mink92890

Hey guys,

I have been driving a 2002 IS300 for the past 1.5 years. I love my car with a passion as I have loved the IS300 ever since it came out in 2001.

Now here is where the problem comes.

I am a senior in high school. I am going to Georgia Tech next year. They do not allow a car on campus for Freshmen and I do not have a 3 car garage so my car will be sitting outside for that year relatively unused.

I bought my car for a really good deal. According to kbb, my car is still worth 13,000 in comparison to the 12,500 I paid for it. And this is not including the tint, spoiler, and sound system that came with my car.

The car is at 90,000 and the 90,000 mile service is due at 95,000. This service is about 1400 dollars I believe.

Should I sell my IS300 and find/buy a later year model with less mileage next summer before Sophomore year when I can drive to college.

I know Lexuses do not depreciate at all which is awesome. Do you think I might be able to find a 2006 IS250 or 350 for under 20,000 then? If not, a relatively low mileage 2005 IS300 (maybe SportDesign)?

Thanks in advance guys. Sorry for the many questions.

Mink92890

UncleRay

iTrader: (2)

I say keep the car, Never sell a Lexus, no matter how old it is =]

k_dizzle

I doubt you will be able to pick up a used 250 or 350 for under 20k. i would just keep the car. its a lexus!

twestman

^^^^^^ What They Said!! ^^^^^^^

Skyetezza

dont sell it if you like it!

LexusIS-TL

Wow, so this rule only applies to Freshmens? So strict, I can't believe it. Maybe it's due to the overflow of incoming students.

Like everyone says, definitely keep it. You got a great deal for it, it's worth more than what it is worth, it's your baby.

mink92890

Thanks for the comments guys. They say you can apply for a parking spot as a second semester freshman. However, the changes of getting that is basically 0.

So you guys think I should keep it for sure?

Also, what about next summer. How do you guys think rates will be for an 06 IS250/350 or an 05/04 IS300?

Thanks guys for the comments

Mink92890

v1nyd

how much in love are you with your specific car, if you have the gerneral love for the IS300 sell it then when ur ready to have a car again buy another but now in mind having experience on the IS you can choose your favorite color combo and options and there will be more on the market in a year +.

mink92890

That is what I was thinking as well. Im in love with the IS300/IS250/IS350. I will be happy if I can get a 2003-2004 with a little less miles for around the same price next year. Maybe even a Sportdesign if possible.

If I get one, I must get a sound system and tint as I have gotten too accustomed to those.

Argh, I hate that new Lexuses just do not depreciate. Haha.

Mink92890

mink92890

So guys, I decided to sell it in the end hoping to get a good deal on a 05 IS300, or 06 IS250/350.

I sold the car for the same price I bought it for just a day after I posted it up.

Thanks guys for the help.

Mink92890

1$lickIS

The college I went too had the same rule. I brought it anyways and parked it on the street about 2 blocks away. that might not be an option for you. check out the campus and see if there is somewhere you can park your car off campus property thats not too far

citra

Do what 1$lickIS said. That's what I did also.

Little E

iTrader: (2)

Unless you wait a few more years, you won't get an 06 ISx50 for under 20K. I thought about getting a used 06 IS250, but the price difference between the used 06 and a brand new 08 was not that much more.

mink92890

Really? . Argh! Don't you just sometimes hate the lack of depreciation on Lexus vehicles? Just kidding.

A 2005 or 2004 IS300 with relatively the same amount of miles or a 2002 or 2003 with significantly less miles would be a step up for me.

The Kelly Blue Book of an IS250 with a navigation and Mark Levinson with about 50-60k miles is 22k I believe.

Mink92890

wildrice09

I think trying to get a 04 or 05 is your best bet. I bought my 04 Sport Design 5spd for 20k about half a year ago with 38,000 miles. So, if you wait a year I think you might be able to get yourself a 04/05 IS.