<$10k tC: Possible? Advisable?

[jaffy]

Howdy folks

I'm hoping to join the cool kids with my own tC (used) sometime within the next month, but I'm wondering how best to approach getting one.

A couple of n00b questions:

- The prices at dealers I've spoken to all start ~$13k - even for a 2006 - and this is expected, given the bluebook/edmunds estimates I've been seeing. However, a quick scan on Craigslist and eBay (I know, I know) brings up some interesting deals in the $8-10k range by buying from private owners. Any thoughts on what's making up the discrepancy here? Inspections? Dealer markup?

- Assuming I do my homework on a private seller's offering, e.g. carfax and all that jazz, is it advisable to even pursue these deals in the hopes of getting a <k tC, or am I better off with a dealer?

I'd really appreciate you guys thoughts!

J

[navylife59]

You are making sound judgments there Jaffy. Yes, the Scion tC has maintained a remarkable resale value do to Scion Marketing, lower volume per year production, the popularity of the Brand/car, overall safety, and customer satisfaction (no run away gas pedals here). To find one under $10K would cause me to be a little cautious. Beyond the Carfox stuff, an independent mechanic's inspection should be done before you sign your name. Key aspects to check for is curbing as that seems to be the number one "driver error" issue out there.

Scion is a Brand angled towards the young, first time car buyer. These individuals tend to not have the driving skills yet have the bravado of a Formula One driver. The cars are very stout and can take a beating but sliding into a curb at any speed is going to cause some damage like the front k-member (sub-frame). This damage is explained here in this post, http://www.club-tc.com/forums/paint-...html#post24216. If you want to read more, you can use the Advance Search feature at the top of the Forum and search the word "k-member".

If it is manual, the clutch needs to be check out for excessive wear. There was a spat of clutches that had defective friction material. This only effected less than 0.5% of the cars out there. More likely the clutch may have been burnt by that of an overly zealous clutch footer looking to smoke the tires.

[jaffy]

Thanks so much, navylife59, this is great info to have - I knew you enthusiasts would have the best tips =)

I totally hadn't considered the types of past owners I'll likely be encountering when dealing with private sellers. I had also been idly considering getting a manual (seems like a good life skill to learn, plus they're cheaper...), so the background info on the clutch is priceless.

One quick follow-up question: would you think it's better to get the inspection done by a scion dealer, or would any mechanic do?

I'm in your debt!

J

[navylife59]

If you were to use a Dealership, they should know enough about Scions now. In the first few years, the Dealerships knew little to nothing about it; treating them as 100% Toyota. Well, Scions have some differences than Toyotas. One was window jamb protection. My 2007 Camry does not have this and only auto down on the driver's window. My tC has full auto up/down with jamb protection. These guys had to have this pointed out to them in the owner's manual. It is much better today so a Toyota Dealership might be best unless you have a mechanic that you trust.

[Nathanr.6168]

I personally would go to a dealer. At the dealership that I work at, we check the car in the shop before we sell them. so you know you are getting a good quality car with out the worries of the craigslist sale.