Hey guys,

I just started my 2nd lease extension and I still don't know what to do.

I have a 2008 IS350 with only 22, 600 miles on it, excellent condition. I was expecting to have some positive equity in it to put towards another IS350. My pay off is $21, 203 and my dealer is telling me it's only worth $22K. Yeah right, it has Heated/Cooled Seats, Nav, Back up Camera, Push to Start, Park Assist, Luxury and Sport package...they will sell this car for 30K.

I would like to get another IS350. I have the RWD with the summer tires (the only way they came in 2008) so I would really want the AWD but I see the prices jumped.

My original MSRP was $43,871, I paid $37,514. 2012 MSRP is $47,640 so I'm not sure if that's worth it to get the same car again.

I've been considering the new Mercedes C350 coupe or a 335ix. Problem is it's impossible to get Push button Start, cooled seats on those cars and I hate to downgrade my options.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

 

First of all, Lux pack and Sport pack are separate. The IS can only have one of them. Push to start is standard on all 2IS's.

2nd, why don't you just skip the IS350AWD and pay off your car. I mean they are almost the same car except AWD. Also, the 3IS is coming out in a year or so. I wouldn't have leased, but I'm sure you have your reason. Well, thats what I'd do. GL

 

Keep ur car man

 

Ok yes the Sports Package covered all the options from the Luxury and Premium packages.

 

I'm sure you can sell it private party for more than your pay off. Sell it, pay the dealer what you owe them, keep the rest and then find a IS350 AWD. 2013 GS comes out in Feb 2012, not sure if you have any interest in that car. Don't hold off on a 3IS just yet, 2012 model is the same and i'm thinking the 3IS will come out as a 2014 model. I'd avoid the BMW 335 for now just because of the HPFP issues.

 

No it didn't, the Luxury Package has a few options the Sport Package was never offered with (like rear sunshade, etc.)

Jeff

 

I'd like to do this but I'm concerned about the timing and what would I drive after I sell my car. There are so few IS350s around here I'm not sure how I quick I could find one and I can't just jump on any one, I have to negotiate the best price and be willing to walk away.

 

+1 for keeping your car.

 

What else because I have the sunshade.

 

This isn't an option. I can't extend my lease forever. I don't want to buy it and keep it for awhile, I'm really done with it. So sick of switching to the Blizzaks every winter.

 

If you have the sunshade then you have the luxury package and not the sport package. The sunshade only comes with the luxury package, nothing else.

Jeff

 

Pretty sure I had the Sports package. I know I have the sports pedals and aluminum scuff plates.

 

I would consider 4GS AWD....

 

I don't know anything about leasing, but I do know two things here:

1) Your car's worth much, much more than $22k. I would have laughed if they'd thrown that out there. Your dealer would take that car, certify it, and sell it for $30k+. Again, I don't know anything about leasing and returning leased cars, etc, so maybe there's an opportunity to negotiate with them there. But if there isn't, like suggested above, it might make sense to just sell the car private party. At least get a quote from Carmax.

My recommendation would be to put ads up immediately for it. Put up a listing on the CL classifieds, on Craigslist, and on eBay classifieds. All of those are free, and you'll get a bunch of hits. Don't both with Cars.com or Autotrader until later, since you have to pay for them and in my experience, you'll get more hits through eBay and CL anyway. Do some market research and see what your car's going for on Autotrader. If it's $30k, and your dealer will only give you $22k, and Carmax will give you $22k, then you could sell it immediately for $28k, for example, and come out far ahead of the dealer's offer.

2) If you value reliability and your wallet, you'll regret a C350 or 335ix. You'll pay much more for either than a comparably-equipped IS350 while getting a car with significantly worse reliability and higher maintenance. In the C350 you'll take a hit in interior quality (this is my opinion, I've driven the C350 as a loaner quite a few times, because my past Mercedes was - no surprise - in the shop all the time) and performance (0-60 in 6 seconds vs under 5 for the IS). The BMW will be quicker, but do a search on the BMW forums for issues with the 335 and I think your head will spin.

 

THANK YOU I've been going out of my mind with the 22K quote.

The 2012 C350 coupe is only 2 months old, I don't think it's the one you have had as a loaner. The interior is much improved. But I am still trying to stay with Lexus.