Talk Me Down ...Thinking of trading Prius for Maxima

I am looking at used cars and funny enough ....I was also looking at a used 2007 Lexus LS 350 w/about 31000 miles. Rides like floating on a cloud. I was very impressed. I also drove an Acura and an Audi. I came back to the Maxima (2008) with sports suspension and loaded w/the luxury items. It's top of the line for them but of course if you want their competition for the Lexus it's the Infiniti. At any rate this car seemed to have the combo of luxury and sports sedan I wanted. I, like you, never buy new anymore as it's a waste of money w/deprecitation being what it is. I bought the Prius, an 08 with 26K miles and fully loaded, for $16K. It hands down wins the battle of economy, but not comfort or luxury for sure. I do love my occasional stops at the gas pump though and the payment is minimal.

Anyhow thanks for the feedback, I'll let you know. New car fever can be intoxicating at times but ultimately it is a mode for getting from point A to point B. I just like going there in comfort and as fast as I may feel like :mod:

 

The later model Maximas all have the VQ35 engines. Original HP was ranked at 265 were actually rated at 265 until 2007 when industry measurements changed. There is no doubt that the BMW will win the handling battle in most any case really. I dumped the bimmer for a specific need, cash flow and equity, to take my wife on a 20th anniversary cruise! I drove my 1990 Maxima for 12 years and nearly 200K miles. I have had a rapid succession recently but am looking at what car I want to drive into my 50's as this will be a long term commitment. The combo of some sporty handling combined w/comfort and luxury is what attracts me back to the Maxima. I really do envy your paid for vehicles as I had that for awhile. I also know I'll never get back there if I don't settle down. The true dilemma is want vs need but in most instances it is. I really don't need to be super comfortable for my commutes and site visits for work, the Prius is adequate. I also don't need to blow anyone off the road as it's not a racetrack. The soul searching lead me here to toss it out as I know the practical choice but my dark side is calling. Thanks for the feedback ..I'll let ya know

 

That's very sound advice based on my presentation and your analysis of how soon I'm looking. I agree that if I have wandering eyes this soon it doesn't bode well. I am trying to decide if I am just not used to appreciating the positives of Prius ownership or if I am just denying my true nature. I think the latter might be the case. All who know me were stunned when I made the switch to a Prius and thought that move the impulsive one. As one friend pointed out "the universe will come back into alignment once you switch back". I am trying to stay open minded though and teachable. The idea of throwing out my decision to a group in a chat to second guess or advise me would never have happened in my younger days. Now I know that just maybe I should take a moment and breath before I make decisions. I must admit the extra money that goes towards gas along w/additional $50 in payment does add up to over $200/mo. That over 5 yrs is $12000! That's a lot of money when I look at it that way. I could save that for later in life ....or could enjoy it now. I would like to make a sound decision but not one I regret every day. The other point made here that if gas spikes again I'll be kicking my tush all the way to the pump.

 

I drove my first Maxima for over 12 yrs so I must say it's not my normal pattern of behavior, this multiple switching thing. I think it may have just dawned on me that I'm trying to have a mid life crisis. I did like the quote here somewhere that "it's a car not and identity". The comfort factor is a big part but I've always had a thing for speed. I need to get over it to be practical or give in to it and play.

 

That's pretty smart long term thinking my friend! It is especially ingenius to someone in the throws of new car frenzy. I believe that if I can take a step back, which I don't want to, I can see the benefits of standing pat. The car is not particularly fun to drive ...to me at least...but I do take some joy out of chasing my gas mileage records. I do think one fuel crisis and the Maxima could become a huge financial liability. My prius is only at 30k miles, has bluetooth, heated leather seats, the premium audio system, fog lights, the camera (of course), an alarm system, the remote keyless entry and all the other normal amenities of the Prius. It's not a bad car by any means and it certainly serves the transportation need well. I can't stand the smell of the car. I don't like the "bouncy feeling" or wind drift it can get on bad weather days. The braking is adequate but nothing to write home about. The shudder when she comes to stop is a little annoying but I understand much less in the new generation. I don't like the obstructed rear view (camera or no camera) either. SO that's my goods and bads. Ultimatley though the cash savings can't be denied in the end. Thanks for the feedback. I will certainly consider your thoughts and others here .....that's why I put it out there. Much appreciated.

 

My estimate was $2400 based on 18mpg in my beamer with premium uleaded (same as Maxima would be) and the difference in the payment of about $50 to boot. I drive about 12K miles a year. Obviously the 49mpg is more than double the 18mpg for my situation as well. He rounded way up on my $2400 lol. There is additional maint not counted here though that the Prius will not encounter in the 5 yr period, especially the brakes. At any rate hope that clarifies.