• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Thinking of trading in my G35 coupe for an 06 Rav4

D

Dacalo

Diamond Member
I am 26 and I have been financially fortunate to purchase an '05 G35 coupe fully loaded (nav, sports package, but auto) last year. At the time of the purchase, I wasn't thinking clearly and thought that now is the time to enjoy life. I do love the car, but the car lacks a lot of room and it is fairly expensive to maintain.

So I am looking at the new '06 Rav4 with V6 and it is pretty nice. I know Rav4s in the past were pretty compact and weak but the new model impresses me. I know I will be taking a huge depreciation hit (since the first year is the most severe), but I am thinking if I trade my car in, I will get more use out of the Rav4 while saving some money in gas, insurance, and maintenance. The G35 is paid off BTW.

Please give me some feedbacks, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
 
Nobody here can tell you what to do. In fact, it already sounds like you made up your mind. Go ahead and get the Rav4.
 
Your problem is that you're trying to justify the change based on "practicality." With the depreciation you take on the G35, and the premium you'll pay for a new car you're looking at several thousand dollars of lost money. So that money will more than cancel out any maintenance or insurance savings. The V6 Rav 4 is getting great reviews and it seems like a real bargain in the SUV category. Unfortunately it just does not make sense to sell a 1-year old car to buy a new one.

Now if you just want to do it, go right ahead, it's your money. Don't delude yourself into thinking it makes financial sense.
 
I was in a similar predicament. I bought the 350Z (it was a blast to drive) when it came out but then I realized that I love to carry things like my softball bag, bowling bag, golf clubs and basketball and so whenever I would go grocery shopping, I wouldn't have much space to buy anything so I sold it earlier this year since we had an extra car that wasn't being used. That didn't turn out too well but that's in a different thread.

The G35 is already a sunk cost and since you would be happier getting the Rav4, by all means, GET IT!
 
we have a 97 rav and it's been great. (except for the brakes, I gotta get that fixed now... 😉)

I have a friend who is a master tech at a toyota dealership and he was really impressed by the new rav with the v6. it's the same motor in the new avalon, somewhere near 265-285hp??!!
we also have a 01 highlander...
Toyota FTW!! 🙂
 
No real comment, since I dont like the Rav4s
just a question, how has the G35 has been expensive to maintain in only its first year? besides gas money?
 
i would say the new RAV4 is a very sensible choice. It looks nice and is very practical too. and it may be a tad faster than your old car 🙂
 
I test drove the 4 cylinder version and it was OKAY, wasn't lacking power so i'm sure the 6 cylinder doesn't either.

Overall, it was pretty good.

Bottom line, two different classes, apples and oranges.

 
If it's paid for, then there is no real reason to trade it. even if you want the rav4, keep the G35 or sell it person to person, but I would not use it as a trade.



 
Originally posted by: nakedfrog
Wait a little longer until the 06 Rav4s start showing up in used lots.
Click to expand...

Yeahs, or just wait until you can trade the 05 G35 in for a 06 Rav 4 thats a year old...
 
Money isn't a huge issue for you, apparently... I'd definitely swap for practicality. I love SUVs and will never buy another kind of vehicle - because they are so versatile.
 
Originally posted by: andylawcc
Originally posted by: radioouman
I'd never do that. Just keep the G35. It is paid for. Free transportation!
Click to expand...

gas... hello.
Click to expand...
The V6 RAV4 probably won't sip gas either if you like to put your foot into it, although it probably requires a lower octane than the G35.

In any case, I agree with Dunbar, this makes ZERO sense financially. The new RAV4 looks great and the depreciation hit won't be as bad as others in its class, but if you really want it that much you should still hold off on buying it. You probably won't be getting any good deals on the RAV4 right now anyway since it's brand new. Wait a year or two until there are some used examples out there.
Unless you have a serious need to haul stuff around, you should not do this.
 
I didnt read your post

NO

Don't do it. The G35 is a sport sedan. A rav4 is a mini SUV that might be fast but you go fast in that thing on the highway or curves and you will see just how much you miss your G35.

/thread
 
Buy a second vehicle used for when you need the room.

Or even rent a vehicle when you need extra room.
 
Originally posted by: maddogchen
No real comment, since I dont like the Rav4s
just a question, how has the G35 has been expensive to maintain in only its first year? besides gas money?
Click to expand...

Infiniti recommends oil change every 3500 miles. Every 15,000 interval, it requires a major maintenace inspection (around $250). I know these inspections do not occur frequently, but they are still more pricey than expected. For the first 15,000 miles, I have spent around $400.00 and that's with free first oil change.

Thank you for all the great feedbacks. You guys are absolutely right, it does not make any sense financially...
 
Originally posted by: Dacalo
Thank you for all the great feedbacks. You guys are absolutely right, it does not make any sense financially...
Click to expand...

This is America - no one ever does anything that makes sense financially! 😉

If you really feel that you need a more practical vehicle, then by all means get the Rav4. You'll take a financial hit, but if you're willing to pay for it then just do it.
 
Originally posted by: SALvation
Trade in a paid off G35 for a Rav4? Were you sober when you posted that?

<-- FX owner
Click to expand...

Well, you are an FX owner, so I am not sure if you would understand the inconveniences of a coupe. Like I stated earlier, the car is a blast to drive, but that's about it.

For some reason, I have come to realize that driving a nice vehicle is overrated.
 
Why not get a fast wagon? such as a nice Volvo, or Saab, or WRX wagon?

or hell, if you want fast, get the Dodge Magnum w/ a hemi, but thats costly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top