I spent a lot of time this morning researching sporty luxury cars. I’m leaning heavily toward the Lexus IS 350 or 250, depending on whether the 100 extra horses feel worth the $5000 price difference during a future test drive. A close second, possibly also to be decided during a test drive, is the Infiniti G35 Coupe. It’s got less horsepower (-26) than the Lexus IS 350, but it’s also 500 lbs lighter, so it may not need as much torque to get going. It’s also $3000 less than the IS 350. But it’s $1500 more than the IS 250, and way less fuel efficient than both Lexuses.

Here’s what’s holding me back:
– can’t justify new car when my current car is running just fine
– haven’t had a car payment in 6 years and don’t really want to start again
– my cousin services my Honda and I don’t want to give up maintenance perks to switch to a non-Honda
– spending 35 Gs on a car means no investment real estate for me for awhile
– there’s no tax/financial benefit to spending dough on a car! I can’t write that sucker off.
– I feel sorry for my poor faithful car, which is in great condition presently

Here’s what’s pushing me toward it:
– my current car is 8 years old, and my parents are saying it’s about time I got something new
– I can spare the money; I’m not supporting anyone, mortgage pretty low, no debt (except the mortgage), not saving up for anything special/big
– I want a new toy

But 3-4 years of payment is a long commitment. =( And I don’t need a new car. Maybe I’ll go visit some dealerships and see if they make me a deal I can’t refuse.