17 or 18 inch wheels
 

Getting the 2006 RX330 (fint with black leather) with prem package.

Question fior the RX gurus...

I live in Montreal where the winters are tough. There is a significant amount of snow and ice and the roads in general are full of potholes.

The RX is going to be primarily my wife's car SO,

should i stay with the 17's (softer ride, better for potholes, cheaper tires, less mag damage)
vs. 18's (better summer drive, worse for our roads ?bumpier ride???)

help, i am picking it up this week....

help?

anyone have decent pics comparing the 2?

aoua

oh, and the dealer is giving the 18's at about 400CAN more so I think it is reasonable (price wise)...

GO with whatever rim package looks the best! I have the 18's cause I have the performance package on mine......I drive in the Alaskan Winters and its no problem for me, if you want them get them, you probably wont even notice much differance

Welcome to CL!
 

My early '03 330 was ONLY available with 18's, and I've not been too impressed with them. Compared to the 16's on my 300, they are subject to high-frequency "chatter" that the suspension cannot damp out. The feel is like solid rubber tires. The reduced (stiffer) sidewall is the likely culprit - and contributes a good deal less to the handling than it takes from the ride. I'd stick with the 17's, given the choice - especially if your roads aren't billiard-table smooth..

i also noticed that the 17 and 18' mags are very similar in shape and style....

17" or 18"
 

Hi,

I live in the snow country and had the dealer change the 18" to 17" and from the 235/55/18's to mich 225/65/17 MX4 Energy. Much nicer to ride on. Snow is just starting so I cannot comment on how they work in snow. I wish Lexus did not change to the 18" because they increased the diameter of the front brake calipers and thus the 16" (RX300) won't fit. I would love to use P225/75/16 Mich Cross Terrains on 16" aluminum wheels. But I had to settle for the 17's.

ordered the 17s will get the RX on Tuesday...

aqua
I have had my 05rx330 for a year now, it is also flint mica /black int. Boy ,do I feel Sorry for you!
While I believe that nothing on the road looks better (when clean). It is impossible to keep this car clean both inside or out. :cry: After a 600mile trip to Mn. for thanksgiving, the salt deposits
make it look like a dirty white vehicle.you can spot the dirt/lint on the interior while out side walking by. I definatly recommend weathertech (or equv) floor mats at least for the front,they hold a lot of snow. good luck

My 2004 came from the Canadian factory with 17" wheels with the Michelin tires. I was somewhat annoyed that our southern neighbours were offered an 18" rim package for a couple hundred US $ more but the same package was not offered to us despite the fact that many US vehicles originated from the Cambridge plant. I have to say that the Michelin tires were one of the reasons that I looked at the RX 330 in the first place. After 50,000 kms, the Michelins are still good and have been great riding tires with lots of grip in all kinds of weather (Toronto area). Recently, I added an 06 RX 330 to my driveway (still have the 04 as well) . This time, I was offered 18' wheels and tires for about $ 700 CDN more. The dealer thought that I would automatically be willing to spend the extra $, which I was prepared to do.....BUT.....the vehicle that I sold was an 2002 Caddy STS equipped with Goodyear Eagle RSA tires. Those RSA's wore very well but were the absolute worst tire for ride comfort that I have ever experienced, in fact, Cadillac switched to Michelin Energy's later in the 02 model year. My next question to the dealer was for him to ascertain the brand of tire that Lexus was installing on its 18" wheels from the factory--if they were Michelin --then 18" it would be, if however, it was to be Goodyear RSA's forget the 18" wheels and I'll gladly stick with Michelins on 17" wheels. I cannot understand why many US destined vehicles were dispatched previously with 18" and Michelin Energy Tires....Interestting to note that the 400h comes with 18" tires and Michelins. Needless to say, my 06 has 17" tires. I do not regret that decision---Just my .02 cents worth!!

The 17's will be easier on your suspension and steering components. You should have a better selection of tires including snows at better prices. In some areas, like yours, more sidewall is better. after all, you get deep snow in Canada. I would have made the same decision you have.

especially with the craters, ahem... sorry i meant "potholes" that we have here.