I'm buying a 2006 LR3 SE that's pretty well loaded. The only things keeping it from being HSE are the sound system and the wheels. I'm tone deaf so I don't care much about the stereo, but I was curious to know what you all thought the advantage of 19" wheels might be over my stock 18".

If I decided to buy new rims, would it be worthwhile to think about buying bigger rims? This is mostly a daily driver, but I'll take it offroad from time to time. I'm not much interested in the latest fashions so I doubt I'd bother with 20" or 22" wheels unless there was some performance benefit.

So what do you think?

Many thanks,

George

 

This is all opinion of course but I prefer the 18" wheels, as do just about everyone who wheels their Rover once in a while -- more rubber between the rocks and the rim off-road and some report a more supple ride on the highway. I have only owned the 18s so I can't compare the two but the fact mine had 18s did influence me to buy it instead of an HSE for the Colorado trails.

Dave

 

I have an '08 SE and I asked the dealer to put the 19" HSE rims on it - I LOVE THEM. They're 255/55R19 and they ride really well - I have the Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow tires. The 19s ride really solid and look better. They are worth the extra expense.

 

Keep the 18s! Just think about when it's tip me to buy tires... Your wallets gonna burn! Also more tire options are available in 18 inch, and places will mos likely have an 18 inch tire in stock where they might have to order a 19

 

18 inch rims give the most options for tires offer more protection the than 19 or 20 inch options. check out the available tire sizes on my tire size chart:
http://johnsonrods.com

 

I have a set of chrome 19" hse rims mounted with Michelin Synchrones just sitting in a warehouse. I dropped them when I decided to buy a set of 18" and mount Cooper Zeon LTZ 285x60x18 on. Haven't touched the 19's in 3 years. Guess I should sell them sometime....

 

I have the 06 LR3 with 18" wheels. The have performed very well, including during serious off-roading. I have never seen a need to get bigger wheels. I think the bigger wheels are for slightly more responsive steering on the highway and for looks. Smaller wheels are cheaper.

 

I got a used 06 LR3 that came with 285/60R18. So far the ride and handling is great. They are about 5% larger than the stock 255/60R18 or 255/55R19. So the speedometer shows 60mph when actually going 63. Any other potential problem besides that?