Hi guys - been lurking and searching here awhile and would appreciate your opinions. about to pick up a low-mile 2013 RX350 base AWD for the 17yo. It has the 5-spoke 18" wheels (model 74253, 7.5"w, +35 offset) - in CHROME - and I could puke. So, those have to get prepped and painted and spaced (or replaced with something different) as I also cannot *stand* how all of our Lexus products come with wheels tucked like 20+mm inside the wheel wells. So, back to those opinions or recommendations:

1) Is there a better-looking wheel for this vintage? I do like the 18" six-spoke 'turbine' wheel (model 74336) that came on 2016+ models. It's 8" wide with a +30 offset. Not sure it fits. Suggestions? I'm sure 19s look better (example the 74279 for 2016+), but I'm balancing nice ride and maybe less bent-wheel risk and hey: *I'm* not driving it lol...

2) If you do have a wheel recommendation, do you have a recommendation for spacer thickness to get to flush with that OE wheel?

From a financial standpoint, I'm looking at $150 to redo the current wheels + a $75 spacer. $225 per. Thinking I should be able to buy an offset-correct (to flush) OE or better-OE, or aftermarket wheel in that ballpark...

My thanks in advance. Part of me says let her curb them until winter is incoming and I need to put some snow-capable tires on it - but I also like knocking projects down when they appear - as they never seem to keep from coming...

 

I have the 18x8" on my car and they are pretty sweet despite weighing 29 lbs each. I grew to like them a lot. That extra width and 5mm of negative offset helps with the cornering and looks for sure. They're on my 2008 though instead of our 2014, but the hubs are the same between the two generations, and this is the bad part... I had to get the 2016+ RX wheel studs to fit them on my car, there just isn't a safe amount of thread engagement from stock. The 2nd gen RX has more flared rear quarter panels than a 3rd gen so it sinks in more, but in the front the fitment is pretty flush.

If you want cheap good-looking wheels, a lot of the IS and GS rims are 8" wide too but they have a 45mm offset and would need spacers (obviously). Although, in my area at least they are super cheap and plentiful because everyone goes aftermarket and sells their old stuff for dirt cheap. Some of the newer Highlanders have 8" wide rims with 30mm offset that don't require the longer wheel studs.

 

FYI "the 18" six-spoke 'turbine' wheel (model 74336) that came on 2016+ models. It's 8" wide with a +30 offset" that you listed are a perfect fit as will those newer Highlander wheels mentioned above.

The 19's will make it ride a little worse, and weigh more, but the sidewall is still tall enough to protect the wheels. I have had 19x8s for years with no issues using wider than stock tires and 20mm spacers, see my signature. He probably won't notice the difference driving between the 18 or 19 inch wheels. So get what you want.

Other wheels that are a direct fit include Toyota Highlander, Venza, Sienna, Camry, and Lexus ES350 etc.
As stated above there are a lot of used wheels out there, look on craigslist, ebay etc.\
At https://www.wheelcollision.com/ you can see photos and specs for the different Lexus and Toyota wheels. They sell used and rebuilt wheels and take your old ones in trade. Considering that the chrome wheels cost more that may be an option, or try listing them on Craigslist/eBay/Facebook Marketplace etc. I have used Wheel Collision a couple of times to replace damaged wheels.

If you get wheel spacers make sure they have the proper 60.1 mm hub centric fit that is used by most Lexus and Toyota vehicles.

 

SUPER, SUPER helpful! Especially the wheel studs info. Good to hear the 2016 wheels will clear the brakes no problem (with the reduced offset). THANK YOU

And THANK YOU for the spacers info too - I also noticed the rear bodywork flare and was thinking about putting spacers on back there to get things a little closer to flush. Am glad to hear that people aren't bending things with the 19s too - they certainly LOOK better than the 18s...