I'm planning to visit a local dealership tomorrow to check out the 2011 Highlander and see if I can work a trade on my '07 BMW X3.
From all the pics I've seen, I prefer the look of the wheels on the Limited model, though the ones on the SE are fine. I'm considering both models. My concern with the wheel difference between the two has to do with ride.
Is there a big difference in feel? I know it's subjective and I will try to test drive both, though not sure what the dealer will have in stock.
My X3 came with 18" wheels....VERY costly tires to replace. I had a blowout on one after a year of ownership and I think it cost me about $370 to replace. Love the look though.
There is a price to pay when you go to a shorter sidewall for sure. How much depends on the vehicle, the tires used, weight of the wheels... etc.
True. I am not looking for a stiff/sport ride which is what I wanted to check on with the 19". I only do about 4k miles a year, so time to replace isn't a huge concern.
Lots of people like the stiffer ride. Even if they don't, many still find the trade off worth it for the better looks and somewhat increased handling. It's one of those things that you get used to after a few hundred miles and then it just seems normal for your car.
Lots of people like the stiffer ride. Even if they don't, many still find the trade off worth it for the better looks and somewhat increased handling. It's one of those things that you get used to after a few hundred miles and then it just seems normal for your car.
Well I suppose I got used to the ride of mine with 18" wheels and didn't really know any better.
I don't know about the 17" rims but I don't find anything wrong with the ride on the 19" ones. The suspension is so soft it will iron some of it out I suspect. But with what Zembonez said.. the 19" tires are expensive, the cheapest i've seen is around $180 per tire on tirerack.com... Overall though I can't find anything wrong with the 19" ones so I think its mainly just for the look of the car.
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2008 Black Highlander Limited FWD
Nav (with override), Rear DVD | 900+ Watt Sound System | Headlight & Fog HID Projector Retrofit | LED Interior/Puddle Lights | Rattletrap Sound Deadener | Dueler HL Alenzas 255/55R19's |Updated Modification List
I bought the 11 Limited so I got the 19s.Ride and handling is ok for the size of vehicle.The cost of the tires was not a concern,just part of the ownership costs.
I'm planning to visit a local dealership tomorrow to check out the 2011 Highlander and see if I can work a trade on my '07 BMW X3.
From all the pics I've seen, I prefer the look of the wheels on the Limited model, though the ones on the SE are fine. I'm considering both models. My concern with the wheel difference between the two has to do with ride.
Is there a big difference in feel? I know it's subjective and I will try to test drive both, though not sure what the dealer will have in stock.
My X3 came with 18" wheels....VERY costly tires to replace. I had a blowout on one after a year of ownership and I think it cost me about $370 to replace. Love the look though.
TIA for your advice.
If you can live with X3 + 18" wheel in your area, then there shouldn't be a concern about 17"/19" ride quality.
Keep in mind tire pressure can significantly change the ride quality. Mine is a 17" SE with 30psi recommend but it was delivered to me with 38psi. At 30psi the ride is very smooth/quiet (almost Lincoln Towncar like) but the handling suffers. On the other end of the scale, at 38psi the handling feels crispier but the wheels are very busy/noisy at rough surface and the car is less stable against large bumps/pothole.
I have the 19" and prefer the look of the them. The ride is still soft with the 19s IMO. Since I don't have the 17" I can't compare the ride between the 2. I doubt the ride is noticebly different between the them.
I kind of wish I had the 17" because there are better options when it comes to replacement and at a significantly lower cost. But then again, I prefer the look of the 19".
Well, I did visit the dealer today and I test drove their only Limited which was a 4WD. The ride felt great. Amazing how the steering wheel turns on a dime! Love the look of the 19" wheels!
I didn't drive the SE as the sales guy said it was pretty close in ride feel.
We couldn't get down to the nitty gritty to talk numbers since my first choice (Limited/Nav/Black on Black) wasn't on the lot, but he's supposed to be getting one in within 2 weeks and I guess I'll go back with my X3 to see what the bottom line is. For some reason I just don't think the numbers are going to work out.
I have both, 19" for summer, and a 17" set for winter. I am very happy with the 19", though I can say that the ride is a bit firmer, and you do feel minor imperfections in the road more than the 17". That said, too many variables to make an accurate comparison, as has been mentioned: my winter wheels are alloy, but not necessarily same as the HL 17", tire pressure, tires are different on my summer than winter etc.
If you tried the HL with 19" and was pleased with the ride, then that's all that matters. Go with it. Personally, I prefer the look of the 19".
Cheers.
__________________ 09 Black HL Sport, loaded Cdn version: AWD, bk leather int.
Mods: tinted windows; upgraded headlight and fog bulbs; bug deflector; Ichiba 15mm bolt on wheel spacers, Pioneer FH-P8000BT head unit; Blaupunkt underseat sub, Viper 5901 security/auto start, stainless dual exhaust tip, upgraded horns.
I have 2010 Base 4wd V6 with 17" tires. My wife has 2009 Rav 4 V6 4wd with appearance pkg. She has 18" RFT tires. It rides like a truck compared to mine. I like the look of the 19" wheels, but I'm not willing to pay the cost difference for tires. I also want a softer smoother more refined ride.
Propman
i have 2010 base 4wd v6 with 17" tires. My wife has 2009 rav 4 v6 4wd with appearance pkg. she has 18" rft tires. It rides like a truck compared to mine. I like the look of the 19" wheels, but i'm not willing to pay the cost difference for tires. I also want a softer smoother more refined ride.
Propman
+1
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2008 Highlander Base 4WD
2002 Avalon XL
1987 Suzuki Samurai 4X4 - Treading where no Jeep can follow....
Well I'm certainly warming up to the 17" wheels on my new SE...pretty sporty looking. Have to say that the ride is very smooth too, and knowing that it won't cost me an arm and a leg when the tires need to be replaced (depending on tire I realize) helps.
__________________ 2011 Highlander SE V6 (as of 1/29/11) Black exterior/Black leather interior...Tech Pkg...Aluminum Running Boards...Mudguards...Chrome Exhaust Tip...OEM All Weather Cargo Mat
I love my 19'' wheels and don't care about any extra cost associated with or the change in how the car rides. I haven't driven a 17'' HL but my ride is pretty smooth. It def doesn't feel like a truck. I think after driving a HL it is normal for a RAV4 to feel like a truck. I don't think it is directly related to the wheels.
To me 19'' wheels make a lot of difference how the car looks. One of the reasons I got a limited.
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