Hi Scotty, I am looking to by a used car. After watching your videos and advice I have narrrowed that search down to a Toyota Matrix or Scion XB. I'm a musician an need the extra space for gear. My budget is about between $6,000-10,000 plan on buying from a private seller.
My 1st question is are there certain years or specs to avoid within these budget years.
2nd question is how to go about getting a mechanic to inspect car if the car is out of my area?
Love your youtube channel keep up the good work., Jim
Well, I was looking at current used prices and I'd buy only if I absolutely wouldn't be able to wait another few months - I'm seeing 6 year old Scion cars go over their MSRP.
As far as years to avoid, the xB had an oil burning AZ engine but most complaints are only 08-09.
Same with the Corolla of that period, from 09-10 would burn insane amounts of oil due to defects.
TBH, I'd wait to try and find a Matrix 1.8L made after 2010 (If there's good availability on those in your area), or would get an older pre-2009 Corolla.
Thanks for the responce. Yeah I noticed prices seemed high, LOL. I'm not in a big hurry I have a 2004 Sante Fe with 225, 000 miles thats still going good but its reached the point of diminishing returns, repair vs value. Do you have an opinion on when prices will normalise?
@jimb My guess is about as good as any other's, but I'm of the pesemistic opinion that it'll take another 4-6 months.
As I see it, For prices of used cars to return to normal, the supply of new cars has to normalize and it's beginning to do so, at least where I live (outside of the states) I'm seeing some models return to pre-pandemic availability levels while many others still have waitlists and have "market adjustments" done by the dealers.
I am unsure, but IMO it should probably happen relatively soon...