Hi CL,

I just purchased a used 2000 GS300 and was unsure whether to get 20s or 19s; was hoping to get your expertise. I drive at least 20K miles/yr so it will be heavily driven on California highway. The main concern I have is maintenance for the wheels and tires. Any thoughts?

I also have heard recommendations on lowering the car if you get 20s. Is this true also for 19s... meaning would it look horrible if I got 19s leaving factory height? If so, what are you suggestions for which springs I should get? (I am not looking for adjustable coil-overs. My main goal is to save on cost, and I have had good experience with H&Rs).

I appreciate you help. Thx.

 

Any size rim (19 or 20) will look like you are ridin' a 4X4 unless you drop the car. The outside diameter is pretty much the same regardless of rim size if you size the tire appropriately. So it comes down to how much sidewall you feel you want/need for ride quality and protection of the rims from road hazard. To some style is more important above anything else. For a car that is used sparingly on good quality roads maybe 20's are worthwhile. If the car is a daily driver (sounds like it at 20k miles/year) you might want to consider 18's or 19's. Don't forget to calculate the cost of replacing tires as well. The larger tires are generally more expensive and if you lower the car you can expect some negative camber issues which will accelerate wear. For lowering Springs consider: Eibach, L-tuned or Daizen.

 

DetMich1. Thanks a lot for the feedback. I was heading towards the 19s instead of the 20s as you suggested because of the amount I use the car.

Being that I am trying to be as cost sensitive as I can. Out of the three you recommended: Eibach, L-tuned or Daizen, which one do you guys think is the best bet? and is there a specific model number I should look for. I do not want the car to have a slammed look. I am trying to keep it as clean and presentable as possible, even to my clients (who are age 50+)... Not something they would see in a rap video.

Also I was looking at the fitment for the rims and have no idea what to get. Any suggestions?

As to the rim I was looking at, the only fitment they have that will work on th Lexus is the: 19x8.5 5x114.3 38 (these are the BR 5 look-alikes... ADR Sterling). Would these be ok? If so, what tire size would you recommend?

Again thanks everyone for your help.

 

Whether you get 19" or 20" your sidewall is going to be the same. I went with 19" because I didnt want to add a kit at the time and just wanted to lower it a little bit. With both sizes you will want to lower it. 19" looks good without a kit and with 20" and no kit it almost looks a little funny. I would say 19" with a drop or if you are really worried about ride just go with 18". I drive 20K+ a year and have no complaints with my 19".

 

Thanks. What would you recommend for tire size. The wheel is going to be 19x8.5 5x114.3 38. What tire size should I use? Thx.

 

correct. unless you run fat setup, the 19s and 20s are the same, you don't gain anything by going to 20s

normal setup, 245/35/19 and 275/30/19 OR 245/35/20 and 275/30/20

if you want fat setup it would be 245/40/19 and 275/35/19. taller sidewall, more protection.

i had 19s with normal setup and now on my second set of 20s on my gs400. i also have sc430 with 20s as well. i am in cali and we drive at least 30k miles a yr and i never worry about bending wheels. imho if it happens, it happens, even if you have 17s.

and i would go for 20s myself why? coz' if you go 19s, you will regret and eventually want 20s, haha

oh and welcome!

 

rominl is my favorite wheel expert!

 

Click here
D2autosports are vendors here on CL.They helped me and a lot of other guys with the same questions you have.A pleasure to work with!!

 

well just do whatever i can to help

 

If you drop the car with 245/35/20 to eliminate fender gap, how much sooner will your tires need to be replaced due to the negative camber issues?

 

depends on what tire you get and how you drive. i am on 20s with 245/35/20. lowered to no gap. i had maybe 15k miles on my previous pzero nero and i was maybe at 50% tread wear, couldn't be happier. and there was NO inside wear at all, call that a miracle if you want. even buyer of my wheels noticed that too.

and i expect the same on my current michelin a/s. no uneven wear and even more miles hopefully

 

That's a good point you bring up. Maybe me not wanting to get 20s is a worry I shouldn't have. If I could get 20K miles on the tires with 50% tread wear that's great.

Is anyone else experiencing similar or otherwise?