Trade it in or drive it to the ground?

[jtvang125]

Currently driving a 98 lexus gs400. It has a little over 148k miles on it. Mechanically there's nothing wrong with it. I did water pump and timing belt back at about 120k. New starter and alternator as well. It will definitely need tire balancing and the rotors turned. Possibly an alignment as well. Cosmetically the front bumper needs repainting and one of the fog lights is cracked with a pebble size hole but those aren't critical.

This car can easily last me another 5 years or so but a part of me wants to get something newer. It doesn't help that everyone I know are getting new(er) cars too.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Smart thing would be to drive it as long as you can.

 

[yh125d]

Keep it as long as you can. You wouldn't get near what it'd cost to replace out of a trade.

Think of having no car payment as a $2-500/mo raise

 

[darom]

I don't miss car payments. If you already have a reliable vehicle, save the $$ for a rainy day. Are you feeling inferior to your friends with newer cars? 🙂

 

[desy]

Wants and needs
I was eyeing up a Caddy SRX to replace my minivan
Must avoid temptation. . . .

 

[kornphlake]

Depreciation has pretty much bottomed out on that vehicle, it'll be worth about the same today as it will be in a year or two if it's kept in the same condition and only miles are added. It's pretty much free to drive and own for the next several years until things start wearing out and mantinence becomes a significant cost. Keep in mind any car will need tires every 30k miles, brakes every 50k, fan belts, oil changes, etc regardless of it's age, they don't really count when comparing cost of ownership of a new vehicle vs an older vehicle.

Personally I'd keep your car another few years. I take pride in driving a vehicle that is 14 years old with almost 190k miles. Say what you want about the quality of my car, but it's lasted longer than most of the cars on the road. In my mind I'm doing more to save the earth by keeping my vehicle out of a landfill and conserving the energy and resources needed to manufacture a replacement than someone who drives a prius.

 

[PricklyPete]

Smart thing would be to drive it as long as you can.

Exactly. What makes you want to do otherwise?

 

[NutBucket]

Where are you and how much? 😛

 

[obamanation]

Keep in mind any car will need tires every 30k miles, brakes every 50k

Depends on the tires you have and how you drive, same with the brakes.. There are Michelin tires that are warranted to last 90K miles..

Say what you want about the quality of my car, but it's lasted longer than most of the cars on the road. In my mind I'm doing more to save the earth by keeping my vehicle out of a landfill and conserving the energy and resources needed to manufacture a replacement than someone who drives a prius.

If that person plans to drive that Prius until the wheels fall off, then I disagree. The Prius is significantly cleaner car overall than the GS or any Lexus for that matter.. Now if you were comparing a 1998 GS with a 2010 GS, you'd be correct but with a Prius? No. If the OP had a Geo Metro and was pining for a Prius, your argument would be correct but a Lexus GS vs a Prius, the Prius still wins. I'm assuming the OP doesn't care about mileage anyhow so he'd probably get a newer vehicle that is a direct replacement for the GS so just sticking with the GS makes more sense.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Depends on the tires you have and how you drive, same with the brakes.. There are Michelin tires that are warranted to last 90K miles..

If that person plans to drive that Prius until the wheels fall off, then I disagree. The Prius is significantly cleaner car overall than the GS or any Lexus for that matter.. Now if you were comparing a 1998 GS with a 2010 GS, you'd be correct but with a Prius? No. If the OP had a Geo Metro and was pining for a Prius, your argument would be correct but a Lexus GS vs a Prius, the Prius still wins. I'm assuming the OP doesn't care about mileage anyhow so he'd probably get a newer vehicle that is a direct replacement for the GS so just sticking with the GS makes more sense.

While a Prius, or other hybrid, uses less fuel than a GS, the Prius is more resource intensive (in terms of total emissions for manufacturing and distribution). Manufacturers must source additional metals for the battery, and over a long enough lifecycle, a hybrid will require multiple batteries. Old batteries must be properly disposed of, which is also resource intensive.

Now, when you compare a conventional ICE to a newer conventional ICE then yes, it is probably "cleaner" to continue to drive and maintain a slightly older vehicle for several years, compared with the resources required to manufacture and distribute a new vehicle.

 

[obamanation]

While a Prius, or other hybrid, uses less fuel than a GS, the Prius is more resource intensive (in terms of total emissions for manufacturing and distribution). Manufacturers must source additional metals for the battery, and over a long enough lifecycle, a hybrid will require multiple batteries. Old batteries must be properly disposed of, which is also resource intensive.

The batteries aren't "disposed of" they're recycled to make new batteries.. Most of the batteries should be recycled considering they have a $200 bounty on them. Also while it is true the batteries and motors in the Prius use more rare materials, the GS is a larger vehicle than the Prius and so very well could end up using the same amount of "polluting" materials like nickel. If you dare cite that "dust to dust" article comparing the Hummer vs the Prius, I'll have to smack you with a trout..

