Moving from a Truck/SUV to a Car

I'm currently eyeballing CPO Lexus IS/GS, Infiniti Q50's, and Audi A4/A5. So the 30-35k range.

Good to hear. I don't think I could buy a stick at this point

 

The "refined" was more of a reference to the trouble I would get into with an STi.

Currently looking at the Lexus IS/GS, Infiniti Q50, and Audi A4/A5

 

Any experience with them? I haven't really started looking as I'd like to at least wait another year before buying

 

Good to hear a more recent opinion. My Xterra was a POS but I'm not sure if it was a bad vehicle or 16 year old me that was its downfall

 

Miata (street legal, race prepped/used)
Sonoma LE/then Tacoma
Highlander

Had all 3 for many years. Various ages/conditions and suddenly you have flexability and fun for the same price, or less, than buying new.

If parking is a problem, or you don't DIY mechanical's, expenses can climb of course. But I ran all 3 for less than most folks made on a monthly payment on one. A lot less.

 

With the schedule/housing situation I'm looking it it isn't really feasible to have more than one. Will most likely be street parking/parking garage so no room to really work.

I may just end up keeping my 4Runner til it dies and then re-evaluate. However at 140k miles any trade in value I have is rapidly deteriorating. Which is one of the big considerations in getting something newer

 

Get a Lexus made by Toyota and the isf's are nice

 

If it's solid now, should easily make another 100k. You have a while to think about it.

That should not be a factor.

#1, never trade, sell outright. Trading is a losing proposition, regardless of what they 'tell' you they are 'giving' you.

#2, all vehicles reach a 'bottom' figure. After that, if they are still decently maintained, running well, and cosmetically ok (not perfect, just ok) the value stays pretty stable. Mileage matters less.

#3. I'm assuming what you have is paid for. Take what your monthly payment would be on a newer ride and start saving it now. You'll accumulate cash for a down payment faster than your current vehicle is depreciating. Way faster.

 

Great advice Bill!

To your first point I'm definitely not planning on trading in, that was a misstatement on my part, but rather selling myself or through a friend who's a dealer. And yes, the 4Runner is paid for which makes me consider keeping it longer. I've already started paying myself a monthly note to build up that down payment too