James, you are crazy. I would hardly call the lack of MTX/hatch and folding rear seat fatal flaws. I guess if it were my only vehicle, maybe the folding back seat would mean more, but I have a pickup.

The interior has just as good materials as the G35, just styled more towards sport than class. Although I haven't driven one, I was somewhat let down with the G35 when I surveyed the interior. With all the hype, I was expecting more, and larger. IS300 makes better use of its size than the G35 whick rised on a 6" longer wheelbase.

Buying a new Mazda 6 would leave me in no better situation than I am in now. I would not buy a 4-cyl, let alone lease one. The only reason I bought the Stratus over others is becuase of this special lease program. Sticker was $19.2k. If I lease it for a year then buy it, I pay $10.6k plus tax. I could barely get a Neon, Ranger not a Focus for that much money, and I have a mid-size car with decent equipment. $5k more for Mazda 6i. It may be a better car, but who cares when it cost 50% more? If I wer buying a 6, it would be a 6s with most options. I would owe the same amount as my IS300 and I know the IS300 is a better car for keeping for 200k miles, even with a 40k head start for a new car. I would have to get the sport package with 17" wheels and still have low profile tires that don't work for my commute. I would lose HID, RWD, LSD, and go back to a Duratec which although sounds nice, is nowhere near as nice as the I6. I never said I was I was underwhelmed with my car. I love driving my IS300! And, the quality and little details enhance my lifestyle.

I put on about 22k miles per year, another 18k on my wife's truck between commuting and camping/4-wheeling trips. And Another 3-5k on my RX-7. Leasing has never been an option for me. But, I can trade cars with my wife occasionally, and drive the RX-7 more. Or, I can buy it and not pay mileage penlties. Or, I can get another car in 8 months and park this one. The deal is just too hard to pass up.

Eric,

My wife said I don't even have to wax this car if I only keep it for a year. I told her I may even take it to a soft cloth car wash. But you know me. There will be Zaino on it for the winter and I'll send you pictures.

Aaron