jlefflerster

Until Friday, I drove a 2008 Saturn Aura XE with about 61,000 miles. The car was okay; nothing to write home about. Got me from point A to point B. The interior was cheap and plasticy. Over the pas couple of months, I began to notice quarky things like the blinker not turning off after making turns, the mist feature for the wipers not working...the radio started to short out now and then, the drivers power seat was not working consistently. Needed new tires, new brakes, all new fluids, and was approaching it's next big mileage checkup. Oh, and the tags were to be renewed this month. Fast forward to last Thursday, I came across a fully loaded (minus nav) 2005 RX330 AWD with 80k for $22k. It was in impeccable shape. Pinged the vin on Lexus.com and found all major maintenance was done early or on time and was dealer-serviced. The suv looks new inside and out. I did two independent deals for the trade and new purchase and walked away with a decent deal. Being a Saturn that went under, I didn't expect a lot for my trade. I was able to get less than we owed on it, but still more than Carmax was offering and most other dealerships. I also got the price of the Lexus down to $18,500 - which means at the end of the deal, with taxes and all things considered, financing $21k - .... Talk about a huge upgrade; low end Saturn to high end Lexus. Drives like a dream. Even with more miles and a little older, it should last me years to come. Oh, and it's cheaper to insure than the Saturn, go figure....so I win there too. Anyway, I'm joining the group to learn tips and tricks and any fun upgrades. The first thing I need to do is get Bluetooth and an iPod dock installed!