Used 2015 FRS - Should I take this opportunity?

[cat94]

I've been searching for a used FRS across California and found a 2015 base with 24,000 miles. Oil changes were done at 8000 mile intervals and the dealer said that the previous owner was an older gentleman who traded it in for a new, larger vehicle.

Should I jump on this opportunity or continue searching for a car with lower miles (possibly a 2013/14, no preference). I've seen ads for cars with half the mileage for about the same price, if not slightly more depending on the year; however, this is the only one that fits my criteria (< $20k, < 25k miles, MT) and is in my area.

[Watch Me Run]

Originally Posted by cat94

I've been searching for a used FRS across California and found a 2015 base with 24,000 miles. Oil changes were done at 8000 mile intervals and the dealer said that the previous owner was an older gentleman who traded it in for a new, larger vehicle.

Should I jump on this opportunity or continue searching for a car with lower miles (possibly a 2013/14, no preference). I've seen ads for cars with half the mileage for about the same price, if not slightly more depending on the year; however, this is the only one that fits my criteria (< $20k, < 25k miles, MT) and is in my area.

Have you gotten the car inspected by a professional?

[cat94]

Originally Posted by Watch Me Run

Have you gotten the car inspected by a professional?

I haven't, I will try and set something up this weekend to have the vehicle inspected by a local professional. I live about 40 minutes away from the dealership.

On a side note, I'm also from Saratoga!

[Watch Me Run]

Originally Posted by cat94

I haven't, I will try and set something up this weekend to have the vehicle inspected by a local professional. I live about 40 minutes away from the dealership.

On a side note, I'm also from Saratoga!

haha awesome! So your talking about one of the local dealerships? Capital, stevens creek or the one on el camino?

[cat94]

I'm actually living in Santa Barbara right now, but originally from Saratoga. The dealership (not Toyota/Scion) I'm looking at is in Ventura. What are your thoughts on taking the car to a nearby Toyota dealership for an inspection? It seems like all nearby shops are closed on the weekends (or close early).

[Summerwolf]

As long as it is around 17-18k it sounds like a deal

[cat94]

Originally Posted by Summerwolf

As long as it is around 17-18k it sounds like a deal

Currently listed just over 18k.

[Psypher]

I just bought this last weekend and was able to find a Series 10 with 15k miles for a little over 17k. It is 2 years older, but less miles. I echo @Summerwolf on the pricing.

p.s. Bought mine from a Toyota dealer in SoCal and it was Certified Pre-owned.

[Watch Me Run]

Originally Posted by cat94

I'm actually living in Santa Barbara right now, but originally from Saratoga. The dealership (not Toyota/Scion) I'm looking at is in Ventura. What are your thoughts on taking the car to a nearby Toyota dealership for an inspection? It seems like all nearby shops are closed on the weekends (or close early).

It really depends on the dealership. Some dealerships don't place priority on it's service department and sometimes the attitude of the people working there aren't as enthusiastic about performing a really really close inspection and just look at the general stuff, oil levels coolant levels tire pressure and if your lucky a compression test.

I'd say take it to someone who you trust and has access to a lift so you know what's going on under the car. You don't want to end up with one of these:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec4tI5-DRSo"]Issues with my Stanced Miata - YouTube[/ame]

[cat94]

Originally Posted by Psypher

I just bought this last weekend and was able to find a Series 10 with 15k miles for a little over 17k. It is 2 years older, but less miles.

That make it tempting to keep looking since I wouldn't mind an older model with less miles for the same price/cheaper.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by cat94

the dealer said that the previous owner was an older gentleman who traded it in for a new, larger vehicle.

This is absolutely 100% guaranteed a boldfaced lie. I bet none of the salespeople could pick the prior owner out of a lineup.

But if the car checks out it doesn't matter.

[go_a_way1]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

This is absolutely 100% guaranteed a boldfaced lie. I bet none of the salespeople could pick the prior owner out of a lineup.

But if the car checks out it doesn't matter.

Haha likely your right but I work at a GMC dealer in the service department and I do see some customers trade their vehicles in and I can say who drove what some times as its a small down dealer so I get to know the clients so there could be some truth to it. (but that's like maybe 5% of the time)

[humfrz]

If it was traded in by an older man ...... it just may be unmolested.

I'd check for evidence of past (or present) power modifications.

Are their any obvious oil leaks .. ??

Is it a color you like .. ??

Check CARFAX.

Good luck .....


humfrz

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

This is absolutely 100% guaranteed a boldfaced lie. I bet none of the salespeople could pick the prior owner out of a lineup.

But if the car checks out it doesn't matter.

Well, now, strat61caster, you just don't know that for sure ........ maybe it was traded in by an old lady that just drove it on Sundays to go to church ........


humfrz