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Trade in a newer car for an older one?

15 messages,  Last post on Apr 20, 2012 at 6:55 AM

You are in the Infiniti G35 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Infiniti G35, Scion tC, Infiniti M35, Car Buying, Car Selling, Coupe, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#6 of 15 Re: Trade in a newer car for an older one? [kirstie_h] by jamerob02

Apr 19, 2012 (1:40 pm)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Apr 19, 2012 1:26 pm)
I haven't really considered any other vehicles simply because my brother has an Infiniti and he loves it, he's never had any problems with it and I'd like to be in something a little more higher end that will hold its value well.
 
I did think about starting over with another loan but I figured, if I end up liking the car as much as I think I will then I'll be keeping if for a couple of years past that anyway, if not I probably wont keep it for the full term of the loan!
 
I figured if I'm really unhappy with my current car, I should just get rid of it and get a car that I really do like since I spend so much time in the darn thing (thank you LA traffic) and now's as good a time as any, before the economy really picks up!
 
I guess I should see what sort of an interest rate I can get first before I make any drastic decisions huh...

#7 of 15 Re: Trade in a newer car for an older one? [ateixeira] by jamerob02

Apr 19, 2012 (1:44 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 19, 2012 1:36 pm)
Thanks! I'm working with my current credit union to see what they could do for me. I figure since I've paid off a bunch of interest, they should like me! I also plan on taking the car (if I get it) to my mechanic so he can give it a once-over before I buy it.
 
If I could get around 5% that would really help on a monthly basis since I'm not anticipating not having a car payment anytime soon.

#8 of 15 Re: Trade in a newer car for an older one? [jamerob02] by kirstie_h HOST

Apr 19, 2012 (1:47 pm)

Replying to: jamerob02 (Apr 19, 2012 1:40 pm)
Good first step - do as ateixara suggested above - shop credit unions and such, so you'll know what you're qualified for. The dealer may be able to beat their rate, but at least you'll have an idea.
 
Also, as ateixara suggested, I'd shop CPO. I used to have a long city commute, too, so I understand the value in getting a vehicle that you enjoy spending time in (which is why I ended up with the G35). I'm sure you know you'll be losing some MPG, but again, make sure your budget isn't too tight to accommodate maintenance.
 
Since you aren't in a super mad rush, I'd check out some of the G's competitors. You might as well take a few test drives, as you might find something else you love more, or equally, that's CPO and, perhaps one you can get a good deal on - you never know.

#9 of 15 Re: Trade in a newer car for an older one? [kirstie_h] by jamerob02

Apr 19, 2012 (1:54 pm)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Apr 19, 2012 1:47 pm)
Thats great advise! Thank you both!

#10 of 15 Re: Trade in a newer car for an older one? [jamerob02] by fedlawman

Apr 19, 2012 (5:01 pm)

Replying to: jamerob02 (Apr 19, 2012 1:54 pm)
Most car loans front-load the interest payments so you pay more interest in the early years and more principle in the later years.
 
If that's the case with your loan, you might actually end up paying MORE interest if you refinance - even at a lower rate.

#11 of 15 Re: Trade in a newer car for an older one? [fedlawman] by graphicguy

Apr 19, 2012 (5:57 pm)

Replying to: fedlawman (Apr 19, 2012 5:01 pm)
Can't really add to what kirstie, ate, or fed has said. All of it is good advice. Personally, I'd keep the Scion and pay it off. Get a lower interest rate and pay it off. Then, do whatever you want. Don't let what others have influence your decisions. That's a fools game.

#12 of 15 Re: Trade in a newer car for an older one? [jamerob02] by corvette

Apr 19, 2012 (8:03 pm)

Replying to: jamerob02 (Apr 19, 2012 12:13 pm)
If you refinance it, the monthly payment will be lower, but you will also be resetting the clock--if you refinance for 60 months, you will be making payments for 60 months from today, plus however many months you have already been making payments on it.
 
The resale value on an Infiniti will not be that different than a Scion, but the Infiniti is a nicer car. Any repair cost will be higher on the Infiniti, but they are fairly reliable. Insurance and taxes will be higher on the Infiniti. I would suggest refinancing the Scion to a lower interest rate but continuing to pay the same monthly payment amount as you are now. You will end up with a car that is fully paid for sooner this way.

#13 of 15 Options by anonymousposts

Apr 20, 2012 (6:35 am)

why not consider a used TSX. It will be nicer than the Scion, just as reliable, and cheaper than the Infiniti. A G35 will be more expensive to maintain, it is a performance car, which means more expensive tires, brakes, etc.

#14 of 15 Re: Options [anonymousposts] by kirstie_h HOST

Apr 20, 2012 (6:55 am)

Replying to: anonymousposts (Apr 20, 2012 6:35 am)
And I can testify that the G goes through both fairly quickly. New tires for my G were about $900. By comparison, my Ford replacements were under $500. New brake pads & rotors (because you have to replace rotors w/pads on these) came to over $300, and I can't recall whether that was all 4 or just 2.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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