 

[PhoKingGuy]

The batteries aren't "disposed of" they're recycled to make new batteries.. Most of the batteries should be recycled considering they have a $200 bounty on them. Also while it is true the batteries and motors in the Prius use more rare materials, the GS is a larger vehicle than the Prius and so very well could end up using the same amount of "polluting" materials like nickel. If you dare cite that "dust to dust" article comparing the Hummer vs the Prius, I'll have to smack you with a trout..

You are the reason I will never own a Prius and continue to hate every single person that drives one.

 

[obamanation]

You are the reason I will never own a Prius and continue to hate every single person that drives one.

You hate facts huh? You wouldn't happen to be the curator for the creationist museum would you? I will admit, if you like actually driving a car, and are totally involved with the vehicle, the Prius sucks, and while the '10 Prius is better, it's still not that type of car. However, if you're bitching about the driving dynamics of the Prius while you're driving a Corolla or a Camry, then you need to STFU because neither of those cars are any better. All automatics are boring, I don't care if you're driving a '70s muscle car because all those things can do is drive fast in a straight line. I can certainly appreciate a car with good driving dynamics, however most people don't drive that kind of car, and because of that, they have no room to bitch about the Prius "not being fun" when their car isn't either.

 

[kornphlake]

Depends on the tires you have and how you drive, same with the brakes.. There are Michelin tires that are warranted to last 90K miles..

That wasn't the point, the point is that all cars have consumable parts like tires, brakes, etc. The cost of consumable parts shouldn't figure into the total cost of ownership, if you pull out the regenerative braking argument I'll slap you with a trout...

If that person plans to drive that Prius until the wheels fall off, then I disagree. The Prius is significantly cleaner car overall than the GS or any Lexus for that matter.. Now if you were comparing a 1998 GS with a 2010 GS, you'd be correct but with a Prius? No. If the OP had a Geo Metro and was pining for a Prius, your argument would be correct but a Lexus GS vs a Prius, the Prius still wins. I'm assuming the OP doesn't care about mileage anyhow so he'd probably get a newer vehicle that is a direct replacement for the GS so just sticking with the GS makes more sense.

Sure drive the prius into the ground and you've kept your "footprint" as small as possible, send a perfectly good vehicle to the junk yard to buy a prius and you've negated any savings. Consumption is consumption, rather you're drinking whole milk or skim the cow still eats just as much hay.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

You hate facts huh? You wouldn't happen to be the curator for the creationist museum would you? I will admit, if you like actually driving a car, and are totally involved with the vehicle, the Prius sucks, and while the '10 Prius is better, it's still not that type of car. However, if you're bitching about the driving dynamics of the Prius while you're driving a Corolla or a Camry, then you need to STFU because neither of those cars are any better. All automatics are boring, I don't care if you're driving a '70s muscle car because all those things can do is drive fast in a straight line. I can certainly appreciate a car with good driving dynamics, however most people don't drive that kind of car, and because of that, they have no room to bitch about the Prius "not being fun" when their car isn't either.

Considering how even my mom said the 10' prius was ugly and drove like crap I don't know what the hell you're talking about. She drives a 1999 I30 normally.

 

[obamanation]

That wasn't the point, the point is that all cars have consumable parts like tires, brakes, etc. The cost of consumable parts shouldn't figure into the total cost of ownership, if you pull out the regenerative braking argument I'll slap you with a trout...

Yeah, your point is completely valid, I just wanted to point out that they have longer lasting tires.. People make that mistake too often where they equate maintenance items as the car nickel and diming them.

Sure drive the prius into the ground and you've kept your "footprint" as small as possible, send a perfectly good vehicle to the junk yard to buy a Prius and you've negated any savings. Consumption is consumption, rather you're drinking whole milk or skim the cow still eats just as much hay.

You're not necessarily sending a car to the junk yard by selling it. In fact, if you're so intent on "saving the environment", keep the GS and buy the Prius or fix the GS to like new condition then resell it.

 

[obamanation]

Considering how even my mom said the 10' prius was ugly and drove like crap I don't know what the hell you're talking about. She drives a 1999 I30 normally.

How does she know this vehicle "drives like crap? Care to elaborate?

 

[CraigRT]

Considering how even my mom said the 10' prius was ugly and drove like crap I don't know what the hell you're talking about. She drives a 1999 I30 normally.

That '99 I30 is an excellent car, and one of the more reliable Nissan has made in a number of years. I can see why she'd hate on a Prius... Coming from an I30, whats to like?

I wouldn't own one if you paid me... Stupid car.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

The batteries aren't "disposed of" they're recycled to make new batteries.. Most of the batteries should be recycled considering they have a $200 bounty on them. Also while it is true the batteries and motors in the Prius use more rare materials, the GS is a larger vehicle than the Prius and so very well could end up using the same amount of "polluting" materials like nickel. If you dare cite that "dust to dust" article comparing the Hummer vs the Prius, I'll have to smack you with a trout..

