As stated, keep the GS and save the cash. With all that seat time you need the comfort. With new job you want to make sure it's right.

I don't think those small and economy cars are the correct answer for your situation. If you calculate cost of new car and gas vs current car gas and maintenance you will see the right answer. Congratulations and good luck.

 

I would keep the GS. You're comfortable with it and as Ravi said, you don't want to be stuck with a 2 cars if something happens.

Congrats on the job, BTW!!

 

Keep the GS and dump the allowance into a new car savings account.

I think a hybrid is the wrong idea for highway miles...you can use the manufactures' set numbers all you want...but there is that and reality.

My mom's old RX400h got an set 23MPG combined driving.

I think I get about an avg of 36mpg in the Prius...lots of it is highway driving.

 

keep it

 

Why such bad mpg in the Prius? I've heard they're actually pretty true to specs.

 

they do better in the city than the highway

 

Drive the GS until its on its last legs, then use the money you pocketed for a hefty down payment on a Sonata Hybrid (or IMO a Turbo).

 

A 2004 Lexus GS is a fine car to be stuck with. Reliable, comfortable, etc. I'd stick that 1000/month in the bank and not think about it for a year or 2.

 

Hybrids don't great mileage on the freeway. They are better suited for stop and go city traffic.

As for why we seem to get less than stellar mpg...I don't know, and Ive never bothered to take it to the dealer to have it tested. Its a lease, so meh.

 

Don't get me wrong, I love my GS. Took me forever to find it in pearl white with every available option and it has never seen snow...until a few days ago I'm at 125K now, I figure I can go until 180K before needing any real maintenance (next timing belt service). Other than that, they're pretty much bulletproof.

I know they're better in the city as the batteries recharge while the driver is actually braking. I've just never heard of anyone getting such low MPG in a Prius. I see your point in it being a lease so it's not as big of a deal.

 

save the cash it's worth more in your pocket.

 

Well, I also think people like guesstimate their mpg in the prius and read their computer...

Hell, I could say I'm getting 45mp according to the computer...I go by what the math tells me when I actually fill up and get an accurate avg per tank.

 

Ah, got it. I'm going to have my friend actually calculate it and not just go off the computer. Looking forward to see what he finds.

 

forgot to say.. congrats on the job!

 

Actually Honda's IMA system works better on the freeway. Probably because it's not a true full hybrid system like Toyota's.

 

Thanks! Everything should be finalized tomorrow.

 

If you're looking at the Optima, I have to throw in a suggestion for the normal (non-Hybrid) Sonata.

I was in a '12 TSX today (service loaner) and found it rather agreeable. Not as fun as my '07, but not horrible, either. Comfortable interior, great sound system (loaner had the Tech package), large GPS screen, and pretty solid gas mileage.

But, on a more serious note, I would probably keep the GS for a year and then go from there. Perhaps then you could pick up a CPO '11 TSX with Tech and drive it into the ground!

 

Honestly, I probably won't be going the Kia/Hyundai route.

My boss is actually currently looking for a 2010 TSX V6. He drove it and fell in love with it. Pretty difficult to find with tech, not many around.

 

Sweet.

 

I dont run my cars into the ground w high mileage but if I did ...
I would prob do it with a well built older depreciated model.

 

I voted for #1 keep it and with the allowance get something nice down the road. Congrats on the job!

 

So what's the news?

 

I have to agree on test driving the kia optima. my friend interned at their main office and they gave her a different car every weekend for fun so we smashed on a lot of the kias.

we were all impressed with what kia has been doing with their cars. good luck and congrats

 

Don't make payments if you don't have to. If your current car works just fine now, keep it.

 

if you decide to sell the Lexus, in for price, and details about the car

 

Finally signed with the new company, I start 3/12 Very excited to start a new opportunity. My territory will include ND, SD, NE, KS, MO, IL, IA, MN & WI.

The car allowance is a little less than I thought but still good. I think I have decided to keep the GS for at least a year or two. I hope she'll make a good road warrior.

I am thinking I will get the following done before I start driving a lot (in a couple of months):
Tires
Air filter
Cabin air filter
Trans drain and fill
Coolant drain and fill
Fresh oil change (probably going to switch to synthetic to save time)
Check ball joints (notorious for this)
New Nav DVD

Am I missing anything? The timing belt/water pump was done at 90K so if I complete the above, I should be set for the next 50K-60K miles (at 127K now).

 

Good car decision and an official congrats on the new job. You are gonna be doing a lot of freeway miles with that big territory of yours!

 

good luck!

Have the dealer give it a once over, maybe you need accessory belts or hoses.

 

Thank you! I will probably fly to ND/KS, drive everywhere else...as long as it's within about 7 hours. I have 67 clients spread all over the place.

Thanks! I will definitely be taking it in for a full inspection and see if anything else needs attention at this time. Either way, it'll be cheaper than buying another car and I can save the rest of my car allowance for a weekend toy (cough e30 convertible cough)

 

Congrats on the new job!

That list pretty much covers all the important ones...perhaps checking all the drive belts and do an alignment...since you'll be doing alot of driving!

Your start date is a week before mine.

 

Congrats! and you made the right choice!

 

Congrats! You could be the 4cruzin of Lexus

 

E30 YOU SAY? Nice choice

 

How much is your car allowance if you dont mind me asking?

 

 

Congrats and I agree with Neuronbob that you do have a very large territory.

 

Good decision keeping the car.

 

40000 miles a year, it is a lot of miles and a lot of depreciation.

Personally I couldn't live with a diesel or something porky (i.e. heavy batteries). Prius are more for enviro-freaks / fashion lemmings than real car enthusiasts.

A new 335i is rated at 33mpg highway, the new 328i at 36mpg.

I am obviously biased, but I would go with a 3-series with a monthly 300-350$ fuel tab.

In your choices that would be only the Passat, but the 2.5 even if cost more than the Tdi.

Once passed the probation period, of course.

 

I used to have a 1993 e30 325i very with a 5 speed. Should have never let it go....

500 plus they pay for gas.

It is a large territory. It's a position that I really wanted and I am not willing to relocate so it just is what it is. I'll make it work. The client I'll be visiting most is 5 miles away

 

It's sad/frustrating that there's nothing new in the $30k range that meets your criteria that is overly compelling.