Would you do this swap?

I

IzZzy

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I currently have a 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV, with 31k on the clock. I bought it new.

I've been flirting with the idea of swapping her in for a used 2012 Lexus ct200h, with about the same km on the clock.

My reasons (in order or priority):
1) I like the car;
2) I only do heavy traffic driving and I've calculated I can save R500 a month (if I do the swap, I'd invest this extra cash). Don't get me wrong, I can afford the petrol, but R500 extra saving would be nice;
3) I'm currently paying prime+1, and I can get prime -1;
4) I want a car that I can keep for the longish term (8 years or so) so reliability and comfort are key;
5) There is a facelight to the Alfa coming, which would affect its value after the facelift;
6) I'd be changing from a manual to an automatic;
7) It has a lot more cool features (like keyless entry);
8) My repayments and term of finance would be more or less the same.

The only disadvantages would be going from a 173kw car to a 100kw car. That being said, whilst having the power on tap is nice, the odd occassion that I use it (on freeways, to overtake) doesn't really justify its existence. There is nothing wrong with my Alfa, and if I had to keep her, so be it.

Nonetheless, my GF says I am being full retard and I am just bored of the Alfa. She may have a point, and my reasoning above may have come after the fact but I still think its a good move. She has a (justified) adversion to used cars, and she originally wanted the Lexus so I think she may be a bit biased against me getting it ;)

Interested to hear your views.
 
My advice would be to do what you really want, just be prepared for maintenence costs on a 2nd hand if you're doing the switch.
 
Seems like a good switch, on the surface of it. Not sure how the Lexus holds its value, though? Might be an issue if you intend to keep if for that long. And parts prices after it's out of motorplan.
 
I know the 1750 QV very well, and although it's a lovely car, it's not one that I could live with over an extended period. I loathe the clutch operation, and torque steer really messes up trying to use those kw!!

Biggest problem is how much you are going to lose on the Alfa - or is it a direct swap with the Lexus?

Finally, have you driven the Lexus beyond a cursory test drive? You have to decide whether all of its bells and whistles outweigh what you currently have :)

Personally, I could live with the swap, but you must be certain before you jump in at the deep end.
 
Batista said:
My advice is listen to your GF.
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Funny thing, she said that too :D


vicv said:
My advice would be to do what you really want, just be prepared for maintenence costs on a 2nd hand if you're doing the switch.
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It would still be covered by the service/warranty plan for the first few years.

OrbitalDawn said:
Seems like a good switch, on the surface of it. Not sure how the Lexus holds its value, though? Might be an issue if you intend to keep if for that long. And parts prices after it's out of motorplan.
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Well as I see it, its a hybrid so I don't think it will retain its value? In any event, after a good couple of years no car will be worth much anyway. Not sure about part prices (or battery replacement).

Fazda said:
I know the 1750 QV very well, and although it's a lovely car, it's not one that I could live with over an extended period. I loathe the clutch operation, and torque steer really messes up trying to use those kw!!

Biggest problem is how much you are going to lose on the Alfa - or is it a direct swap with the Lexus?

Finally, have you driven the Lexus beyond a cursory test drive? You have to decide whether all of its bells and whistles outweigh what you currently have :)

Personally, I could live with the swap, but you must be certain before you jump in at the deep end.
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Yeah the clutch is quite...unique. Torque steer makes it feel like the original skyline on Need for Speed :P

It's not a direct swap, but would be a trade in and refinance the balance. I realise I would be left with "sunk costs" but regardless, there is no way to claw back those costs and I'm trying to avoid further sunk costs with the facelift coming out. I plan to go test drive it tomorrow morning, and see from there! You don't happen to have a ct200h lying around? :D

EDIT: I see you are at AR now and still making the comment about the QV? :P
 
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You don't cover the main question... what is is that you want in a car, comfort and luxury or something that fun to drive?

I would say swap if you can deal with the drop in power and the move away from a sporty drive...
 
phiber said:
You don't cover the main question... what is is that you want in a car, comfort and luxury or something that fun to drive?

I would say swap if you can deal with the drop in power and the move away from a sporty drive...
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When I wanted the Alfa, it was obviously all about sport and I got the fastest car I could. But I don't actually need that speed because 90% of the time I am in traffic. Its wasted IMHO. Because I'm in traffic all the time, why not take advantage of it?
 
EDIT: I see you are at AR now and still making the comment about the QV? :P
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Yes! :D

I will not lie to you about a car, just to get the sale.

I also don't like the TCT box on the Mito, for example, and I would try and talk you out of it! ;)
 
The Lexus will be more reliable than the Alfa. Also more boring, but if you are approaching your mature years, this might not be a bad thing
 
A Alfa for a pos Lexus.
Please do the swap, I would feel so much better knowing such people exist. :D
 
What is the build quality of alfa's these days ?

Seems italian built cars start falling apart and disintegrating after 3 yrs or so, leaving a trail of bits and pieces in their wake.
One sees plenty of german and japanese cars that are over 5 yrs old & are still doing well, but it seems rare to see an italian car on the road that is over 5yrs old.
 
grantza said:
What is the build quality of alfa's these days ?

Seems italian built cars start falling apart and disintegrating after 3 yrs or so, leaving a trail of bits and pieces in their wake.
One sees plenty of german and japanese cars that are over 5 yrs old & are still doing well, but it seems rare to see an italian car on the road that is over 5yrs old.
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Quality is excellent - Alfas and Fiats are all assembled in Italy again, and they have got their act together - the older ones assembled here and in India were a bloody disaster.

As for not seeing many around...you won't - Alfa is a niche market in SA and sales figures are low enough for them to be relatively rare on our roads, when comparing with any Jap or Korean on the road.
 
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