Hey Guys,

I have had my automatic 2008 G35-S for 2.5 years...awesome motor car, to say the least! However, I have read the handwriting on the wall...petrol prices well never return to what they once were! I have enjoyed the G, power and ALL the amenities (nav, bose system, heated seats et cetera). I vehemently refuse to pay the outrageous prices for fuel to increase the territories of the already-wealthy oil capitalists...this is exploitation at its best! Yes, I am fully aware of petrol prices throughout the world and am fully aware that the U.S. has had the luxury of low fuel costs, but this outrageous! I must reduce my dependency on oil! So, I am considering a CT200h (Lexus), but wanted your opinions on the whole matter as I think I'm ready to trade/sell my G. Yes, I know the specifications (test drove one)...small engine/hybrid system...no power...that I already know. Thanks in advance for any reasonable advice.

 

How many miles per year do you drive, and how much do you have left on your loan on the G, if any?

The new car note will very likely not pay for itself from the gas savings for some time to come, especially with the CT, as expensive as it is. If you really want to save on gas, as well as a car note, get a low-key econobox like the new Cruze or Elantra. You can probably do a straight-up trade for these. Both can achieve up to 40+ mpg on the freeway. A TDI can surpass that as well.

 

We were looking at the Lexus CT as well...but it's just too expensive for what it is. Looks like a Toyota Matrix with Lexus headlights and badge on it.

I vote TDI as well. The new Jettas are very affordable

 

Mike, thanks for your opinion...I owe 8K on my G...am cognizant of the financial pros & cons...expensive yes, but did not want to loose some of the luxuries I have become fond of I would have to own the CT for greater than 5 years in order to fully reap the benefits...I am willing to do so, but unsure of the longevity/reliability of hybrid system etc. I am in full agreement...DIESEL is my preference, not sure that VW will meets my standard...was hoping that INFINITI would bring a diesel automobile to the U.S. market...what's up with that???!!!!

 

Mike, thanks for your opinion...I owe 8K on my G (currently 43K miles)...am cognizant of the financial pros & cons...expensive yes, but did not want to lose some of the luxuries I have become fond of I would have to own the CT for greater than 5 years in order to fully reap the benefits...I am willing to do so, but unsure of the longevity/reliability of hybrid system etc. I am in full agreement...DIESEL is my preference, not sure that VW will meets my standard...was hoping that INFINITI would bring a CLEAN diesel automobile to the U.S. market...what's up with that???!!!!

 

Really.. How much do you plan to save by buying another car thats more fuel efficient?

Let say for example you drive 15k miles a year. My g35 gets roughly 20 MPG and say you by a CT, TDI, etc...

G35 15000 miles/20 mpg = 750 gallons @ $4 = $3000
New Car 15000 miles/40 mpg = 375 gallons @ $4 = $1500

So a difference of $1500 a year. I'd make sure to take into account the cost of depreciation what you'll get for your g35 and the cost of a Lexus CT not to mention if the car needs battery down the road. I love my G35, so at this point i'll pay a premium to keep it.

I think the Lexus is overpriced as well, but I just dont feel 42 MPG on a gas/electric hybrid is impressive at all. Several years ago we had Honda civics that were gas only getting 40 MPG. What the hell happened to those?

 

i think that oil price are outrageous (i'm from canada) and you got a good idea but the car makers don't import there gas efficient vehicule here (US/CAN) we only get the more powerful engine and i still don't know why. Maybe there is not enough market for these, guys like you lol that are ready to trade in power for energy costs but the more the oil will go higher, the more americans/canadians will want fuel efficient cars...

 

Like others have said, if you are looking to save money due to rising fuel prices, going to a new luxury car is not the right thing to do.

Realistically, you will get maybe 20-25k for trade-in value on your G depending on condition and mileage. Probably closer to 20k. Factor in the 8k you still owe and you are looking at around 12k from you G. If you want a ct200h with similar luxuries as the G, you'll be looking at around 37k. Price difference alone will take you to roughly 25k in financing.

If you drive 15k miles as was said earlier, you would only save 1.5k per year on gas. To equal out in value, you are lookin at 16 years befor you break even (assuming I've done my math correctly).

You would be better off getting a used Accord or Civic or going with a new Cruze or Elantra that would save you 10+k on the purchase.

Getting a new fuel efficient car to replace a 20MPG Premium car usually does not make financial sense. Sure it will ease the burden on gas purchases, but you will be making high monthly car payments for a longer time.

 

couldn't have put it better...

 

Well put... the other thing to remember is that with your CT you will be pulling up to on ramps or lights next to these things and getting your arese handed to you.









With the CT you will be REQURED to yield and let them go ahead of u... That is what I would be most concerned about.. I mean you own a performance car now and it may be quite a step for you to be unable to move in traffic like you once did. I mean you might as well be driving this.



I agree there are other cheaper alternatives to the CT. Heck I think you can get a nice HS Lexus for a low price. If your going to go this route.. there really is only one choice..