Used Toyotas

With today’s economy driving consumers to stretch every dollar and extend the life of their vehicles, dependability for car buyers has topped both the “want” and the “need” lists. According to MSN (Microsoft Network), studies conducted by J.D. Power and Associates (JDP) show Japanese automaker Toyota holds the top spot in dependability in the majority of the 19 rated categories. David Sargent of JDP says the average age of traded vehicles in 2006 was 5.5 years. Now that age is 6+ years, which underscores the importance of dependability.

Although Toyota’s production was slowed after Japan’s record earthquake in 2011 and the recall of more than 10 million Toyota vehicles in 2010, Toyota still holds a noteworthy record for reliability and durability. Among buyers who plan on hanging on to their vehicles for as long as possible, the Toyota brand continues to illustrate a compelling reputation.

How does Toyota fare in resale values? The 2011 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Award winners were unveiled in November 2010, and Toyota Sienna, FJ Cruiser, and Tacoma were named tops in their categories. This means that even after five years, these vehicles still hold their appeal. A 2011 Consumer Reports story states that the most trouble-free 2008 vehicle models were Toyota’s FJ Cruiser and Yaris. In resale value, Toyota is far ahead of the pack compared with other makers of older models, especially 2006 and earlier.

Do you have a used Toyota you’d like to sell? Want-Ad Digest can help! Here’s a checklist to browse; consider these tips for getting the best price for your used Toyota: 

• First of all, know that market factors will influence your success. In other words, don’t try to sell a convertible in the winter.
• Check the classifieds and compare what other sellers are asking for vehicles just like yours. Not sure how to arrive at a price? There are resources available that can help.

• A good wash and wax job can make a big difference in the appearance of the vehicle. You might even consider having it detailed, both inside and out. The benefit may outweigh the cost of the service.
• If there is anything mechanically wrong with the vehicle, get it fixed. If you choose to sell it “as is,” keep in mind that if a potential buyer will have to sink money into repairs, he/she may balk if your asking price doesn’t appear to take that into consideration.
• Consider purchasing a report on the vehicle’s history or a mechanical inspection report for possible buyers to peruse. They will appreciate your transparency throughout the buying process.
• Create an ad for Want-Ad Digest, or allow our staff to make some ad suggestions.
• Place a For Sale sign in the car’s window with your phone number; be sure to answer when shoppers call. If you’re inaccessible, you could lose the sale.
• Be available to show the car, and offer a test drive to potential buyers who present a valid driver’s license. Accompany them on the test drive so you can address any questions.

Are you looking to buy a used Toyota? Here are a couple of the questions most-often heard from potential buyers:

How old is "too old"?

If it’s older than 10 or 12 years, it may be too old. Even at a “bargain” price, if you want to buy a used Toyota, a vehicle that old isn’t recommended. Just remember that an old car is still an old car, regardless of how many new parts have been installed in it. The older the vehicle, the greater the chances it will need more and more repairs, perhaps costly ones, too, as time goes on. What is highly recommended is a vehicle that is anywhere from three to five years old. Consumer Reports says since most new cars lose about one-half of their value after three years, a used car is a good way to get the greatest value for the money. A vehicle in that age range is still new enough to have a number of trouble-free years left, and old enough to have a price tag far below that of a new model.

It’s important to understand the difference between a Toyota’s model year and its production year. For example, the model year of a Camry may be 2000, but it was most likely manufactured in 1999, making it actually a year older than what its model year may indicate. In a car’s history report, the date of the first registration will give you the best idea of when the vehicle was built.

How many miles are too many when considering a used car?

More than 150,000 miles is high. But know that low miles doesn’t make a car a “good” car. Beware: there is a lot of dishonesty out there. Some cars may have had major (undisclosed) repair work, after a serious accident, for instance. Other cars may have been poorly maintained. Some odometers can be altered, too, to read a lower mileage total, thus falsely justifying a seller’s high asking price. The vehicle’s history report will clarify details such as actual mileage. But what’s even more important is not whether a vehicle has 60,000 miles vs. 80,000, but how well the car has been maintained, and whether it was involved in any accidents.

Finally, contact your auto insurance company after you sell or buy a vehicle. The sold vehicle must be removed from your policy. If you traded one vehicle for another, your coverage needs to be transferred from the previous vehicle to the new one.

At Want Ad Digest, your success is our goal. We want to sell your item or help you find the one you’re looking to buy. If you want to buy a used Toyota, Want Ad Digest is the place. We provide our clients with the best classified service, both in print and online.

Since 1962, Want Ad Digest has been the premium classified ad source for buying and selling for upstate New York and its surrounding communities. We deal with items in more than 200 categories: ATVs, Furniture, Cars, Trucks, Snowmobiles, and even Pets. Whatever it is that you'd like to sell, we have your buyer. Our print publication reaches tens of thousands of readers each week. Our website visited 15,000 to 25,000 times each day, we have the reputation of providing the best classified results, fast.

Placing an effective ad with Want Ad Digest is a quick process. If a photo accompanies your ad, all photo images must be in JPG format. They will be cropped accordingly for our website and printed publication. Please make sure your photo is detailed and clear. We reserve the right to reject photos we believe to be inappropriate.

After you enter your information, a sample ad will be displayed; your ad will appear online within 24 hours of placing it. Our customer service representatives work throughout the business day proofreading all ads before they go online or appear in print. If you have any questions or problems, please contact any one of our customer service representatives.

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