I need help in buying a used 05 Scion Tc. I am buying a used scion TC from a private seller. what should i be

Question

I have already looked up the carfax, and the car has a clean car fax. I have already test driven the car to make sure i like what i am driving and getting into. I also popped the hood and looked in the hood for oil leaks or new parts (as thats the sign as an accident). It looks like the car was never in an accident.

Should i be looking at the maintainence records? and what should i be looking in the maintainence records? Should i call any scion dealer to ask anything about this car (as i have the VIN# of the car)?.

The car is 2005 with 35k miles. It has minor scratches on the body (Nothing too big). I am getting the car for $11,800. Is this a good price? And the car is the base model with automatic tranny with LOJACK (its helpful to trace the car if it ever gets stolen) and remote starter.

Any help regarding this will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

When buying any used car, which is the most financially responsible purchase anyone could ever make, you want to look for several things. Brakes, expensive and deteriorating. Look at the rotors for tracks or impressions, look for brake pad wear. This is a good indication of whether the previous owner is a respectful one to his/her vehicle. Look for leaks of any kind. If a seller won't let you take the vehicle to a garage and rack it, then they're hiding something off the bat. Look for mis-colored paint in the door jams, trunk jams etc. Mis-colored paint is an indicator of a wreck and cover up work. Under the hood, pull a couple main fuses and inspect for dirt. Dirt in these enclosed and protect locations is evidence of flood damage, for only water can get in there. Form an opinion of the age and gender of the seller. Young guys don't care about a car, young women are typically to afraid or ignorant to "beat" a car up, the older or retired crowd can usually guarantee without word that they properly maintained they're vehicle. One last thing, appearance is everything. If they seller took the time to clean the car, then they really care. Don't buy off the the bat. Give yourself three days to think it over. (Compulsion) and search for a better deal. Don't buy something you don't love for that kind of money. Because if what you don't love isn't right in front of you, yahoo autos can locate it for you. To the "T". Good luck with your purchase....AAP P.s. a vehicle with 35k in good condition should be aprox 2k off new price or better. Miles are everything.

Answer 2

The one thing I would do before I bought it is to take the car to a mechanic and have him look at the car. There are services in the phone book for car inspections. It may cost you a 100 or so, but it is very worth it. They will give you a complete report on the car. My neighbor had one done on a car he was buying, the inspector took about 8 hours going over the car. Pulled the wheels and inspected the brakes, ran compression tests on the engine, checked fault codes.

then you know what you are getting. As for the price, check with www.kbb.com and see what they say the car is worth for a private seller. Then you know the average price.

Answer 3

I would look at the maintance records, the dealer that has done the work may be able to share info with you, if the seller agrees, take it to a good mechanic and get a check up on it, i think the price is reasonable, you still have warrenty left also..I think at least check that out should be to 50,000
get the car, you will love it, they are reliable and fun

Answer 4

that sounds like a reasonable price. scion (toyota) doesnt depreciate as fast as a say...a ford will. You could have an inspection done by a mechanic when you get it...since you still have 1000 miles left of your warranty. enjoy your tC.