View Poll Results: What car?
Keep the 2004 GS430
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39
46.43%
Brand new Prius 5
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3
3.57%
Lexus RX Hybrid/Highlander Hybrid
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2
2.38%
Lexus GS450 Hybrid
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12
14.29%
Brand New Passat TDI
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10
11.90%
Brand new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
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6
7.14%
Other
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12
14.29%
Voters: 84. You may not vote on this poll
New Job + New Car - what to buy?
#1
The Box
Thread Starter
![Question](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/icons/icon5.gif)
I'm hopefully about to start a new position (
)where I'll be traveling 3500-5000 miles/month. All travel will be by car and I will be getting a car allowance.
I need to keep it under $30K, I'm working with about a $1,000 budget/month with gas. Whatever I choose will be kept for 2-3 years. I will put 80K-100K on them and replace. All cars must have leather and must have NAVI as an option, those two things are an absolute must.
Here are some options I've thought of:
1. Keep my GS430 and run it into the ground. I should be able to drive it for another 80K without doing any major maintenance and I can average out about 23MPG. I like the car, it's very comfortable but random things will come up with so much driving (ball joints, repairs are likely). Main benefit here is I get to pocket the car allowance and I like my car. It's comfortable, smooth, powerful and economical for the most part. If this option is the keeper, it will likely get a drop and wheels.
2. 2011-2012 Prius 5 - the most loaded option with leather, back up cam, navi, JBL sound, 17" alloys, HID's with fog lights, etc. This will cost me roughly $28,000 and will get 45-50mpg
3. 2006+ Lexus RX hybrid or Toyota Highlander hybrid - About 25MPG - It would be nice to at least have one SUV in the family and I will be traveling through WI, IL, IA, MO so 4WD would definitely be a plus on snowy days. Either way, all cars will have snow tires regardless FWD or RWD
4. 2007-2008 Lexus GS450h - About 26MPG, beautiful car and very luxurious.
5. 2012 Passat TDI - about 45MPG, fully loaded. I like the car, my only problem is the seat doesn't move down enough and I'm 6'4. I feel like my head is in the ceiling when I drive it.
6. 2012 Sonata Hybrid - 40MPG - I keep seeing commercials for it and I like how it looks, I just don't know if it's the route I want to go yet.
I've also thought about TSX/TL/RL but I just don't know if I want to go with an Acura at this time. Maybe in a couple of years when they get some better product.
What am I missing? What would you guys get?
![Woot](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/woot.gif)
I need to keep it under $30K, I'm working with about a $1,000 budget/month with gas. Whatever I choose will be kept for 2-3 years. I will put 80K-100K on them and replace. All cars must have leather and must have NAVI as an option, those two things are an absolute must.
Here are some options I've thought of:
1. Keep my GS430 and run it into the ground. I should be able to drive it for another 80K without doing any major maintenance and I can average out about 23MPG. I like the car, it's very comfortable but random things will come up with so much driving (ball joints, repairs are likely). Main benefit here is I get to pocket the car allowance and I like my car. It's comfortable, smooth, powerful and economical for the most part. If this option is the keeper, it will likely get a drop and wheels.
2. 2011-2012 Prius 5 - the most loaded option with leather, back up cam, navi, JBL sound, 17" alloys, HID's with fog lights, etc. This will cost me roughly $28,000 and will get 45-50mpg
3. 2006+ Lexus RX hybrid or Toyota Highlander hybrid - About 25MPG - It would be nice to at least have one SUV in the family and I will be traveling through WI, IL, IA, MO so 4WD would definitely be a plus on snowy days. Either way, all cars will have snow tires regardless FWD or RWD
4. 2007-2008 Lexus GS450h - About 26MPG, beautiful car and very luxurious.
5. 2012 Passat TDI - about 45MPG, fully loaded. I like the car, my only problem is the seat doesn't move down enough and I'm 6'4. I feel like my head is in the ceiling when I drive it.
6. 2012 Sonata Hybrid - 40MPG - I keep seeing commercials for it and I like how it looks, I just don't know if it's the route I want to go yet.
I've also thought about TSX/TL/RL but I just don't know if I want to go with an Acura at this time. Maybe in a couple of years when they get some better product.
What am I missing? What would you guys get?
#2
Safety Car
sounds like the lex may be on its way out. anyway to siphon the expenses in a way where you could sell the GS, get a new car with work $$, and keep it afterwards?
#3
The Box
Thread Starter
The problem is whatever I get is going to get 35-50K put on a year and will lose value pretty fast. I need to make sure I'm not going to always be in negative equity where I am putting in my own $.
#4
Safety Car
gotcha.
why the emphasis on hybrids? the price at the pump wont affect you directly, and you may be left carrying the burden on replacing the batteries down the road when your job wont be there to pick up the check.
why the emphasis on hybrids? the price at the pump wont affect you directly, and you may be left carrying the burden on replacing the batteries down the road when your job wont be there to pick up the check.
#5
The Box
Thread Starter
I guess it just needs to be 25+mpg. At 20mpg and $3.69 for gas, at 4k miles I'm looking at $738 just in fuel costs. Plus insurance, maintenance, payment.
