer. The factory wheels on ours are not horrible, but the car could look SO much more fresh with something else (ours is an 02 with the more boring wheels. the 330 wheels IMO were OK). I like those Acura ones. I notice they seem directional? The stock Lexus centers popped in ok?

 

I have 3rd gen GS300 17x7.5s on my 2004, there are pics on here, but it suits the car extremely well. I see them on craigslist from time to time, and with the 225/50/17 wheels, the car seems to handle slightly better while maintaining a nice ride

 

found one pic

 

and a different angle