Question: Hi, I’m looking at these 2 particular vehicles-

Year: 2005
Make: Scion
Model: xB, 5sp manual
Mileage: 46,000
VIN: JTLKT334X50174959
Buying from a dealership, they’re asking $11,998

The other one
Year: 2004
Make: Scion
Model: xB, 5sp manual
Mileage: 56,000
VIN: JTLKT334040153259
This one is also from a dealership, but is a certified pre-owned for $12,498

In general, looking for a 2004-2006 Scion Xb, 5 sp manual with 40k-60k miles, in the 94536 zip code.
Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Queen of the Road: Hello there. Let’s see what Scion wholesale prices we’ve got for you. Keep in mind that the wholesale prices below don’t take into consideration if the car is Certified.

For a 2005 Scion xB with 46,000 miles, prices range from $12,000 (being in above average condition) to $10,600 (being in average condition) and $9,100 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $10.3k to $13.5k.

$12k is an ok price. We approve. Still, you need to check the Carfax just to be safe.

For a 2004 Scion xB with 56,000 miles, prices range from $10,200 (being in above average condition) to $8,800 (being in average condition) and $7,300 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $8.3k to $11.5k.

This car is one year older then the previous one, has 10K miles more and the dealer is asking $500 over the 2005. Is a CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) vehicle worth that difference? Let us explain what is a CPO.

The Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is another way that the dealers found to charge more for their used inventory. You have some advantages and disadvantages buying a CPO car. Let me explain both sides of the CPO.

Advantages of Buying a CPO:

The dealers make a rigorous inspection on the vehicle and offer extended warranty on them. Some manufactures include other incentives, like a free initial oil change, 24 hour roadside service, detailing, other options and even low financing rates that can help make the car more affordable.

Disadvantages of Buying a CPO:

The downside of buying a CPO is that you will pay a premium used car price for the extended warranty, rigorous inspection and other incentives a manufacturer offers.

Another down side is that the certification premium that you pay for your CPO will not increase the resale value of your CPO when you decide to sell it or trade it in.

Conclusion:

You can get a used car and have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle to make sure that everything is fine with it and get an extended warranty for a better price than you will pay for a CPO at a dealer. If you don’t have time to do all the work and you want a vehicle trouble free the best option would be to pay the premium for a CPO vehicle.

You should check how much a similar extended warranty for a Scion xB would cost in a different place to see how much it would cost you to buy a Scion that is not certified.

The 2004 Scion xB has a mark-up of 29.59% over the average wholesale price. Considering that dealers profit are 12%-14%, you are paying an extra 16% for the certification. That is $2,000.00 from the price of the car. You can get a nice LCD TV for you house with that difference. Let us know if you have any other question. Good Luck.

Follow Up Comment: The dealership for the 05 xB listed the car on craigslist for $11,500 and I was able to negotiate it down to $10,998. Looking at the numbers you provided, it looks like a pretty good deal. Thanks for the info! Willy

Question From Veronica: I am looking to buy a certified used car for $8k - $10k. I have been looking at the 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 and 2005 Scion xB but they are both a tad bit pricey (I know someone who can get cars for wholesale so I have a little bit of leeway in that department). The reason I like the aforementioned cars is because they have decent gas mileage and the rear seats fold down making it an ideal car for carting my 4 big dogs around to dog parks and beaches. What advice can you give me?

MuscleCarGuy: Hi Veronica. Welcome to AutoBragBlog, where we do all the car price researching for you.

For a 2005 Ford Focus ZX5 S Hatchback with 55,000 miles, prices range from $8,450 (being in above average condition) to $6,500 (being in average condition) and $4,550 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $5,100 to $9,600.

For a 2005 Scion xB with 55,000 miles, prices range from $10,700 (being in above average condition) to $9,200 (being in average condition) and $7,600 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $8,500 to $12,200.

You might be able to get a CPO Focus with your price budget. A better option would be to buy a used not certified Focus and get extended warranty for it. You would be cheaper than buy a certified one. Another option would be a 2004 Volkswagen Golf.

For a 2004 Volkswagen Golf 4 door GL with 55,000 miles, prices range from $8,850 (being in above average condition) to $7,300 (being in average condition) and $5,800 (being in below average condition). Keep in mind that the numbers above are the wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $6,500 to $10,100.

When you are ready to buy a car, be sure to check carfax and do plenty of research on the history of the vehicle. Ask for their maintenance records. You can even bring a mechanic for a brief inspection. Good luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes! Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

Question From Daniel: Thanks for getting back to me. I went to the dealer tonight and he showed me a 2005 Scion Xa that has 26000 miles. It is certified and therefore should I purchase it, I would have all the proper warranties that would come along with buying a certified pre owned scion. The dealer is asking $10,700 for the car. Is this way too much? Also, are there any safety concerns for the Scion given the limited room between the back seat and the back of the car in case the car is rear ended?

Thanks again! I will definitely tell my friends about this site.

Dan

Queen of the Road: Hi Dan! For a 2005 Scion Xa with 26,000 miles, prices can range from $11,000 (being in above average condition) to $9,900 (being in average condition) and $8,700 (being below average condition).

All the figures above are estimated prices that a dealer paid. So keep in mind that those numbers are all wholesale prices. A dealership will usually aim to sell it for 12%-14% more than wholesale. Be sure to do some research on the car. What condition is the car in?

$10,700 actually sounds reasaonable unless it looks pretty run down. I would haggle down a bit more just because it doesn’t hurt to try, but $10.7k is a good deal. Check carfax and do plenty of research on the vehicle. You can even bring a mechanic for a brief inspection.

In terms of crash test, these are all I found. Result 1 Result 2
If anyone out there has any Scion experience they’d like to share, please leave a comment!