#6
Ultra Negro
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Run that GS into the ground and save the money
The only thing you will need to do on that car is tires brake pads and oil, they last forever, got a friend with 600k on his original motor.
The only thing you will need to do on that car is tires brake pads and oil, they last forever, got a friend with 600k on his original motor.
#7
The Box
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
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is300eater (05-17-2012)
#10
Team Owner
You will not be happy going from Lexus to Prius.
#11
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Keep your GS, use the money saved to buy a weekend toy.
I respect the fact that you're not using a beater for work. You're going to be in there a lot, so you better be in something nice. BUT you do save a crapload of money by not buying another car for work that'll depreciate like a rock. IMO keeping your car is a good blend of enjoying it and saving money(ish).
Reason I suggest buying a weekend toy is that it'll probably be nice to be in something else when you're out for the weekend. Not to mention it wouldn't depreciate nearly as fast as a car you'd use for work. I'm partial to S2000s. Or, you could pick up an SUV if that's what the family needs.
Either way, congrats on the new position! I'd love to have a job that involves getting out of the office and in a car.
I respect the fact that you're not using a beater for work. You're going to be in there a lot, so you better be in something nice. BUT you do save a crapload of money by not buying another car for work that'll depreciate like a rock. IMO keeping your car is a good blend of enjoying it and saving money(ish).
Reason I suggest buying a weekend toy is that it'll probably be nice to be in something else when you're out for the weekend. Not to mention it wouldn't depreciate nearly as fast as a car you'd use for work. I'm partial to S2000s. Or, you could pick up an SUV if that's what the family needs.
Either way, congrats on the new position! I'd love to have a job that involves getting out of the office and in a car.
#12
The Box
Thread Starter
#13
Safety Car
hmm, it seems unfortunate to not take advantage of the situation, or at least get some feeling of "change". keeping the lexus seems like a boring move, IMO.
its a riskfree bet with someone elses money. perhaps get a car that you normally would not get. try out kia perhaps?
its a riskfree bet with someone elses money. perhaps get a car that you normally would not get. try out kia perhaps?
#14
The sizzle in the Steak
If your miles are highway miles....nothing beats a TDI.
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crazyasiantl (12-20-2011)
#15
You'll Never Walk Alone
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I'd definitely not get the Sonata hybrid. Most car journalists have found it to be a poor vehicle.
Here are some articles that you might want to read:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...di_comparison/
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ad-test-review
http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/dr...-sonata-hybrid
Hyundai is relatively new to the hybrid world. On paper (and ads), it might look/sound like a bargain, but I strongly suggest going for a long test drive first.
Here are some articles that you might want to read:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...di_comparison/
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ad-test-review
http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/dr...-sonata-hybrid
Hyundai is relatively new to the hybrid world. On paper (and ads), it might look/sound like a bargain, but I strongly suggest going for a long test drive first.
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vas25tl (12-19-2011)
#17
The Box
Thread Starter
Hmm this is interesting
2008 Lexus GS460 57k miles
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
2008 Lexus GS460 57k miles
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
Last edited by vas25tl; 12-19-2011 at 11:04 AM.
#18
The Box
Thread Starter
#19
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
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"This car is no longer listed for sale."
Talk about timing...
Talk about timing...
#20
The Box
Thread Starter
I noticed a lot of new Hyundai\kia purchases here lately. I'm just not sure if I like them enough to buy them now. I've always been more of a used luxury car buyer.
#21
Safety Car
based on your previous vehicles in your sig, and your responses - it sounds like going outside of the lexus/acura/infiniti world is probably unrealistic?...dare i suggest a double upgrade - newer gen plus hybrid. 450h.
winner winner chicken dinner
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
winner winner chicken dinner
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
Last edited by ThermonMermon; 12-19-2011 at 11:01 AM.
#22
The Box
Thread Starter
Hmm. Try this
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
#24
The Box
Thread Starter
sounds like you may be happy with a double upgrade - newer gen plus hybrid. 450h.
winner winner chicken dinner
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
winner winner chicken dinner
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
Beautiful car, same color as my GS. I love them in pearl white.
Hybrid is 25/28
V8 is 17/24 I believe
I'd expect there to be more of a difference in mpg
#25
Safety Car
nice...i have an IS250 in starfire white pearl. GREAT color. I usually get 30-32 on the highway. 28 for a GS hybrid sounds pretty bad, to be honest. might as well get a V6. as a matter of fact, the IS350 is a little speed demon that only suffers 2-3 MPGs less than the IS250. thoughts?
#26
The Box
Thread Starter
nice...i have an IS250 in starfire white pearl. GREAT color. I usually get 30-32 on the highway. 28 for a GS hybrid sounds pretty bad, to be honest. might as well get a V6. as a matter of fact, the IS350 is a little speed demon that only suffers 2-3 MPGs less than the IS250. thoughts?
Btw I'm 6'4 and 240lb, so space is important.
#27
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Lexus IS is freaking small inside.
Keep your GS.
Keep your GS.
