09 Is 250 Downgrade From Factory 18" To 17" Tire Sets?

[lynhnn]

I am thinking of downgrading the rims and tires to 17" set standard (all 4 are same size). I currently have factory 18" stage tires in my 09 IS 250.

With the downgrade, I want to get:

1. Smoother ride

2. Better gas mileage

3. Longer tread life

What do you think?

[James Horning]

It has been very popular to do this to save on tires and the ability to rotate. Go to tirerack.com input your car and compare packages and tires. You can even try the look on a simulation. Michelin tires wear well, try not to purchase a directional or rain grove style tires they just get noisy and feel inconsistent .

[sktn77a]

I did this a couple of years ago with my 2008 (18" staggered to OEM17x8 all round). Improved the ride some. No difference in mpg.