Hey guys, just graduated college and thinking about getting a GS. I have a year and half left on my loan on my CL. I would say payoff is like 6k. I want a GS 400 but not sure on what I should do as far as timing is concerned. I am a devoted CL lover so I want to keep the car, but I do want a GS 400. The fact of not having a carpayment for awhile is tempting. I want one now but I know that when the new GS comes out, prices will drop and I may be able to get a better deal. CL specs, 1st Gen 3.0 wit 100k on it. For the GS 400, price range is about 20-23k with maybe 40-60k miles on it. Thanx guys.

 

so what are you asking?

 

The Lexus is a better car than the 1G CL but it's a four door. I like coupes. Get a 2G CLS coupe!

 

Should I keep the CL, pay it off, and not trade it in for the GS or trade it in. Just lookin for pros and cons for both.

 

You're right, when the new GS comes out the older ones will get a little cheaper. The decisions are up to you and your $ situation. You always lose more money if you trade-in to a dealer, but selling yourself would take more time and hassle.
I don't know if you should keep the CL or not, that's up to you. How old is it, mileage, any trouble, are you spending a lot repairing it.
You'll figure out what you want to do.

 

Keep the CL, pay it off, use it was a winter beater in DE and get the GS in another 2-3yrs, putting your CL car payment in a bank account for the downpayment when you finish paying it off. Or put in the excess money it would cost you for insurance and an increased car payment in an account for now and see if it is financially feasible. Creating too much debt is not something you should consider right out of college with student loans and such.

 

I dont like this idea

you owe 6k on a 1st gen cl? and you want to get a used gs400 with over 40k miles?

i know how itchy it gets when you want to pull the trigger to upgrade a vehicle but you should try your hardest and fight off the urge.

finish paying off the car ASAP, then save up some money and get yourself a brand new car. you will feel a lot better at the end of the day.

sidemarker

 

My advice: Hold out for a while. You just graduated from college (congrats!!) so, I'd hold out until your career is in full swing in a year or two. Then your CL will be fully paid off and you can use it for a down payment on the upcoming 3G GS:




The older one is nice (and if you want to get that after your CL is paid that's cool) but, with a $6k p/o remaining plus the current retail on the GS4 you're looking at a heavy payment on a used (albeit nice) car for several years to come. Good luck on whatever you decide.

Peace.

 

Thanks for the advice. There are only two words to describe the new GS. Yum-my

 

wait a little after u pay off ur cl then get what u want at least u will have alittle moeny saved

 

i considered a used GS300 vs a certified CL recently. the GS is much slower than the CL. it lacks an in-dash CD player as well - unless you get the $7000 mark levinson upgrade. it has a changer in the glovebox, but it doesn't count. the trunk is smaller. i think its much uglier, but who's to say. its much more expensive. both in initial purchase price as well as operating costs. insurance is much more, gas milage is lower (19/23 vs 20/30), and repair & maintenance costs are considerably more.

on the plus side the interior is head & shoulders above the CL. way more comfortable. significantly larger. the ride is more comfortable but still handles very well. road/steering feel is very good. the quality of the car also seems superior from only a 20 minute drive. very good car overall. but much less fun for lots more cash. i ended up with a new CL 6-speed. i chose it over the GS for performance as well as overall value.

i also looked at the '04 Max. better performance, same size as GS, similar appearance, better feature content (in-dash CD, heated steering wheel), quality probably on par w/ acura from what i can tell so far, much better cost factor. definitely worth a look.

good luck whatever you decide.

 

Yeah, unless you have to have it. Wait until your car is paid off in a year and a 1/2, wait a year and buy a used 3rd GEN GS! The previous posts had good advice.

Though it's easier to say than do. You might treat yourself for your hard work. Of course any car is a depreciating asset. But you only live once.

Sigh, pros and cons brother!