boe_d

Hello,

Other than the looks what is the advantage of the 17" vs. the 18" wheels. If I want the cooled seats they make you buy the 18" wheels. So to be clear my question isn't about looks but functionality.

Will it ride quieter or louder?
Will the tires last longer or wear out sooner?
Will it handle snow or rain better or worse?

I don't drag race so my question is related to normal driving behaviors.

Thanks

Mr Marco

If you use the car as basic transportation, like my wife does, you will never notice the difference between 17" & 18". If you are psychotic like me you notice things like extra weight in the trunk from the books your wife didn't return to the library.
Become a savvy consumer, take what ever you want or don't want with the car. If you like the 17" wheels but want the A/C in the seats, just ask (but don't pay for it, it's a downgrade). Stealerships always have wiggle room and I've gotten a rear wing on one car and a roof-rack on another at cost simply because I insisted it be part of the transaction.

boe_d

Good to know. For some reason I thought you had to get the other stuff if you wanted the cooled seats.

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

personally, i think a car this big should have 18" or bigger wheels....17" wheels are too small for this car...imo

Road-Rager 1

18's will definitely improve the ride as well as the handling. Also, they give the car a better stance. The 17's are too wimpy!

gibjer

I'm going to get the 17's, toss on dedicated snows and get a set of aftermarkets in either 18 (most likely) or 19s for the summer

Cap'n Preshoot

As something of an "auld phart" (age 64) I wrestle with the manufacturer's compulsion (and younger driver's fetish) these days to equip cars with progressively larger and larger tires. In my youth 14" and 15" car tires were the norm and anything 16" or larger was a truck tire, period. I just put a new set of 16" Michelins 10-ply on my old 97 Ram 1500, to the tune of $800 on sale. If I replace that truck with anything other than a "mini" truck now I'm suddenly looking at very expensive tires when the time comes (as it will) for replacement. I guess I just don't understand.

Stew4HD

I hear ya. I am not quite as old as you but share the same sentiments. Whiel I can see the coolness of SLIGHTLY larger rims, I don't see why 22"+ rims are all the rage and why there has to be so much bass pouring from many of the younger guys' cars.

Like you, I grew up with 14" whhels, rarely saw 15's except on big cars! My Challenger had 14" wheels.. Cragars! Oh well, times have changed. I have grown accustomed to the newer styles, to a degree and see 19" rims look great on these cars. 14" would look funny!

Mr Marco

The 18" is probably the best choice for preformance. With a set of lighter wheels (like PF01) and a competition tire (NT01) would allow the TL to run circles around most sport sedans. We have the 19" and it's a nice set-up but is heavier and could use a little more give when applying torque and transfering weight. The best looking option is a 20" with 245/35 tire like Fyah's:

docboy

Dam, that's one hot and sinister looking TL.

Who's vehicle is that?

Stew4HD

Azine member, Fyah

Mr Marco

"Fyah TL"

gibjer

Some of it is kids fetishes, but more and more it's about the new crash standards and pedestrian saftey standards. Cars have gotten more bulbous to meet these standards and to put a 14 or 15 inch wheel would just look awkward from a design perspective.

mklkt

I am having a problem getting wheels for my car...Ordered 18 gianna momentum in chrome with 245/45/18 all mounted and when my hubby went to put the front one on..the brake caliper got in the way of the rim....we are waiting back to hear from the company.. they claim these wheels fit the car...I feel in love with these but can't find anything else... any suggestions...don't want to spent more then 275. per wheel..........thanks....

Stew4HD

Sorry to hear and the caliper rub . I went with RonJon wheels for my 3G. Their wheels are made for Acura/Honda.

jspagna1

Any tire with a low side profile is going to make the car ride rough. I think 18's are the way to go for the Summer and get a set of 17's for the winter. That is what I did with my wifes TL and all is good.

boe_d

So you think the 18" wheels which come with the advance package which they want to sell you to get the ac seat for the summer wouldn't be as good in the winter snow? I certainly don't want to change my tires for the snow as all seasons seem quite adequate year round.