foe84

(26yr old single guy-no kids)

I looked at the re-sale value and its about 16-17,000. I was looking into possibly trading in/selling my IS. Also, it has about 57,000 miles.

What could I figure what the estimate of the resale value in maybe a year (13/14k?) if I don't do it this spring/summer? I've surprisingly have found myself liking the Nissan Rogue, which is a completely different car. It actually has a lot of features.

Basically, needed some opinions.

Evitzee

Most of the depreciation is behind you and the cheapest part of the ownership curve is ahead of you. As long as the car stays reliable I'd hang onto it from a cost perspective, unless you just have to have a new vehicle. But that Nissan is no Lexus.

jbjones85

iTrader: (20)

I agree from a financial standpoint, I have an 07 and plan to keep it till the wheels fall off.

foe84

I assumed maintenance costs would rise as the miles got higher. Doing the math, 9k would be enough for the Nissan assuming I get 16/17 for my car... but if I'm looking at losing $3/4,000 by keeping it for a few yrs that would make sense to keep it. So far the only expensive things has been brake changes(2-$600 each but I could maybe get a tad cheaper) and 1 tire service a few yrs back. Just learned about tirerack.com.

willfxp

You're near your 60k interval, which is a big one. Were you the original owner? Did you take care of the car?

I don't think you'll save any money by buying a new car. I think you should buy the Nissan if you want that kind of car, not from a financial stand point. If you want to save money, buy used.

foe84

Yes I am and yes I have. I have to look at the manual to see exactly 60k entails. I do prefer something higher, but not an urgent need.

ISSteve

There is an easy way to do this! Edmunds.com offers great info on how much that car will cost you to own for the next five years. I used this information extensivly when searching for my car. (PS--you are just getting to the 'sweet spot' in ownership if you have an 06 btw)

http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/is-250/...tyle=100649801
You are looking at depreciation of $1,979, $1,736, and $1,527 for the next three years respectivly. So if it's worth $17K now, it will be worth about $15K next year, $13,300 the year after, and about $11,800 after three. This assumes 15K miles per year, etc...

KI_GSE21

iTrader: (5)

I think if you sold your IS250 for the Rogue, you will regret it. The fit and finish of a Lexus is much better than the Nissan Rogue. I would just stick with the 250 until you come across that is a worthwhile upgrade. Just my 2 cents =)

iRock

iTrader: (12)

The longer you keep the car the longer you save money if the car is reliable. If you need a bigger vehicle then get the nissan if not then why switch? The car doesent seem like its giving you much problems I bet the maint on the Lexus would be less than monthly payment on the nissan

echrist0

I recently traded my 2006 IS 250 AWD for a slightly used (one year) 2010 IS 250AWD. I'm very pleased with the new car and I was able to trade my2006 before I had to do the brakes, tires, battery, etc. I was concerned that if I waited to do tires, brakes and battery (I had my 2006 for 5 years but only put a little over 30,000 miles on it, I would have to add the cost of those repairs to the depreciation, making it a lot more costly than the $1,200 to $1,500 a year in depreciation. And, now I have another warranty with the 2010.

Guess it's only money and we each choose our own poison. But, I really to like the 2010 - it has more of the options on it that I wanted but wouldn't pay for when I purchased it new. My last few cars (Audi A4, Audi S4, and BMW 325XI were all purchased when less than a year old at pretty substantial savings over getting them new. And most of the expensive options that you have to pay for when you get the car new, don't really raise the resale value that much when you purchase it used.

ISSteve

Depreciation on a new car is always higher than on a slightly used one. Take the 2011 IS 250 for example:
Depreciation Year
1st $5,026
2nd $3,382
3rd. $2,976
4th $2,638
5th $2,367
Total $16,389

You can see how the depreciation curve flattens out after the third year.

When you sell your car, you are paying for depreciation you took during the time you owned it. In this case, it would cost you $16,389 to own a 2011 IS 250 for five years.

Just for comparison, someone who bought a 2008 model right now would end up spending $10,236 for the car for 5 years of use

If you own a 2006 model you will spend about $7515 or less than half the cost of the 2011 model. (maintenance and repair items notwithstanding)

foe84

I thought it through and thanks for the advice...I'm gonna stay wih my IS. I have no problems and I figure ill change cars when life dictates a need bc right now for me this car is perfect. Thanks for the edmunds info...3 yrs from now that is not too mug lost. I'd also spend more on a car than that extra 5-6k loss..doesn't make sense.

Sweet spot of ownership, looking forward to that. Now time to research the continental dws' Im leaning towards.