NikonGuy

iTrader: (1)

2008 Lexus IS250 RWD. Currently 88K miles. Absolutely trouble free. No issues what so ever. Just feels a little under powered. Basic model without navigation. Clean exterior. Detailed with car coating and looks pristine.

Purchased last year and probably still owe around 9K on car with 4 years left on the loan.

Itching for an IS350. Seem some 2006-2008 models with higher mileage (100K+) for around $15K

What would you do. I certainly want to upgrade in the future or preferably near future. Just thinking I might as well do it now instead of waiting 2-3 years down the road as I'm still paying on the current car ($200/month)

Looking at similar vehicle but with navigation and a few extra perks (memory seat). 2007-2008 because 2006 you have to do the pedal dance to turn off TC. Since my current car is 88K wouldn't mind a 100K car.

Figure I would keep my payments almost the same but would go back to paying a 5 year loan vs 4 years.

Otherwise hold on to this car for 2-3 more years and purchase IS350 later but seems to make sense to buy it now since I'm already looking ahead to swapping this car out.

Thoughts?

PlacidBoi

iTrader: (11)

I was in the same position about a year ago.
But decided to just keep what I had now, and save money for other things.
If you're still paying for the car, that means you either trade the car in for a new one (which they'll low ball the crap out of you), or you can go to CarMax or other used car buying places that'll deal with cars with a lien title.
I just saved up more and bought a bigger upgrade. Only thing I look back on would be the MPG... haha!
The IS350 is a noticeable upgrade, and I'm sure many people would be more than happy to make that upgrade.
However, I couldn't get myself to pay much more for an upgrade (Was looking into the ISF), and still have the same interior. It's just preferences.

NikonGuy

iTrader: (1)

Yeah for me not looking at that much more. I would hopefully get some money back from trade in ($3-$4K). With a $15K purchase, loan would be around $11-$12K

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

Realistically they prob will not pay off your 9+k loan AND give you 3-4k back.

I'd hold tight unless you are okay with not coming out ahead on this or breaking even. I've been in your situation and I was okay with taking the hit to move on... wasn't smart... but did I die? Lol

NikonGuy

iTrader: (1)

So you're saying they would likely offer only $9K on my car?

PlacidBoi

iTrader: (11)

Check the KBB value of your car with your location.
And take about 20-25% off and expect that much from a trade in.
If they give you more, that's your extra cash!
If they give you less, that's probably a sign to just walk away

That's only my suggestion though, you are free to do what you want

NikonGuy

iTrader: (1)

KBB in good condition is around $12,500 so can expect $10K offer.

Yeah that would be a non-starter. May just drop by CarMax to see what they quote me. Thanks

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

Yeah start with a Carmax quote. That will at least give you something to present at the dealer. Only reason why I'm saying they'd probably just pay off the loan has nothing to do with the car but more the situation.

Car loan less than a year, not feeling the car, you want out, you will buy one of theirs. If that's all true then they hold all the cards and will squeeze you everywhere they can cause it's assumed that you will do what u must to get out. Just giving you a different angle to view this from... your car can very well be worth 12-14k...

They might come back and say ok ok ok 10k so you can put 1k down on this new one. But if you can walk in with a fresh Carmax estimate that will eliminate a lot of back and forth everywhere else.

Good luck bro... keep us updated

cruzinZ

Sell it private party. Then search for your next one. Anytime you trade in a car expect to lose out on several thousand dollars. The convince factor is nice just dropping it off and driving away in something else. But is that really worth $2,500-$3,000 to you? For me money doesn't grow on trees and I'll put an add in the local paper or car advertisement magazine for $35 and recoup a couple thousand dollars that way.

Search cargrurus.com for your next IS350.

The 350 will be way more fun to drive with all of that extra power.

WillK

Do it, you only live once...

andy350

Your car is worth around $12,000 right now.
Trade-value - you will get around $10,000.
Sell it privately - you will get $11,000 after all the headache.

You in Colorado, correct?

Here is one...2007 is350 with 103k miles asking $15k.
http://www.corides.com/vehicle-detai...18a455e0edea7/
Go check it out...
Don't be scared to negotiate the best deal.
Good Luck!!!

NikonGuy

iTrader: (1)

Yes in CO. And that was the one I was looking at. RWD cars don't sell well here especially with AWD options. That car has been reduced already. Only problem is not a big fan of black. Hard to keep clean.

NikonGuy

iTrader: (1)

Quick question. I have the Joe Z intake and FStop rear sway bars on my 2008 IS250. These should be interchangeable with a 2007 or 2008 IS350 correct?

And same with wheels. My 2008 model OEM wheels are more graphite than the 2007 models which seem to be chrome.

redspencer

iTrader: (1)

Yes to all three as long as you are going from a IS250 RWD to IS350 RWD platform.

NikonGuy

iTrader: (1)

Thanks. Yes, both are RWD

So I guess the sway bar from AWD models are different?