u/G10-

I’m trying to decide whether it makes sense to sell my 2014 Lexus ES 350 and upgrade to a 2021-22 Lexus ES 300h. I’d appreciate input from people who have owned either car, especially anyone who has switched from the V6 ES (Mated to a 6 speed auto) to the hybrid.

My current car: 2014 Lexus ES 350

Approximately 95,000 miles
3.5L V6 that I genuinely enjoy driving
Around 18.5 MPG in my real-world driving
Paid off, with no monthly car payment
$208/month for insurance
Roughly $100/week in gas
Complete Lexus service history and paperwork
Extended warranty through March 2027 ($250 deductible that stays with car)
Recently had work done valued at $7,800 on control arms and shocks (Yes it was covered by warranty)
Brand-new Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires costing around $1,100 about 5-7k miles ago…
Fresh brake fluid and coolant, plus a previous transmission service at 70,000 miles
Some cosmetic issues, including curb-rashed wheels (FROM PREVIOUS OWNER NOT ME.), minor bumper damage small scrape from a fender bender hit and run, and cracking beginning on the driver’s seat like so small
I’ve always gotten oil changes at 5k miles/6 months (which ever comes first) or earlier.
I love my cars and are always taken care of as if they were myself
Yes: Ceramic Tint (Lifetime warranty), All Weather Mats around the whole car ($350 bucks value), Lexus Med pack (unused bc it’s a cool novelty), trunk net, I have a book made of all services done to this car and a second key fob and valet key (3 physical keys total)

ALL AND ANY WORK DONE TO THIS CAR IS FROM LEXUS DEALERS ONLY

The car has been maintained well, and I’ve put significant money into keeping it mechanically sorted. However, I know the mileage will continue increasing, and I have a $900 maintenance service planned for December.

100k mile service (Spark plugs, Engine air filter, Cabin Air, and oil change)
Tire rotation will also be completed
A/C Service for smell, the early 6th gen has this issue from 2013-2015 it’s normal lol.

The car I’m considering: 2021-22 Lexus ES 300h

I like the idea of getting a newer luxury sedan that offers substantially better fuel economy without giving up the comfort and refinement I enjoy about my current Lexus. The hybrid gets approximately 44 MPG combined, compared with the roughly 14.5 - 20.5 MPG I’m currently experiencing.

I’m planning to commute to my new university about three days per week, so fuel economy will become more important. I also want to keep my next car for at least 3–5 years, potentially longer.

The downside is that I’d be giving up the V6. I genuinely enjoy the smoothness and power of the ES 350, and I’m wondering whether the ES 300h will feel like a downgrade in acceleration and highway driving. (I know it will, but as a car enthusiast will it murder my happiness forever)

The financial situation

A dealer has offered me a maximum of $13,000 for my current ES 350. (I felt it like a slap in the face tbh) However, I believe I could potentially sell it privately for $18,000–$19,000, although I understand that price isn’t guaranteed. (If you think I’m crazy, yes, yes I am, carry on now.)

I’m looking at a 2021-22 ES 300h in roughly the $26,000–$28,000 range. I have a previous auto-loan pre-approval at 4.99% APR, valid through January 2027, and I’ve considered financing for 60 months while making extra principal payments to pay it off earlier.

I’m also trying to balance MAYBE buying a car with saving for college tuition and eventually moving out. I currently have a nice saving account around, so I don’t want to put myself in a position where too much of my money is tied up in a vehicle.

What I’m struggling with

Is it worth selling a paid-off, well-maintained ES 350 with 95,000 miles to get a newer ES 300h, or should I keep driving the V6?
How significant is the real-world fuel savings, especially with a highway commute? Could the savings justify the cost of upgrading?
For someone planning to keep the car for 3–5+ years, would you trust a used ES 300h’s hybrid system and battery long-term?
Would you personally pay the premium for the ES 300h, or keep the ES 350 and avoid taking on another car payment?
Would you sell privately for potentially $17,000–$18,000 rather than accept the dealer’s $13,000 trade-in offer?

I know the financially safest option is to keep a paid-off car that is already maintained, but I also want better fuel economy and a newer vehicle before starting my university commute. I’m trying to figure out whether this is a sensible long-term upgrade or whether I’m letting the appeal of a newer car outweigh the financial benefits of keeping what I have.

I’d appreciate honest opinions, particularly from owners who have made a similar switch.