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
#29
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (5)
keep your lexus for the weekends and get some 4banger that will save on fuel... that is mostly what i do with the GS4 at home and i drive the corolla during the week... u can't beat the 30+MPG and costs nearly nothing to maintain...
my friend's Kia Forte is nice... i even like the new Optima...
my friend's Kia Forte is nice... i even like the new Optima...
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is300eater (05-17-2012)
#32
The Box
Thread Starter
keep your lexus for the weekends and get some 4banger that will save on fuel... that is mostly what i do with the GS4 at home and i drive the corolla during the week... u can't beat the 30+MPG and costs nearly nothing to maintain...
my friend's Kia Forte is nice... i even like the new Optima...
my friend's Kia Forte is nice... i even like the new Optima...
How is your GS btw?
![Woot](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/woot.gif)
Maybe do that for a year and keep saving the monthly allowance and finish off my student loans.
I have to admit, Azine is turning into kiazine and hyundaizine lately from the responses here!
I might go drive the Optima just for the fun of it.
#33
it's a car-drive it
Right but comfort is an issue for me, I don't want to spend 4,000 miles a month behind the wheel of a corolla.
How is your GS btw?
Just got an email from the COO, should see an offer today![Woot](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/woot.gif)
Maybe do that for a year and keep saving the monthly allowance and finish off my student loans.
I have to admit, Azine is turning into kiazine and hyundaizine lately from the responses here!
I might go drive the Optima just for the fun of it.
How is your GS btw?
Just got an email from the COO, should see an offer today
![Woot](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/woot.gif)
Maybe do that for a year and keep saving the monthly allowance and finish off my student loans.
I have to admit, Azine is turning into kiazine and hyundaizine lately from the responses here!
I might go drive the Optima just for the fun of it.
#34
Safety Car
its a shame that the RL and Infiniti M get bad gas mileage. That really widdles it down to the GS if youre a luxury-japanese-kind-of-guy. my vote remains for the 450h if the pricing makes sense over the v6. or possibly even an LS430 if the price is right.
Last edited by ThermonMermon; 12-19-2011 at 01:16 PM.
#35
ive always thought of it like this... if youre gonna put that kind of miles on a car and keep changing them out then buy something economical and comfortable. buy a second weekend car that you can baby, enjoy and mod accordingly. Its great having a DD that you feel comfortable in but not guilty about driving 100k miles and exposing it to highway rocks. Look forward to driving a toy on the weekend!
#36
Team Owner
iTrader: (4)
Personally I would run the Lex into the ground.
2 reasons:
1 - You already have it and you know what the issues are with it. You should be able to get a year or maybe 18 months out of it with some small investment.
2 - No one likes to bring it up but the first year at a new job can be the toughest and people often get cut in the first year. No reason to buy a car until you know for sure that this is the job for you. Save the cash. If you had a new car and put 60K in year 1 and then leave or lose your position then you will be stuck with a car (possibly 2) that has very little resale value.
Most importantly:
CONGRATS on the new job.
2 reasons:
1 - You already have it and you know what the issues are with it. You should be able to get a year or maybe 18 months out of it with some small investment.
2 - No one likes to bring it up but the first year at a new job can be the toughest and people often get cut in the first year. No reason to buy a car until you know for sure that this is the job for you. Save the cash. If you had a new car and put 60K in year 1 and then leave or lose your position then you will be stuck with a car (possibly 2) that has very little resale value.
Most importantly:
CONGRATS on the new job.
![Woot](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/woot.gif)
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#37
The Box
Thread Starter
Personally I would run the Lex into the ground.
2 reasons:
1 - You already have it and you know what the issues are with it. You should be able to get a year or maybe 18 months out of it with some small investment.
2 - No one likes to bring it up but the first year at a new job can be the toughest and people often get cut in the first year. No reason to buy a car until you know for sure that this is the job for you. Save the cash. If you had a new car and put 60K in year 1 and then leave or lose your position then you will be stuck with a car (possibly 2) that has very little resale value.
Most importantly:
CONGRATS on the new job.![Woot](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/woot.gif)
2 reasons:
1 - You already have it and you know what the issues are with it. You should be able to get a year or maybe 18 months out of it with some small investment.
2 - No one likes to bring it up but the first year at a new job can be the toughest and people often get cut in the first year. No reason to buy a car until you know for sure that this is the job for you. Save the cash. If you had a new car and put 60K in year 1 and then leave or lose your position then you will be stuck with a car (possibly 2) that has very little resale value.
Most importantly:
CONGRATS on the new job.
![Woot](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/woot.gif)
Very good point. And thank you!
#38
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (10)
I was going to say TDI but as I read more and more, I'm changing my suggestion to using the GS. You'll save money off the bat, the comfort is there already and maintenance costs wont be too high. Gas mileage could be better but just drive a little slower on the freeway.
#40
The Box
Thread Starter
I was going to say TDI but as I read more and more, I'm changing my suggestion to using the GS. You'll save money off the bat, the comfort is there already and maintenance costs wont be too high. Gas mileage could be better but just drive a little slower on the freeway.
I'll have to check it out!