Agreed. I have had a plethora of aftermarket wheels and tires of different sizes and the only thing that is guaranteed to change ride stiffness and/or road nose is the rubber compound. A stiffer rubber compound equals longer tread life and stiffer ride, but decreased traction and more road noise. A softer rubber compound equals lower tread life and quiet road noise, but a softer ride and better traction.

 

The larger diameter wheels play a role too, but tires would help I agree.

 

makes sense. lower profile tires generally provide a rougher ride, correct?

 

Generally, but the lower profile tires are because of the wider diameter rims...

 

and lower sidewalls = less cushion.

 

less cush and stiffer ride for road handling.

 

I am also looking at the GS vs ES350. If I bought the ES I would by 2014, if the GS2013. Only reason since I cant afford a new GS.
The milage would be better on the ES. I will still put a fair amount of miles (over 16,000) a year for 2 more years untill I retire, then the milage will slow down.

Its a hard choice. The Mercedes C Class is also in the picture

 

I believe the C-class will be redesigned soon. So if that is a choice, I'd wait and see what it offers.

 

I am looking between December and March. Since I live kinda in the NE, I dont want a new car in winter unless the deal is really good

 

That explains why everyone and their grandma has one. Don't get me wrong I love my RX350, but damn they are everywhere. Same with the new 2013 ES350.

 

Yes there are a lot of ES/RX out there. Thru September of this year 73k RX sold and 52k ES = 125k in just 9 months.