[mggtrent]

I have a 2015 Toyota CamryXSE. It currently has 18" rims and the tires are expensive. Someone suggested switching to 17" or 16" rims for cheaper tires. The problem I am having is every where I go they tell me something different. Some say 16" will require a drop others say they will fit and they all give me a different lug pattern or width. Has anyone swapped out 18s for 16s or 17s? What do you suggest?

 

[dtownfb]

If you switch to 16" or 17", you'll likely have to switch rims. That will negate any savings.

The reality is tires are expensive. The thing to remember is the Camry, even in the XSE model, is a basic commuter car. No tire is going to its increase performance or make it that much better. I'd look for tires that are on sale like the Continental Pure Contact (based on www.tirerack.com) or General Altimax. Both are good tires but priced below Michelin, Pirelli and others.

The key is to get the correct size and tire rating for the Camry. And make sure the tire is right for your environment (winter weather, rainy season, etc).

 

[CRomanVegas]

Use 17s dude. Factory tires are 215 55 r17 for 12-17

 

[Wigyota]

By the time you buy a different set of rims with supposedly "cheaper" tires, you spent more money doing that, when you could have just bought a decent set of tires for your current set of rims and called it a day. That logic just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[dddd]

Going with LE wheels and covers could be inexpensive from a junk yard and would give the quietest ride, best MPG and least expensive tire choices.
Any rims will need TPM sensors fitted, so added expense there.

Maybe find someone here to trade wheels with!

 

[kranat007]

I've tossed this question around. I too have an XSE with the 18" rims and am considering on getting a 16" snow tire/rim combo for winter. The manual shows three tire size options for my model year Camry: 205/65R16, 215/55/R17, 225/45R18. I've found some used ones around the 205/65 and 215/65 that I may consider buying.

 

[JIMTOYCAM]

My 12' XLE stock rim's are so ugly you can have mine for $100 when I switch tires this year.
I bought on ebay Forecum Octa 215/55R/17 $350 + tax
New ebay sensors asked and got it for $36

 

[Indy John]

I have a 2015 Toyota CamryXSE. It currently has 18" rims and the tires are expensive. Someone suggested switching to 17" or 16" rims for cheaper tires. The problem I am having is every where I go they tell me something different. Some say 16" will require a drop others say they will fit and they all give me a different lug pattern or width. Has anyone swapped out 18s for 16s or 17s? What do you suggest?

Smaller wheels will of course have to fit your car (lug pattern, offset, etc.), but the tire diameter will be virtually the same, hence no "drop" required. The tire width will vary, as indicated by Krant007's response with the 3 factory sizes. Using the General Altimax as one example, Discount Tire shows savings of $44 for a set of 17's, and $144 for a set of 16's. Unless you can find someone to swap wheels with you, you can't recoup the cost of new wheels over the life of your car.

 

[Riick]

Michelin tires though I love them are seriously overpriced currently. 215.55.17 when I looked the other day, we're around $225 each, now add tax + mount+ balance $270 each?

Used 17" wheels easy to find, and all five-bolt Toyota products best of my limited knowledge, are same 114.5 (?) Pattern. Right sized centers, and offset may be another matter.

No Chinese brands until their reputation improves. Plenty of other decent brands available & still at affordable prices.
If you travel/vacation by car, consider Walmart, simply because you're rarely more than 20 miles from one, at least anywhere east of the Mississippi. They'll live up to their extended warranty, free rebalance, free repair to a flat.

 

[RT27]

Smaller wheels will of course have to fit your car (lug pattern, offset, etc.), but the tire diameter will be virtually the same, hence no "drop" required. The tire width will vary, as indicated by Krant007's response with the 3 factory sizes. Using the General Altimax as one example, Discount Tire shows savings of $44 for a set of 17's, and $144 for a set of 16's. Unless you can find someone to swap wheels with you, you can't recoup the cost of new wheels over the life of your car.

Use tire calculator, google it put in size you have convert to 17, they are most common now and you can get 17 tires cheaper.

 

[Jeff83]

If you switch to 16" or 17", you'll likely have to switch rims. That will negate any savings.

The reality is tires are expensive. The thing to remember is the Camry, even in the XSE model, is a basic commuter car. No tire is going to its increase performance or make it that much better. I'd look for tires that are on sale like the Continental Pure Contact (based on www.tirerack.com) or General Altimax. Both are good tires but priced below Michelin, Pirelli and others.

The key is to get the correct size and tire rating for the Camry. And make sure the tire is right for your environment (winter weather, rainy season, etc).

I have had both the Continentals and the Altimax tires and liked them both. They are rated very highly on Consumer Reports. I have the Continental Pure contacts on my Camry and am on the second set on my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I got 60k out of the last set on the Jeep.

 

[CRomanVegas]

I plan on getting 80k+ out of my Pirelli P4 17 inch tires. Already past 40 with minimal wear.

 

[fjguercio]

May 2022 transporting FL Camry to MN.... old tires and one twisted up a bit/ flat spot north of Atlanta. Walmart fixed me up with 4 Allient, mtd, balance, road hazzard, did not change TPM. I agree with above Walmart is every where and they will all help if you get a flat or "need" them to do a tire rotation. I rotate my own, quicker, and only rebalance if having a vibration issue. I also have Costco and Sams Club.... good tire prices but if you purchase and do not renew membership than you cannot get your road hazzard fixed.

You did not state your location.... that will be most important for your tire selection. IF northern snow like my area..... I like to have second set of rims, steel or aluminum, and put winter tires on them. That way the main rims stay looking good and after 3-4 yrs around here the rims get oxidized due to SALT. BETTER GRIP and less likely to have stop accident or car crash. Winter tires are better. The camry will come with 17 and 18 rims... some were 16". The different trims levels had larger rims with higher level trims. Same diameter, but the 18" use a lower profile / side wall and more prone to denting the rim when you hit a pot hole. Also low profile is a stiffer rider, I have never wanted or felt the need for low profile tires.... tooooo many post holes and failed roads around here.

Few Choices from Walmart..... wait for a buy 3 get one free
I purchased the GoodYear Assurance..... the the reliant is a good choice..... shop on line then go to the store in person when you narrow down. I like to wait for the buy 3 get one.... Few stores will price match the specials. Tires prices are up a bit. I got the Assurance for $600 out the door with tax May 2022. The Camry and Avalon rims will work for you..... I have 17" rims. Just got a group of Avalon Rims & tires 4 + 2 extra rims.... silver car will powder coat the rims black and will be primary use. Prior Owner Camry Solara used wheel cleaner and 2 of 4 rims have paint damage. All Aluminum Rims. This may give you a full sized spare rather than donut... so if used you can go over 50 mph with spare..... donut spare limited to 50 mph temporary. Learn how to read the mfg date code on tires... very important if you buy used or even new tires.