Dizaster

So...for the past couple of weeks I have been considering trading in my 2006 IS250 for a new 2012 CT200h. I bought my IS as a CPO 2 years ago and still owe some money on the car as I financed it for 5 years. I am considering trading in my car for a new CT as my car is getting slightly higher in mileage now ~76,000 and the cost of gas is making me choose between getting gas and buying dinner on some days! As my IS gets older, I think that the cost of maintaining it will just continue to go up, and who knows where the price of gas will go. I'm hoping that the $5 rumors aren't true!

I test drove the CT this past weekend, and it was only my second time ever driving a hybrid after having had a RX450h as a loaner car for a couple of days previously. I can't complain too much about the size of the CT as the IS isn't exactly big and roomy either, but the performance was a lot different from what I'm used to with my IS. I felt like I was driving a golf cart! I guess that's the price you'll pay for the efficiency huh? The salesman with me told me that it would take some getting used to and that I may have to change my driving habits a bit to get the best MPG out of the car and to accommodate for the difference in power.

Needless to say, I wasn't sold on the spot and decided to do some more research and shop around. I went to the same dealer where I bought my IS and I don't think they were offering me the best deal. They obviously tried to short-change me on my trade-in and failed to mention both the $1000 loyalty rebate and the $750 for having a competitor vehicle in your household. Considering checking out Longo Lexus in El Monte this weekend as they are one of the largest volume dealers in the LA area and I think they might be more willing to give me a good deal, and should have more stock. Before I take the plunge, I want to be sure that I won't regret my decision to turn in my beloved IS for the CT, so any input would be great!

flipside909

A few questions for you:

1) Are you upside down on your current loan? It's probably not going to be a cost benefit to you to switch to a hybrid if there is negative equity on your current car. Also things you may want to factor in higher registration costs and insurance cost (new car). It would probably be a good idea to get some insurance quotes.

2) Is this your daily or secondary?

3) Have you tried getting a quote at Carmax for your car?

Dizaster

1. I think I am going to be a little bit upside down. I am right around Blue Book trade in value but I have yet to see dealers really stick to that when determining the price for a trade in. As far as insurance goes, the salesman thinks it will save me money, but I have yet to try and get a quote from insurance to see if that's true. I'll check that out today.

2. The car would be my daily driver. I do minimal driving during the week, but tend to travel further on the weekends. I drive between 12k and 15k miles a year on average.

3. I haven't tried going to Carmax yet either. I have a friend who went there to have a 2012 Civic with 10k miles appraised and they quoted him something like $13k so I'm a little hesitant to go to Carmax.

prosperity

My partner bought a CT200h about six months ago and I often drove it. I got to like the CT so much I traded my IS250 for a CT200h f Sport, which arrived about a week ago. I love it.

I think the CT has got a bit more performance than some people think (especially after a few miles on board), it's very comfortable, beautifully built, quiet and ... economical. Plus Lexus service and after sales care.

I've never liked any other car enough to buy two of them!

Dizaster

Took a second test drive today and decided to take the plunge after getting a great deal on both my trade and the new car at El Monte Lexus. Definitely a different feel and ride than the IS but I think it's going to be just fine. I will have fun trying to keep it operating in Eco mode!

tsopranoMB

congrats...I traded my 2009 IS250 for a 2012 CT200h F-Sport back in the fall....I dont regret it for one second!

lapdrn

Congrats Dizaster

pinoyIS250

iTrader: (3)

I just traded my 08 IS250 AWD 2 days ago with 2012 CT200h premium. It really depends on what you want to accomplish.

The only thing I am missing from my IS is the sound system. The base 6 speaker sound system is weak. Even the 10 speaker upgrade system didn't impress me.

Dizaster

You're right. The "upgraded' sound system didn't impress me either. I thought the sound quality on my IS was much better. I love my new CT but am definitely missing a few other minor things from my IS, but the difference at the gas pump is making the adjustment a lot easier!

LexusNN

iTrader: (5)

Congrats! You won't be disappointed

dodo121

iTrader: (3)

Just bought my CT200h yesterday...I'm looking forward to the savings at the gas pump...sold my 2010 IS-F and got into a base CT200h...lol

TommyT

iTrader: (26)

Good to hear you stay in Lexus family.
dont forget to post pics =)

UpSideDown

Wow, another IS-F to CT switch. Hope you enjoy the CT.

I was on the fence to trade my 09 IS250 to a CT F-Sport. I have droven CT couple of times and had it 10 days as longest. It is a nice little car. But the only thing that hesitate my decision is the speed, or the lack of. Specially when you have passenger in the car and accelerate on ramp or overtaking. Its going nowhere in a hurry... Not that much a problem when I drive alone though...

Jackychan

CT is more good looking and performance than is250 ,if you have engough money, who cares?

jimmyc13

Congrats Dizaster. Though 76k miles on a Lexus really shouldn't have spelled high maintenance costs anywhere in the near future on that IS. Hope you enjoy the CT!