When I picked out my 09 TCH, I chose one that had 16-in wheels rather than the stock 15-inchers. If I recell correctly, none of the cars with 15-inch wheels were otherwise equipped as I wanted and they typically had Bridgestones. I specifically wanted the Michelins.

I've still got plenty of tread left on the Michelins, so I'm not likely to be considering any new wheels or tires any time soon.

I'm curious, though: What is the advantage perceived in changing to 17 or 18-inch wheels on this particular car ?

 

I just like the look.

From a functional point of view, I don't think there is any advantage. The larger wheels carry the mass of the rim a little farther from the axis of rotation, so they would have more rotational inertia. That might actually make them less efficient, because it would take more energy to get them started or stopped.

 

That would seem to imply that owners with the 15-in wheels would typically get better mileage than those of us with the 16-inchers.

Anyone have any data on that?

 

This gen Camry came only with 16" wheels - 15's won't fit around the rotors/calipers. All got same 215-60-16 wheel/tire, with some 18's as 'distributor option' for an obscene up-charge (somewhere around $2K, IIRC). Look at http://www.camrystuff.com/manuals/Ge...ifications.pdf, search for tire. No 15's are listed. Larger wheel/tire combos aren't listed either because they are not 'factory' options.

The 'steelies' on the 'base' TCH are 16" with plastic covers. BS and Michelin are tire choices - and it seems a crap-shoot which you get. When I got my '08, there were several otherwise identical TCH's on the dealer lot with an assortment of BS and MC tires. Seeing others' experience with BS, I insisted on the Michelins - with no regrets after 22K miles.

 

I had this 20" since I purchase my 50th Anniversary Edition in 2007