2009 Scion TC? Relability and What to look for?

[Josh48065]

Well probably either on Monday or Tuesday, I will be looking at a 2009 Scion TC with 47,500 miles. We agree on 11,400, b/c that is what he owes on the loan and they have a baby on the way and need a larger car... (kbb is 15k - at good)

My overall question is are they reliable? Are there common problems with these cars? And also,
What should I look for in buying a used car like this?
Thanks -Josh.

This is her btw...
http://imageshack.us/f/834/178vv.jpg/

 

[gathermewool]

Man, if this car has been well-maintained, it seems to me like you're getting'er for a steal of a price!

Do you know the seller? If not, pay the money to have a trusted shop do a once-over.

Check all fluid levels yourself - low oil, coolant, etc is usually a sign of poor maintenance.

Other things, such as suspension, motor and transmission issues may arise during a test drive, so make sure to take her for a good ride before committing. Also, if you choose not to take it to a mechanic, at least stop at an Autozone or Advance Auto and borrow their OBD 2 scanner. If the seller is shady, he may have pulled the battery to reset the ECU and deenergize the check engine light.

 

[JHZR2]

Does it have all receipts for maintenance performed? Id want to see/have them.

 

[Josh48065]

Im sure they dont, im sure they would list that as a selling point if they did.. Just said everything was done "by the book"

 

[gathermewool]

Just to clarify, if you scan the ECU with an OBD 2 scanner shortly after an ECU reset (re: shady seller) it'll show up as, "readiness status: not ready" vice, "readiness status: ready" or something like that.

 

[charbaby]

Josh,
Very nice indeed.
My neice has an '08 and a friend's daughter has an '07. Both have been very reliable and neither of them are complaining about their tC's.

According to Consumer Reports on the '05-'09 tC, the only issues with them are:

Paint/Trim
Body Integrity/Hardward
Which both show the "Black Circles"

Othewise all of the catigorys are 1/2 red, full red circles and a few clear circles. A very good showing!

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted By: gathermewool
Just to clarify, if you scan the ECU with an OBD 2 scanner shortly after an ECU reset (re: shady seller) it'll show up as, "readiness status: not ready" vice, "readiness status: ready" or something like that.


Excellent point!