04sidriver

I need some opinions on the subject of a car. I currently drive an 04 civic si(hatchback) and was looking at the is250 awd to replace it. I have to wear slacks and a shirt to work. I am still deciding if I want a car payment or keep the car I have that is paid off.

Should I keep the civic that could be considered a young kids car or get a new lexus?

Any opinions welcome.

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

If you like your car and it works for you I say just keep it. Not having a car payment is an awesome feeling and unless you're doing sales and need to drive clients around no one cares what you drive. There is a low level exec at my office and his DD is a Neon SRT4. At least you can always hear him come into the office

04sidriver

the only compaint i have is it is a manual car and dc traffic can be a pain sometimes

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

Yeah traffic in a MT can suck. How would your insurance premiums be affected if you switched? Does the Si take regular or premium? Along with a car payment you'll probably be looking at higher insurance rates as well as more frequent and higher priced stops at the pump.

04sidriver

suprisngly my insurance went down $10 when i checked with the lexus of course i could have plugge something in wrong.

I can put 87 in the si.

I also have to account for the cost of maintenace in the price.

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

The cost of maintenance isn't actually that bad if you're willing to go to independent shops or you know what to ask for at the dealers. If you go to the dealer and always ask for the 5k, 10k, 15k etc... service then they'll rake you over the coals. But if you insist on taking it into them, just ask for an oil change and other items in your manual ala carte. They usually do all the checks in the minor services anyway and the total will usually be a bit lower..

Good news regarding the insurance . It makes sense though since young Civic drivers carry a certain...stigma

04sidriver

they offered me 38292 for a 2010 is250 awd with nav/luxury package and with trade in and cash down, it would be around $500 month for 5 years. I would still have around $400 extra to play with but im not sure if i want to keep the car i have and have extra money or throw it to a new car....

IShokie

I sold in my 02 RSX Type-S for my 08 IS250 AWD right after I started working in DC. I definitely hated driving my RSX in the DC rush hour, but my IS has made the commute sooooo much nicer. I say if you can afford that car payment it is definitely worth it.

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

Unless traffic is horrific I would either keep the Si or choose a less expensive car. Mainly that's personal preference because I'm not entirely comfortable with a buffer of $400 a month. if you get gas twice a month that extra $400 a month will be down to ~$300 which doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room to go out with friends or enjoy life much.

Initial G

iTrader: (38)

I would have to agree with Allen K, having a "buffer" of only $400 a month isn't really that much. If it was my decision, I would wait and try and save a little more $$$. Wait and you could probably get a better deal or have enough to get a better car. Just my opinion. Good luck though.

kslater

I'm not here to give financial advise. Our lifestyles may be very different. I live within my means and if you don't see a prob with 400 buffer then Lexus IS FTW! But then again I almost triple that even after all bills and living allowances are met. You'll like the car though.

04sidriver

thanks for the help guys

mxis350

Have you considered a used lexus?? You can likely find a nice 40k miles IS350 for like 25k i think.

sandwiches

iTrader: (1)

The IS is a great car, and if you want it + can afford it, of course go for it! But don't stretch yourself to get one just for the image. You don't want to be the cowboy with the big hat and no cattle!

IS-SV

Certainly something to consider, maybe a CPO car with decent warranty.