Serious dilemma

[Huy]

I am a current owner of an 06 M45 with 46k miles.This car has been great to me. Never a problem. As warranty is approaching and by the way I'm driving, I should reach 60K by the next 6 months. I've been thinking about selling it and replace with Lexus IS 250.Gas is a bit better and a fresh start on a new car.I am a bit shocked at the depreciation of the M45. Lexus seem to be holding better with it comes to this.

Hopefully this will not turn into the Lexus vs. Infiniti post.Please chime in on your opinion of this dilemma.Should I keep the M or go for the IS?TIA

[Double E]

Because it's not really an apples-apples comparison, I'd say you need to drive/research the Lex for awhile to see if you're ready to give up the power and features of the M.

Depreciation? Sure, but remember that these cars are worth what someone pays, not what the books say. Books are a decent reference but if someone wants your car, they'll buy it.

Since you're not in a hurry, look to see when your registration expires, insurance is due or inspection is up...or even when you think you'll need tires and use those factors to set a time table for a decision.

Until those "due dates" collectively come up, list the car for sale privately using this and other websites (for free) and you might even think about Craig's list. That way, you'll probably lose less to the dealer on trade, be able to take the occasional ("just looking") test drive and do additional research on the Lex.

The nice thing about your situation is that with buying a new car, there's probably always one availabe on the lot that fits your preferences...or they can get it. Finding the exact used car you want is like needles/haystack sometimes.

Good luck & keep us posted...

[Boon]

^^^^^^^^^ What he said. Good post E

[Q45tech]

Dropping from a 4.5 V8 to a 2.5 V6 [dolled up camry] is quite a step down but a wise move in gasoline savings .

18-20 city and 26 highway is not much a nice 1.5 liter Honda Fit or 1.6 liter Versa would be better. As some of the minimobiles get almost 30 mpg city.Which in theory could cut you gasoline bill in half compared to the M45.

Saving $2,000 per year is great if your body can stand the pain!

If the IS250 saves 5 mpg that's less than $1,000 [$20 wk] per year @ $4/gal.

[maxnix]

I drove a Versa with a friend and even he, automotive nimcomppop, said it was a dog.

IS250 AWD is OK, but read the forums that while it is a generally good car, it is assembled like a Falcon, so expect some drop off in interior quality.

My choice would be the IS350, suitably optioned, or even a GS350 if you need the room. The 6 speed automatic is nice, the 3.5 V6 is plenty strong, and the mpg vs the 250 in consideration of the performance hit makes the 250 a no go.

But like Q45tech says, pencil out the economics. If you spend $20K + $15K in depreciation, to save $1200 + $5K more depreciation, I am not sure it is a wise move since they both require the same premium grade.

I think Infiniti just won an award for best resale value retention for a marque in 2007.

[Huy]

Good point so far gents.You're definitely on my page and way of thinking.Savings in this economy is my first priority. Real Estate is killing me. I will probably be the first broker to bring out the horse and buggy to shuttle clients around to save money on gas. LOL

Please continue to chime in with any other approach or ideas.

thanks again

[saeedakobiakov]

250 is garbage 350 is the way to go. blows the doors of any m.you will regret it if you go with 250.just drive it you'll love it.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Caug, the IS350 has a lower top speed than either gen M. (142) Furthermore, according to Road & Track, it hits sixty in six even. http://www.roadandtrack.com/as...l.pdf According to Motor Trend, 5.5 to sixty. http://www.motortrend.com/road....html. The 03' M hit it in 5.6 in their testing.Not exactly blowing the doors of either.M.L

[festivus]

How happy would your clients be stuffed into the tiny back seat of the IS?

[saeedakobiakov]

http://www.roadandtrack.com/as...r.pdf

o.k. Mark , just click on the link above, may be you will believe me then.side by side tesk look good to me.may be g37 could come close only.

by the way, what is the fasters you,ve ever drove?i did 155 in wrx.(with mods of course).
Modified by saeedakobiakov at 8:03 AM 3/22/2008

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Caug, it is not a matter of not believing you. I suppose "blow the doors off" was a bit overstating it I suppose. I checked out your link and that particular example was way faster than the other tests. I actually test drove the 350 when I purchased my M. It is quite fast no doubt. I still equate the IS with more of a distaff element. As for the fastest I have ever driven, I was lucky enough to drive across Montana back when the speed limit was "reasonable and prudent" during daytime hours. It truly is heavenly to drive without even glancing at the speedo. Ran flat out across Eastern Montana at 130-135 for hours. In Western Montana, you were not allowed to go so fast because the Sawtooth Mountains are kinda twisty and traffic is slower. Shame they changed the speed limit. Closest thing to an American Autobahn I think I will ever know.Cheers and Happy Easter,M.L

[saeedakobiakov]

Happy easter to you too, 135 is a little differint then 155.if you know over 140 every mile feels special.if you know what i meane.

it is just a coment in regarts to your top speet comparison m vs. is. top is not really important in these type of cars..later.caug.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,I am confused. You tell me 135 is not special compared to 155, then, tell me the IS350 top speed is not relevant. That is pretzel logic!M.L

[DRIPS]

The only Lexus I would even consider is the LSF.

[nmgoodthing]

The only Lexus I would even consider is the LSF.

Don't you mean the IS F?

[CakeDaddy]

The IS2.5 es more fit for a woman my opinion

DRIPS- or do you mean the LFS. concept car, correct? Looks a little RL'ish.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Agreed, that was the "distaff" comment I made as well.Happy Easter,M.L

[Huy]

latest update...No IS for now. No real savings as some of you pointed out. I really love the M. I guess I will wait for the new 09 TL or Tsx.