u/Dogtor107

2023 IX 50, pretty much base model. Love my car but my lease is up in 08/2027. However I am only 7,000 miles away already from my lease limit and drive around 1k per month so definitely going to hit the limit soon. My residual price will be 41k and I'll have around 50k miles on it probably by the time I can trade it in. Thoughts on buying it out? Bad vs good value?

Currently debating whether to apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve as a new account (to capture the welcome bonus) vs. the Amex Platinum vs other. Planning on a fun travel year next year (japan, greece, and mexico) and looking to maximize points/benefits before traveling. Heavy Chase ecosystem already — have URs across Preferred, Freedom Flex, and Freedom Unlimited. Main priorities are lounge access, strong transfer partners for Japan/Europe, and solid dining/travel earn rates.

Current cards:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred $14,500 limit, 07/2019
• Chase Freedom Flex $14,100 limit, 04/2020
• Chase Freedom Unlimited $8,900 limit, 10/2019
• Citi/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard $16,500 limit, 02/2022
• Discover Cash Back (locked, used for 0% APR), 05/2025
• Citi Custom Cash (locked, used for 0% APR), 07/2026
• FICO Score: 811–830 depending on bureau
• Oldest account age: 13 years
• Chase 5/24 status: 2/24
• Income: $260,000
• Average monthly spend and categories:
  • dining: ~$300
  • groceries: ~$500–600
  • gas: $0 (EV)
  • travel: ~$850
  • other (shopping): ~$750–1,000
• Open to Business Cards: Not at this time
• What's the purpose of your next card? Travel rewards — planning trips to Japan, Mexico, and Europe in 2027; primary goal is maximizing airfare and hotel coverage
• Do you have any cards you've been looking at? Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum — open to other suggestions
• Are you OK with category spending or do you want a general spending card? Either

How does it compare to AAO? Debating on going to AAO vs ESCRS this year.

For context I currently do comprehensive in the US.

Thanks for any input!