Hello:
Anyone have any experience with going to a slightly narrower tire than the 235/45 R17 that's OEM ??

For me it's strictly a financial consideration, that I'm thinking of buying the 225 size: it's on sale now for $100 per tire less !!!
That means if I stay with recommended width, I'm paying DOUBLE for more-or-less the same tire.

What do you think?

 

They'll work just fine, and the car will probably feel a bit lighter on it's feet (sharper turn-in), but because your sidewall will be a bit shorter there will be more wheel-well gap, and your speedo will be ever so slightly off. You'll get better rain performance with a 225 as well. It's nothing to be afraid of for sure, you're just giving up some ultimate side-to-side handling, and most don't use their TL for that anyway.