When you say travel is involved in your new position are you talking about driving or flying? If your travel means you are going to be driving all over the place then I can understand the draw behind better mpg as well as the lowever fuel level. However, your Lexus has decent mileage on it. I would recommend starting the new position and waiting 6 monhs to a year and then make the decision. You will have been in the position long enough by then to really know what your needs are with regards to the travel.
Now, if your new travel is flying and you just want a new car because you are making more and want to reward yourself... hmmm, that's a question that only you can answer I am actually a big fan of both Nissan and Lexus (although I weirdly don't like Infinitiy or Toyota). Personally I like the Altima better than the Lexus IS. But, as Remember0, mentions, run the math and see if you are coming out ahead in the long run.
@dbutz1109 wrote:
Thanks for the feedback.
Remember0, you made a good point about the longer terms since I would max my loan to get the lowest possible payment. GooseGirl, I will be driving but you make a good point of seeing just how much driving I'll be doing and the distance. Just hoping I don't run the miles up to a high amount and then find myself still owing two years or so on it. I guess I can deal with it then though. I hear the Lexus vehicles run long even with high mileage and also tend to stay out of the repair shop. Found it funny because I also hate Infiniti and Toyota.
Thanks for the thoughts again guys.
Cheers.
I have a 04 Lexus RX 330, bought it brand spanking new off the dealer back in 2004 with no miles. I drive 50-60 each way to work and for 4 years an additional 30 miles to drop my daughter off at school. I have 250,000 miles on it. Runs like a baby. I love it to death. My first and only repair was done at around 215,000 one of the sensors went. I think I paid about $1,500.00 for the repair.
Lexus is an awesome brand. People can't belive how many miles I have on it. If you do your routine maintenance (oil change, tire change/rotation), it will last you a lifetime.
My husband wants me to go get a new one (he feels bad his car is newer), but I'm holding off, hoping I can run it until it has 300,000 miles.
In my opinion, I would stick with the Lexus. Although it's more expensive it will last you twice as long. You can't say that for many brands.
Good Luck to you 
@SCYD wrote:
@dbutz1109 wrote:
Thanks for the feedback.
Remember0, you made a good point about the longer terms since I would max my loan to get the lowest possible payment. GooseGirl, I will be driving but you make a good point of seeing just how much driving I'll be doing and the distance. Just hoping I don't run the miles up to a high amount and then find myself still owing two years or so on it. I guess I can deal with it then though. I hear the Lexus vehicles run long even with high mileage and also tend to stay out of the repair shop. Found it funny because I also hate Infiniti and Toyota.
Thanks for the thoughts again guys.
Cheers.I have a 04 Lexus RX 330, bought it brand spanking new off the dealer back in 2004 with no miles. I drive 50-60 each way to work and for 4 years an additional 30 miles to drop my daughter off at school. I have 250,000 miles on it. Runs like a baby. I love it to death. My first and only repair was done at around 215,000 one of the sensors went. I think I paid about $1,500.00 for the repair.
Lexus is an awesome brand. People can't belive how many miles I have on it. If you do your routine maintenance (oil change, tire change/rotation), it will last you a lifetime.
My husband wants me to go get a new one (he feels bad his car is newer), but I'm holding off, hoping I can run it until it has 300,000 miles.
In my opinion, I would stick with the Lexus. Although it's more expensive it will last you twice as long. You can't say that for many brands.
Good Luck to you
+1
My 06 IS 250 has 252000 miles and still runs great. We had to do a transmission rebuild at 230K, though, but that has been the only problem to date. I run fine on 87, but get better results with 89. As for MPG, I can get well above 30 highway, if I stick closer to 65 instead of 80.