My wheels have curb rash, and paint damage probably caused by excessive copper based lubricants applied to the wheel hubs. So I considered replacing them. Refinished OEM wheels on eBay are priced around $1300 plus tax. New after market wheels cost sound $800. Local shops want $640-700 for powder coating.

Any of you have experiences replacing wheels?

 

I would say stay away from the cheapest aftermarket wheels you can find, probably won't clear the front calipers and bend/ crack easily, in my experience. If your budget is only $800 for new wheels those are probably the cheapest and bottom of the barrel stuff. you still gotta pay for tires. I would just refinish the oem wheels + spacers. I would say a decent set of used Jdm wheels with tires will at least run you $1500-$2000, with proper fitment, decent tires.

 

I only consider factory spec wheels. The $800 eBay set is a set of replicas. Clearance is not a concern but there might be other issues. I am impressed with my local wheel refinishing shop but I had not very pleasant experience with powder coating. Refinished eBay OEM wheel goes for about $325-400 per wheel but they look painted.

 

Heard mixed reviews with those new aftermarket OEM style wheels. Some said they're getting vibrations and some said they were good, but if it was up to me. I would get refinished OEM wheels.

 

I would refinish my OEM rims, if possible. If I remember correctly about four years ago, it was about $160 per rim for powder coating and about $200 per rim for their faux PVD "chrome". Used a local company, Detroit Wheel & Tire, with very good results. I am local so drop-off and pick-up was easy but I would guess you have a reputable refinisher in your area.

I bought a set of pretty beat up salvage yard rims cheap and had them powder coated for my snow tires. Turned out great.

 

I had both my LS wheel sets, prepped and powdercoated with GREAT results. They can buff up the rash areas to get them looking better. I'm having my suburban wheels powder coated w 2-stage black chrome paint. should be pretty sweet upgrade!

 

What about buy a set of newer used Lexus wheels from another model. There are some pretty good looking 20" F Sport wheels or 18"s off the GS.

 

Those are my concerns👍

 

Can't speak from experience with LS430 wheels, but I did source a set of refurbished OEM wheels from my 2003 Camry in 2018. They still look as good as the day I bought them.

 

This would be the best option in my opinion. Take your time and search OfferUp or Craigslist till a good set comes up for cheap, won’t take long. And as others have said, definitely stay away from any new set of wheels that’s only $800. They’re cheap for a reason.

 

Following you guys’ advices, a set of 4 OE wheels went to my local wheel shop. I have a perfect spare that has never touched the ground so refinishing 3 wheels was an option but I was concerned that color and look might not match.

 

The powder coated wheels came back not so great. There are spots that look like excessive paint. I was told sand blasting could not remove all corrosions. I should have inspected the wheels after sand blasting (they were sand blasted twice I was told), at which time I could wire clean them. However I do not believe the imperfections were due to corrosions.

 

Any pics of your powdercoated wheels? I'm considering do this but the quote is 225/wheel and I would be pretty bummed out if they didn't turn out nice.

 

Wow! What a coincidence. I was in the same quandary for the last several YEARS . My better half said she was starting to be embarassed by how corroded and flaked my OEM rims were.

I got off the fence, and purchased a set from Ebay. I paid under $800 for them with free shipping. I received them 2 weeks ago and had new tires installed on them as well. This is the link to the seller's store. my ebay rims from this seller (I have zero to gain from promoting my positive experience)

I'm elated to announce I CANNOT TELL the difference of these 'aftermarket' rims versus my OEM/genuine rims. They are identical. EXACT to my eye. (I've owned my LS since 2009). Attached are 2 pictures of the new rims. (I bought 4). It's an AMAZING feeling just walking to/from my LS again. Rims/wheels can make or break the look of a car. I love driving the LS again! I'd purchase from the seller again, IN A HEARTBEAT.

PS...even the OEM center caps fit perfectly on the new rims. See for yourselves...

 

Are there any markings behind the wheel that matches the oem? I'm wondering if these are real oem wheels refinished? or aftermarket