- #1 of 74
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20" vs 18" wheels.......
by tgdaman
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May 10, 2007 (3:23 pm)
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Hi all, I have owned Mazdas for the last 15 yrs or so. Thinking about buying the CX, so went for a test drive a few days ago. I was concerned about the ride quality of the 20's so tried it out. Then after that, drove the one with 18 inch wheels over the same course. I really couldn't tell any difference in ride, but what I noticed right away was the higher level of tire/road noise with the 18 (yes eighteen) wheels. I was wondering if anyone else found this to be true. With Mazdas, its wonderful how the ride smooths out at highway cruising.
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- #2 of 74
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Re: 20" vs 18" wheels....... [tgdaman]
by 99zoomr
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May 10, 2007 (7:14 pm)
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Replying to: tgdaman (May 10, 2007 3:23 pm)
My CX-9 came with the 20" wheels. I've heard the 18 inchers are supposed to have a better ride, but never tried them out. I think my CX-9 has a firm ride, but I actually like it that way. I did check the tire pressure a few weeks ago, and they were all at 38 lbs. I lowered the pressure to the 34 on all corners, as recommended on the door sticker. The ride, tracking, and cornering seemed much better. The steering also seemed less "twitchy" than before. Make sure to check the tire pressure to see if they may be over inflated. A few pounds really makes a difference...
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- #3 of 74
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Re: 20" vs 18" wheels....... [tgdaman]
by flcx9
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May 17, 2007 (6:26 pm)
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Replying to: tgdaman (May 10, 2007 3:23 pm)
We were concerned with ride/road noise with 20" wheels. We wanted a well optioned Grand Touring and settled on one with the Grand Touring Assistance Package and all other options expect the mud guards. Our road car for the last few years has been a Lexus LS 430, after 2K miles and two trips with the CX 9 I have to say its almost as quiet with the 20" wheels as the LS. With the exception of the doors locks not locking automatically we're happy happy with the package and think its a great value. My wife is pretty sensitive to road noise and and rattles. She's happy with the CX 9 and so am I.
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- #4 of 74
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Re: 20" vs 18" wheels....... [flcx9]
by imamg
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Jun 11, 2007 (12:45 pm)
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Replying to: flcx9 (May 17, 2007 6:26 pm)
DId you know you could have the dealer reprogram your car to lock automaticaly?
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- #5 of 74
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Re: 20" vs 18" wheels....... [imamg]
by lvdrumn
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Sep 17, 2007 (3:31 pm)
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Replying to: imamg (Jun 11, 2007 12:45 pm)
the noise has to do with the tire tread pattern, not the diameter size of the tire. it's possible that the 18's may be a different tread design than the 20's.
as far as the ride difference, you'll definitely get a more sport ride with the 20's as there is less sway when turning. 18's have more height (from the outside wheel edge to the outside tire radius) to absorb more road shock...but 20's are a perfect diameter for this SUV...
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- #6 of 74
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Re: 20" vs 18" wheels....... [tgdaman]
by morley1
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Sep 25, 2007 (9:31 am)
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Replying to: tgdaman (May 10, 2007 3:23 pm)
Edmunds raised a concern about road noise from the 20 inch wheels that come on the Grand Touring and suggested (if that was a concern of the buyer) to consider asking the dealer to swap the wheels with the 18 inch wheels that come on the Touring. Anyone have concerns about that?
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- #8 of 74
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Re: 20" vs 18" wheels....... [morley1]
by kbedwards
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Sep 27, 2007 (8:18 pm)
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Replying to: morley1 (Sep 25, 2007 9:31 am)
After everything I read about the 20"ers, I had already decided on a regular ol Touring...until I actually DROVE a GT. I have no idea what these people were talking about, I have seen it mentioned that there is a particular type of road in California that makes these wheels punish the driver, but they were nothing but smooth for me, and that included high speed over a concrete paved bridge on an interstate with the "gaps".
After driving it, I completely forget about what I read and focused on getting a GT instead since it has some features I want (except MORE chrome...GYAH! LESS chrome, PLEASE - I'm not 17 yrs old!)
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- #9 of 74
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Re: 20" vs 18" wheels....... [kbedwards]
by 99zoomr
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Sep 28, 2007 (10:21 am)
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Replying to: kbedwards (Sep 27, 2007 8:18 pm)
After 6 months and 7500 miles on the 20" rims, I have no complaints. Firm but smooth and quiet ride...
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- #10 of 74
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Re: 20" vs 18" wheels....... [kbedwards]
by morley1
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Sep 28, 2007 (10:34 am)
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Replying to: kbedwards (Sep 27, 2007 8:18 pm)
Same with us. I pick up my GT tomorrow AM! I thought about swapping the wheels with the 18's but after driving both my wife (who is sensitive to this stuff) said she like the FT ride better.
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