Hi Scotty,
Should I buy a 2012 Scion xB for $6500 with 161K miles from a private party? Its an automatic. I think the xBs look a little wierd but I'm looking for a reliable commuter care with a decent engine and transmission. I'm seeing better deals on these models than the tCs.
Danarello
I think the price is way too high. I wouldn't use anything that old for daily duty.
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Find a newer civic with manual and save your money.
Yep! I agree.
Absolutely, those were excellent cars. The fact that they look a little weird is probably why you are able to get a better price. Those were solid cars.
Too much money for that car. But if your mechanic gives you a green light and you are happy with the price, go ahead.
Hi Scotty,
Up for sale on OfferUp is a 2008 Toyota Corolla type S for $7500 with 127K miles by original owner with paperwork/service records. Should I buy that car? I'm thinkin, "Yes!" but sometimes there are certain years to avoid like the 2007-2009 Rav4s with the 2AZ-FE engines.
If that’s an E120/E130 Corolla with a ZR engine it’s a good choice, one of Toyotas greatest. But watch out for the “EuroSpec” ZZ and NZ engines those had a list of things you should worry about and I’d skip on those.
if that’s an E140/E150 Corolla then It’s still a great car but I’d advise getting a slightly older one as the ‘08 was the first model year and it had some issues. In general in this generation the engines to get were the excellent 1ZR and the good 2ZR. (Unlike the 1ZR, the 2ZR had issues with the VVT system and was much more prone to burning oil. Overall it’s still a solid engine)
As far as the price and mileage, I do not know, the used car market is crazy nowadays. Where I currently live (outside of the US) I got my 70k mile ‘11 Volvo for just over $6k.
type in the main post: “… slightly newer* one”
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On the ZZ engine,
most sources agree with that’s said here:
https://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=160
“ An approximate mileage which you can get out of a 1.8L 1ZZ-FE is 125,000 miles”
And that does match what I’ve been seeing in my personal experience working on those.
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Sadly that’s the cold hard truth as it is.
Dan, the North American version for 2002-2008 model year used the 1.8L 1ZZ-FE engine on the CE, LE, and S trims.
@DayWalker
Can you please check how much these lasted around your area? I don't mean very persevered survivors used mostly on the highway but the average ones...
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I herd a lot of negative things about that engine, but I'm not sure. almost all corollas in my area used the legendary 1ZR-FE that did easily last 180k miles or even more.
Hello Scotty,
Should I buy a 2008 Toyota Corolla Type S for $7500 from a private party with 127 K miles? It's an automatic and has a 1ZZ-FE engine according to the owner. This is the same question I already posted with additional information.
Danarello
Do not make multiple posts please. Just add a comment with the additional information to your original question. Thanks.,
The engine issues in the 1ZZ-FE were addressed by 2005-2006 model year, so that 2008 model year (also the last year of that generation of Corolla in North America) is fine.
See below:
https://www.cashcarsbuyer.com/toyota-corolla-problems/#om
(post on Toyotanation by Devon Aygo)
https://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/138146-what-causes-high-oil-use-on-18vvti/
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Corolla/
Now, there was a recall on certain 2005-2008 Toyota Corollas for a crack in the circuit board within the ECU/PCM which could result in a CEL, harsh shifting, engine no start or even a stall during driving (dangerous!). Check the VIN of that vehicle and make sure the recall was performed.
See below:
https://repairpal.com/recall/10V384000
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Corolla/2008/recalls/
Finally, avoid the manuals (they were weak, compared to the automatic), but looks like you are looking at the automatic (good!)
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/should-i-buy-this-manual-2008-corolla/#post-78939
How does the service history look? (What were the engine oil and transmission fluid change intervals?). Be sure to have an independent, honest mechanic like a Scotty thoroughly check out the vehicle (esp. the engine and transmission to make sure they are not worn) .
Hi Scotty,
Should I buy a 2005 Acura TL V6 3.2 Liter with 160K miles from aprivate party. I think its automatic. $4300.
Dan
Hi Scotty,
Up for sale on Offerup is a 2005 Toyota Camry with 116K miles,VVT-i V6 24 V for $6500 by private party//one owner. I assume its an automatic. Should I buy it?
Dan
The transmission on those cars is weak. If you want to buy one, make sure a mechanic fully check the transmission.
Hi Scotty,
Should I buy a 1995 Honda del sol, manual trans, 50K miles, one owner, for $12000. Private party.
Danarello
Clarification: Daily driver? How many years and miles do you need it to last you?
Hello DayWalker, I need a daily driver to get to work. We now have 4 drivers in the family, and only 3 cars, so I need to buy a 4th car. My Wife has a Sienna, son has a Toyota Tacoma Truck. The 4th car can be a fun to drive daily driver.
Quick! buy it before he sells it to some other person with lots of money!
jajaja, I get the message! Thank you
Hi Scotty,
Should I buy a 2006 Honda Accord EX from a private party that has $182K miles for $4300? I dont see any check engine light on and I think its automatic.
Danarello
Only if a professional mechanic inspects it thoroughly (especially the automatic transmission) before purchase, and gives you the green light.
With such high mileage, I’d try to pay less..
All the best!
sounds like you first need to decide if you want a sedan or SUV
Right! I prefer a RAV-4 or a Honda CR-V, but in this used car market, I would be happy with any vehicle that would be a reliable daily driver.
for the same price, you will get a newer sedan and better fuel economy, or an older SUV with more space , higher cost, and more fuel consumption.
Appreciate your input MMJ! I guess a sedan is what would be more practical and economical. I'd love to find a used Toyota Matrix, Scion Tc, Civic, or Corolla out there. Sure is tough to find good deals right now! Gotta be patient though.