Fine. Even recycling batteries generates emissions. The point is that hybrids use two drive systems - gasoline powered and electric - so they require more materials and a more complicated manufacturing process than either type independently, and thus are more resource-intensive.

The more environmentally friendly option would be a purely electric vehicle (powered by renewable, cleanly-generated electricity), but those are not mainstream yet.

I'm not a fan of grossly oversized SUVs like the Hummer either, but if you take a more direct comparison (e.g. Corolla to Prius), the Corolla achieves similar utility and longevity, and consumes far less resources over the long term.

 

[Zenmervolt]

How does she know this vehicle "drives like crap? Care to elaborate?

You see, there is something called a "test drive" where people can go to a "car dealership" (that's a place that sells cars; they have lots and lots of different cars available for people to look at and possibly buy as well as employees who will help people research or buy cars) and drive examples of any of the vehicles that the dealership has available. It's a way for people to find out how a vehicle drives and feels before they buy it.

I hope that explains it for you. I tried my best to keep it simple and explicit.

ZV

 

[obamanation]

Fine. Even recycling batteries generates emissions. The point is that hybrids use two drive systems - gasoline powered and electric - so they require more materials and a more complicated manufacturing process than either type independently, and thus are more resource-intensive.

The more environmentally friendly option would be a purely electric vehicle (powered by renewable, cleanly-generated electricity), but those are not mainstream yet.

See, that's how I know you don't know what you're talking about. The fact that you think purely electric cars are "more green" than the Prius shows you have no clue about what you're talking about. The problem with electric cars is that not only is the cost per mile is higher, but it also emits more CO2 than the Toyota Prius. At this time, if you want a vehicle with the best cost per mile and being the most green vehicle, get a Prius or a CNG Honda Civic. Yes I am aware that a $30K vehicle won't pay for itself in gas savings but neither will any new vehicle. You're buying a new vehicle because you want a new vehicle. So don't even attempt to bring used vehicles into the argument about having a better cost per mile.

I'm not a fan of grossly oversized SUVs like the Hummer either, but if you take a more direct comparison (e.g. Corolla to Prius), the Corolla achieves similar utility and longevity, and consumes far less resources over the long term.

See, once again you don't know what you're talking about.. You can't compare a Prius to a Corolla because you just can't.. It's like comparing a BMW 3 series with a Miata.. You just don't do that..

You see, there is something called a "test drive" where people can go to a "car dealership" (that's a place that sells cars; they have lots and lots of different cars available for people to look at and possibly buy as well as employees who will help people research or buy cars) and drive examples of any of the vehicles that the dealership has available. It's a way for people to find out how a vehicle drives and feels before they buy it.

I hope that explains it for you. I tried my best to keep it simple and explicit.

ZV

If you think a test drive is enough to fully evaluate the quality and feel of a car, you're sorely mistaken.. If you really want to get an idea for how a car is, you RENT it if you can. I found after renting a car, some things started to get annoying about the car and other things I got accustomed to and maybe even started to like. You can't find these things out until you've driven the car for several hours at a time.

 

[Zenmervolt]

If you think a test drive is enough to fully evaluate the quality and feel of a car, you're sorely mistaken.. If you really want to get an idea for how a car is, you RENT it if you can. I found after renting a car, some things started to get annoying about the car and other things I got accustomed to and maybe even started to like. You can't find these things out until you've driven the car for several hours at a time.

Son, if you honestly cannot suss out the basic driving dynamics of a car during a 15-20 minute test drive, you're not going to be able to figure them out even if you own the car for a year. Sounds like you simply can't drive.

ZV

 

[bruceb]

See next post. I was editing and the forum did not show my post initially.

 

[bruceb]

Keep it until it dies. I have a 1999 Grand Prix 3800 Gen 2 Vin K motor. It got a new trans (GM factory rebuilt) at 150K due to 4th gear shaft spline failure New motor at 193K due to crankshaft bearing failure. This was due to limping the car back home, about 12 miles, apparently with coolant getting into the oil. I shouldhave stopped and towed it. Motor is now due for first oil change with Mobil 1 Synthetic. Body exterior is in good shape. Some interior wear, not bad.

 

[obamanation]

Son, if you honestly cannot suss out the basic driving dynamics of a car during a 15-20 minute test drive, you're not going to be able to figure them out even if you own the car for a year. Sounds like you simply can't drive.

ZV

There is a strong dichotomy in how we evaluate our vehicles.. The problem with the reviews you linked to and you specifically is that your way of evaluating a vehicle is pushing it to its limits and then giving it a score. This is akin to running 3Dmark on a your grandmother's computer, generating a score and using that score to evaluate the computer in its entirety. The problem with this and essentially your approach is that you're not testing the vehicle the way you're going to be driving it most of the time. It's pretty easy to establish the vehicles lower and upper limits but to figure out how a vehicle performs in between requires a lot of driving. There is a reason why good reviewers also have test drives that last for several thousand miles and or after a few years. To be able to correctly summarize how a vehicle works with you takes far more than a 20 minute test drive.