Swapping OEM 18" wheels for OEM 17"
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
From: AZ
Swapping OEM 18" wheels for OEM 17"
Hi. I'm considering purchasing a used 2014 ES 350 with 18" OEM rims. It seems like the consensus is that the ride is softer with the 17" OEM rims and that's what I'm looking for. The dealership is willing to swap out the 18" for 17" for me.
Is this a wise decision? Have others noticed a big difference between the 17" wheels and the 18"? Other than screwing up the speedometer, is there anything else that would be affected? Thanks for the help.
Is this a wise decision? Have others noticed a big difference between the 17" wheels and the 18"? Other than screwing up the speedometer, is there anything else that would be affected? Thanks for the help.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,279
Likes: 1,034
From: Illinois
The swap will not throw off the accuracy of the speedometer (or odometer) at all. Since the tires used with the 18" wheels are lower profile tires than the ones used with the 17" wheels, the overall diameter of both wheel/tire combinations is virtually identical, and the speedometer and odometer readings will also be virtually identical for either.
A potential downside of swapping the 18" wheels for the 17" wheels is that you are giving the dealer wheels that were an option whose MSRP was around $900, but, after having had a Generation 6 ES with 17" wheels and one with 18" wheels, I can confirm that the 18" wheels yield a harsher ride (and there is more road noise). On a smoothly paved road, you aren't likely to notice much difference, but on a rough-surfaced road, the difference will show up.
A potential downside of swapping the 18" wheels for the 17" wheels is that you are giving the dealer wheels that were an option whose MSRP was around $900, but, after having had a Generation 6 ES with 17" wheels and one with 18" wheels, I can confirm that the 18" wheels yield a harsher ride (and there is more road noise). On a smoothly paved road, you aren't likely to notice much difference, but on a rough-surfaced road, the difference will show up.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 756
Likes: 168
From: Louisiana
yes, having had 17's and 18's.. I can tell you that the ride is somewhat smoother with the 17" rims. However if you like the look / stance with the 18's, you can improve the ride quality by going with a better tire.. I had an Avalon and now a Lexus , both came with Bridgestone Turanza's.... hated them.. on the avalon I switched to a set of Michelins and on my Lexus I am running a set of Pirelli's. Both improved the ride greatly.
Roland
Roland
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ral2531
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
0
Mar 27, 2015 09:30 AM
