Walt-as I see it you have a few options, and it depends on how much of a performance nut you are. Performance being important to me, I chose the 17 inch wheels and will purchase a set of 16 inch winter wheel and tire combonation from tire rack for about $900. I will store the set of 17" wheels in my garge. It will only take an hour to swap them out. If you get the car with the 17" wheels, also being from Stamford, I definately think you should switch to winter tires before Dec. 15th. Another idea might be to get the 16" tires, since winter is not far away, see how the performance is-you would not have to switch these. If you want more performance, purchase a set of custom wheels and tires next summer. This would give you time to decide. Good luck. What color are you going to get. I have White with Black int. I love it.
HELP: 17" sports rim or 16" all season?
I am buying an IS300 this weekend. But I have trouble choosing the wheels. Is it a hassle to change tires for the winter with the sports wheels? Do I need to change all four or just the rear two? Do I still need to change tires with the 16" all season wheels?
Thanks people,
My email is [email protected] if you could email me. thanks so much.
Thanks people,
My email is [email protected] if you could email me. thanks so much.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
I was in the same boat, and asked my wife what she thought, showing her both sets of rims.
It was a no brainer- the 17" rims kill the others, the car, IMO just doesn't look as good with those 16's.
It was a no brainer- the 17" rims kill the others, the car, IMO just doesn't look as good with those 16's.
17's. In fact, imagine yourself selling this car in a few years.
(YOU) "Well, it's got the 16 inchers that work so much better in the winter."
(BUYER) "Thanks, I'll get back to you."
Translation: You will always wonder how much better the performance was with the 17's and the savings in rubber will pale in comparison to cheating your ownership and selling experience.
(YOU) "Well, it's got the 16 inchers that work so much better in the winter."
(BUYER) "Thanks, I'll get back to you."
Translation: You will always wonder how much better the performance was with the 17's and the savings in rubber will pale in comparison to cheating your ownership and selling experience.
Croddy,
Thanks very much for the reply. I really appreciate it. I think I will take your advice and get the 17", then buy the snow tires/16"rims at December. I am getting a silver/black IS300. It's awesome.
Thanks again,
Walt
Thanks very much for the reply. I really appreciate it. I think I will take your advice and get the 17", then buy the snow tires/16"rims at December. I am getting a silver/black IS300. It's awesome.
Thanks again,
Walt
Originally posted by croddy:
Walt-as I see it you have a few options, and it depends on how much of a performance nut you are. Performance being important to me, I chose the 17 inch wheels and will purchase a set of 16 inch winter wheel and tire combonation from tire rack for about $900. I will store the set of 17" wheels in my garge. It will only take an hour to swap them out. If you get the car with the 17" wheels, also being from Stamford, I definately think you should switch to winter tires before Dec. 15th. Another idea might be to get the 16" tires, since winter is not far away, see how the performance is-you would not have to switch these. If you want more performance, purchase a set of custom wheels and tires next summer. This would give you time to decide. Good luck. What color are you going to get. I have White with Black int. I love it.
With respect to the question of getting just two snow tires vs. four:
I would get all four. Very few people recommend using just two these days. I had a couple places say they wouldn't sell me two for safety reasons (then again, maybe they just wanted to double their profits).
Snow tires also help with braking and steering in the snow so it is helpful on the fronts. I had 4 Bridgestone Blizzaks mounted on 15" wheels on my '93 525i and the difference in inclement weather was night and day. With the four snows, I actually felt confident driving in the snow.
Putting them on isn't a big deal. It took me maybe an hour to do if that. The worst part for me was finding a place to store the extra tires and wheels.
I would get all four. Very few people recommend using just two these days. I had a couple places say they wouldn't sell me two for safety reasons (then again, maybe they just wanted to double their profits).
Snow tires also help with braking and steering in the snow so it is helpful on the fronts. I had 4 Bridgestone Blizzaks mounted on 15" wheels on my '93 525i and the difference in inclement weather was night and day. With the four snows, I actually felt confident driving in the snow.
Putting them on isn't a big deal. It took me maybe an hour to do if that. The worst part for me was finding a place to store the extra tires and wheels.
i run four blizzaks in the snow and four dunlop w-10's in the spring summer.
i think switching two is a mistake unless you don't get that much snow in your area. innew england, i think it is imperative.
------------------
IS 300 ???
Not yet, but maybe soon....
1995 Ford Contour Zetec GL -- Modded
http://www.contour.org
i think switching two is a mistake unless you don't get that much snow in your area. innew england, i think it is imperative.
------------------
IS 300 ???
Not yet, but maybe soon....
1995 Ford Contour Zetec GL -- Modded
http://www.contour.org
Definately need to go with 4 tires all around. Believe it or not, I just saw my first IS with 16" set up. It does not look like the same car. Wow am I happy I got the 17's.
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Lexus IS Forum
Community dedicated to Lexus IS Enthusiasts. Come in and enjoy our articles, galleries and information on aftermarket parts for the IS300, IS250, IS350.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Top Contributors this Month
View All
ill_mannered
98 Replies
_zaclemore
51 Replies
Jonqdiesel
46 Replies
Recommended Communities
