Thinking fo buying a new car - help (insurance, luxury, vehicle)

[sid369]

Hi all,

I currnetly have a Rav4 v6 and it was bought as a CPO. I recently changed jobs so my commute is now longer and I get an average of 22mpg with my daily commute being 100miles.

I still have 2 more years before I pay of the car.

I was thinking if I should trade it in for a sedan with better gas milage. Is this a good idea or should I pay off the car and then trade it in.

I am thinking of getting a lexus or an acura.

[jaypee]

You're asking whether you should spend more money to save money on gas?

[wxjay]

Uh, a Lexus or Acura are much more expensive in terms of gas mileage, actual gas (they take premium), and maintenance (routine and non-routine).

If you are going into a Nissan or Hyundai - eh, maybe it would be worth investigating. But honestly, stick with what you got.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by sid369

I currently have a Rav4 v6... and I get an average of 22mpg with my daily commute being 100 miles.

I still have 2 more years before I pay of the car.
I was thinking if I should trade it in for a sedan with better gas mileage.

This is about what the loan balance is vs the market value of the Rav.
If you can sell it and get enough to pay off the loan... do so.
Ideally you'll sell t for more than the loan balance.

Unless you have a job that allows you to write off your vehicle expenses...
there is no percentage in buying a new anything at anytime (however it's financed).

With a 100mi commute... an econo-box would be the better choice.
Look for a 2-4 year old off lease... plan to keep it for another 2-4 years.
Rinse and repeat.

[smokingGun]

just keep it... you really are only saving nickels unless you get a compact like a Sonic, Mazda3 or a hybrid.

[scottfs]

What does CPO mean?

[Praxis]

Certified Pre-Own

I say keep it.

[ukrkoz]

CPO=Certified Prosthetist Orthotist.

I know those cars. You need to look into hypermiling driving techniques. And never buy car through loan, but it's a different story. Also, you doing jump from reasonable to not so reasonable, though Lexi have hybrids. Also, they will put you into helluva more debt.

[SpeedyAZ]

Originally Posted by sid369

Hi all,

I currnetly have a Rav4 v6 and it was bought as a CPO. I recently changed jobs so my commute is now longer and I get an average of 22mpg with my daily commute being 100miles.

I still have 2 more years before I pay of the car.

I was thinking if I should trade it in for a sedan with better gas milage. Is this a good idea or should I pay off the car and then trade it in.

I am thinking of getting a lexus or an acura.

You're basically robbing Peter to pay Paul. You're buying a more expensive vehicle to own/operate/insure and you're getting a VERY menial improvement in gas mileage (if any).

Keep the Rav4 and pay it off if you're truly concerned about saving money.

Lexus, while cheaper to operate than a comparable BMW or Mercedes, is still not a cheap vehicle to own. You'll probably be spending more money with the payment on a Lexus and the insurance than you will to get a few mpg less on the Toyota.

[oberon_1]

Depends what exactly the OP is looking for. If you do not like your current car and want to get rid of it, a new Acura is a good choice, (for better millage as well). Good millage you can get form lots of new car makers, Hyundai is one example but also Honda,Toyota, Nissan. Maybe the Ford Focus. Go for the 4 cylinder models. (Don't forget that AWD cars consume more gas then regular front wheel drive models).
All entry luxury models will cost significantly more to own.