Rim Problems On 2007 Awd Is250

[lovemyis250]

I have a 2007 IS250 with AWD. I love the car but hate the rims- they have been nothing but trouble.

The original rims were Lexus' chrome rims for 17" Dunlop Sport Tires. These wore and rusted in about 2 years. Caused tire leakage constantly. Lexus dealer said they used a particular manufacturer for their chrome wheels whom they contacted. The manufacturer replaced these rims with painted chrome rims at no charge. Lexus dealer indicated they no longer make these chrome rims or deal with that manufacturer.

The new painted chrome rims began pitting and peeling within one year. Lexus dealer will not replace or reduce price of new rims. I've been using these rims, but now need some new tires and thought it would be a good time to deal with the rims as well. I am done with Chrome- looking for Alloy.

My questions are:

1) Is it unreasonable to expect some cost reduction from Lexus for new Alloy rims?

2) Does anyone have any recommendations for non-Lexus 17" Alloy Rims.

3) Any recommendations for new tires?

Thanks!

[LEX-SV]

Welcome Kristine. Sorry to hear about the problem with chrome rims, best to avoid most if not all chrome rims because of finish durability issues.

If you have a high volume customer tire/wheel shop nearby, they often have access to "take-off" wheels or stock wheels and tires removed and replaced with custom wheels. Used wheels are fine if the shop is good. Given the age of car, I would not expect much help at Lexus dealership unless they have some used wheels.

As far as tires in 17", I'd recommend Continental DWS (an all season tire), look them up on Tire Rack website for pricing and reviews.

[lovemyis250]

Thanks so much for your response. Your advice totally jives with others I've spoken to. I was able to find a shop who could get me new Lexus alloy rims (in silver finish) at a great price. I am planning on the Continental tires but probably the newer ones called PureContact instead of DWS. The tire dealer said they are rated for 70,000 miles (vs 50,000) and customers report being happy with them.

I also agree with you that there is no reason to expect more from the Lexus dealer. They did try to get "take offs" but could not locate any.

Thanks again!

[LEX-SV]

Sounds like a good plan, let us know results later.

[lovemyis250]

I should have new tires and rims installed in about 1 week. I'll take pics to show them off!!