Premium 20" wheels worth it?
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: AK
Premium 20" wheels worth it?
I just got our new RX AWD a couple weeks ago. It's mostly base. I was thinking about the premium 20" rims. I noticed most the higher end packages in the Bay Area had them, but the dealer wouldn't swap them out on my car for me for the option price ($1k). I'm still on the fence if I should buy the 20" rims from the parts dept or not. Question for folks on the forum:
- How does the 20" rims ride vs. the base 18" ones? I've heard it's a bit harsher, but I actually wouldn't mind that.
- If I'm going to go to Tahoe and driving in the snow a fair amount, are the 18" wheels better than the 20" ones? This is my first AWD car.
Thanks!
- How does the 20" rims ride vs. the base 18" ones? I've heard it's a bit harsher, but I actually wouldn't mind that.
- If I'm going to go to Tahoe and driving in the snow a fair amount, are the 18" wheels better than the 20" ones? This is my first AWD car.
Thanks!
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: SoCal
I'm honestly not a fan of the 18" wheels...the wheels look like a carryover design from the last gen, and doesn't compliment this new body design very well.
Since you live in California, I assume that most of the life of the car will be driven in dry, hot weather, therefore having dedicated snow tires isn't necessary. The 20" wheels ride fine...still smoother than the 19" wheels on my GS. Yes, the tire replacement will be more expensive, but that's the price for better style.
Maybe wait until someone on the forums tries to sell their wheels in the classifieds.
Since you live in California, I assume that most of the life of the car will be driven in dry, hot weather, therefore having dedicated snow tires isn't necessary. The 20" wheels ride fine...still smoother than the 19" wheels on my GS. Yes, the tire replacement will be more expensive, but that's the price for better style.
Maybe wait until someone on the forums tries to sell their wheels in the classifieds.
Thread Starter
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From: AK
Thanks guys. I definitely don't need dedicated snow tires.
Yah, I felt the same way about these base 18" wheels. They look a little outdated on the new body style.
Yah, I felt the same way about these base 18" wheels. They look a little outdated on the new body style.
Last edited by kitlz; Dec 29, 2015 at 04:54 AM.
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From: Texas
Also tried to get the 20 inch 5 spoke split silver machined wheels with the Michelin Premier LTX 235/55/20 to my base 2016 RX and Sewell Dallas quoted me $4350 total ($600 each rim and $300 each tire). Park Place Plano quoted me $3,800 installed. Tried to upgrade before I bought the car but the salesperson told me they where not available yet and quoted me same ballpark figure to upgrade. It's my first time looking to upgrade wheels. Selling the Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus 235/65R18 106V and OEM 18" wheels at craigslist dallas for $1,800. I think the base wheels will grow on me after a while.
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: BC
Just depends on how important wheels are to you. Personally, I think big wheels look really good, and add a lot to the car. The "sporty" look is big rims, low profile, of course.
Keep in mind, after market, there are great deals on nice stuff. You can probably even go larger than 20" if you want.
Keep in mind, after market, there are great deals on nice stuff. You can probably even go larger than 20" if you want.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,792
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From: Connecticut
Just depends on how important wheels are to you. Personally, I think big wheels look really good, and add a lot to the car. The "sporty" look is big rims, low profile, of course.
Keep in mind, after market, there are great deals on nice stuff. You can probably even go larger than 20" if you want.
Keep in mind, after market, there are great deals on nice stuff. You can probably even go larger than 20" if you want.
22" wheels are perfect for the RX and with its great suspension, the ride will be quite good, all things considered, as well.
Personally, I will go with 22s on my RX when I get it.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: AK
Also tried to get the 20 inch 5 spoke split silver machined wheels with the Michelin Premier LTX 235/55/20 to my base 2016 RX and Sewell Dallas quoted me $4350 total ($600 each rim and $300 each tire). Park Place Plano quoted me $3,800 installed. Tried to upgrade before I bought the car but the salesperson told me they where not available yet and quoted me same ballpark figure to upgrade. It's my first time looking to upgrade wheels. Selling the Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus 235/65R18 106V and OEM 18" wheels at craigslist dallas for $1,800. I think the base wheels will grow on me after a while.
Last edited by kitlz; Dec 29, 2015 at 05:07 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 645
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From: NJ
Just depends on how important wheels are to you. Personally, I think big wheels look really good, and add a lot to the car. The "sporty" look is big rims, low profile, of course.
Keep in mind, after market, there are great deals on nice stuff. You can probably even go larger than 20" if you want.
Keep in mind, after market, there are great deals on nice stuff. You can probably even go larger than 20" if you want.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: SoCal
Easily avoided if one orders the Panoramic View Monitor option, but I doubt OP has this option.
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From: AK
Nope, I don't, but I did read in another thread that it may be possible to set the side view mirror tilt down more, but we don't have the memory setting option on our car, which I'm unclear if that is necessary to reset it or not.