Lexus IS350-Possible to take to 200,000 miles & gas mileage question
01-17-10, 07:08 PM
#18
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NE
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not trying to give you a hard time, just playing devil's advocate. Keep that in mind with the following:
Yes, you're screwed, but you have to look at it in orders of magnitude. Do you want to be a little screwed, or COMPLETELY screwed?
The 4runner example doesn't make much sense. You're using a past bad financial decision to justify one that isn't quite as bad. That will never get you anywhere except in debt!
Did you autocross the 4runner?
Also, consider this:
- You don't want a Civic because it's too small and light.
- The wheelbase of the Civic is around 106, and the length is around 177".
- The wheelbase of the IS350 is 107.5", and the length is 177.3".
If you want the IS350 because you just want it, then fine. But you're buying a small car.
Also, the Civic has 4 and 5 star crash ratings. Most cars do now. Safety isn't a good reason.
Yes, you're screwed, but you have to look at it in orders of magnitude. Do you want to be a little screwed, or COMPLETELY screwed?
The 4runner example doesn't make much sense. You're using a past bad financial decision to justify one that isn't quite as bad. That will never get you anywhere except in debt!
Did you autocross the 4runner?
Also, consider this:
- You don't want a Civic because it's too small and light.
- The wheelbase of the Civic is around 106, and the length is around 177".
- The wheelbase of the IS350 is 107.5", and the length is 177.3".
If you want the IS350 because you just want it, then fine. But you're buying a small car.
Also, the Civic has 4 and 5 star crash ratings. Most cars do now. Safety isn't a good reason.
The main reason I'm considering the Lexus is Resale value, reliability, and safety.
For the Civic I'm more worried about the weight than the length. The civic came out to about 2800lbs and the 350 is about 3500 pounds. IMHO 700 pounds can make a difference in a wreck.
I ran some numbers on a 2005 Lexus IS300. This is what I came up with for resale value.
40,000 miles- $16000
80,000 miles- $12500
180,000 miles- $9000
So the loss from 40-80k miles is $3500 and then you ad an extra 100,000 miles and it is just another $3500. So lets say it's a $5000 loss...it sucks, but if I keep the thing for 4 years and have a reliable vehicle it might be worth it.
Plus I really like autocrossing! And no I did not take the 4runner!
01-17-10, 07:12 PM
#19
if you're travelling that much , is it for work? cause if it is...shouldn't they give you gas money? i would get a car that was fun but comfortable for my commute under that criteria.
if it was all out of pocket. i would get IS for weekends and something like a yaris for travelling.
if it was all out of pocket. i would get IS for weekends and something like a yaris for travelling.
01-17-10, 07:20 PM
#20
personally, 40k miles a year, you want something comfortable, roomy, and a gas saver. you're right in thinking that the lexus will be better for a resale value, but after a certain number of miles (about 150k and beyond), its just better to keep the car than to purchase another car thereafter.
i dont know which cars you've been looking at, but i think that maybe the prius, yaris, corolla, or even the hs hybrid might fit the bill. they're all very light, very economical, and can save you plenty in the long haul. my friend's yaris is going on 130k, and still very strong. she just does a routine oil change and tire rotation. gas is no more than 30 each fill up for her, which is a great relief in this economy.
best of luck to you my friend!
i dont know which cars you've been looking at, but i think that maybe the prius, yaris, corolla, or even the hs hybrid might fit the bill. they're all very light, very economical, and can save you plenty in the long haul. my friend's yaris is going on 130k, and still very strong. she just does a routine oil change and tire rotation. gas is no more than 30 each fill up for her, which is a great relief in this economy.
best of luck to you my friend!
01-17-10, 07:22 PM
#21
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NE
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
01-18-10, 03:38 PM
#23
Lexus Test Driver
An economy car might not be the most comfortable thing on the planet, but you won't have to obsess about killing your new (to you) Lexus, you won't have to use premium fuel, your tires will last longer, your brakes will last longer, rock chips won't ruin your day, etc.
And at the end of the 4 years and 160k extra miles, you can shrug and throw the dealer the keys on another used, reasonably priced car. I was in a situation similar to yours, and got a cheap Ford Ranger and absolutely beat the hell out of it for nearly 10 years. Factoring in what I paid for the truck, the miles I put on it (180k), gas, etc, I easily saved $30,000 over the life of the truck in comparison with owning a Lexus IS350.
The Lexus is a great car - I obviously like them, as I bought an IS350. But it's just a car - not worth throwing away thousands of dollars extra just for a commuter. Whatever you decide, good luck!
Last edited by 15951; 01-18-10 at 03:46 PM.
01-18-10, 05:14 PM
#24
Id also recommend a volvo ( good with highmilege) or BMW, ( will take a beating)
I never had a volvo but I think its the first car to break 1mil. miles or kilometers, not sure it was in europe, so it cant be to bad on lo0ong rides. And bmw is comfy n holds its own. as long as your prepeared for the maintanece bills. If I were you Id get a Corvette, 30MPG =) but like every one says you really are much better with an economical light car thats great on gas and and isnt too fancy!! You'll save more and can save up for a nice house near by!! Either way GL!
I never had a volvo but I think its the first car to break 1mil. miles or kilometers, not sure it was in europe, so it cant be to bad on lo0ong rides. And bmw is comfy n holds its own. as long as your prepeared for the maintanece bills. If I were you Id get a Corvette, 30MPG =) but like every one says you really are much better with an economical light car thats great on gas and and isnt too fancy!! You'll save more and can save up for a nice house near by!! Either way GL!
01-18-10, 06:44 PM
#25
Id also recommend a volvo ( good with highmilege) or BMW, ( will take a beating)
I never had a volvo but I think its the first car to break 1mil. miles or kilometers, not sure it was in europe, so it cant be to bad on lo0ong rides. And bmw is comfy n holds its own. as long as your prepeared for the maintanece bills. If I were you Id get a Corvette, 30MPG =) but like every one says you really are much better with an economical light car thats great on gas and and isnt too fancy!! You'll save more and can save up for a nice house near by!! Either way GL!
I never had a volvo but I think its the first car to break 1mil. miles or kilometers, not sure it was in europe, so it cant be to bad on lo0ong rides. And bmw is comfy n holds its own. as long as your prepeared for the maintanece bills. If I were you Id get a Corvette, 30MPG =) but like every one says you really are much better with an economical light car thats great on gas and and isnt too fancy!! You'll save more and can save up for a nice house near by!! Either way GL!
Volvo used to have good reliability before Ford took it over. That's why the Volvo p1800 holds the record for the most # of miles. Now it's crap, just like BMW.
To the OP, if you aren't in an occupation where image is important, don't bother getting a luxury brand. Get a used corolla, civic, escape, escort, tercel, yaris, etc.
If it does matter, get the Lexus.
01-18-10, 07:34 PM
#26
That's the worst advice I've ever heard. Both Volvo and BMW have poor reliability.
Volvo used to have good reliability before Ford took it over. That's why the Volvo p1800 holds the record for the most # of miles. Now it's crap, just like BMW.
To the OP, if you aren't in an occupation where image is important, don't bother getting a luxury brand. Get a used corolla, civic, escape, escort, tercel, yaris, etc.
If it does matter, get the Lexus.
Volvo used to have good reliability before Ford took it over. That's why the Volvo p1800 holds the record for the most # of miles. Now it's crap, just like BMW.
To the OP, if you aren't in an occupation where image is important, don't bother getting a luxury brand. Get a used corolla, civic, escape, escort, tercel, yaris, etc.
If it does matter, get the Lexus.
01-18-10, 08:41 PM
#28
Driver
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Southern Cali
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
