How to Buy a Scion

The Scion is Toyota's response to a new generation of car buyers who expect cars that are tailored to their tastes but run as well as or better than other cars. A combination of smart engineering and slick marketing made the Scion one of the most popular cars of the last few years, making it a good car to buy, if you follow the right steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide among the various Scion models by looking first at the models that are still produced such as the xB, tC and xD. The tC is Scion's version of a sports car with two doors, a low profile and a performance that Toyota calls "pure rice." The other two models are 4-door and have higher profiles and a bit more room on the inside.
2. Consider "building your own" Scion if you buy new by selecting the model Scion you want and then making additions and customizations through Toyota's Scion website. The interface allows you to choose color, performance features, transmissions, luxury add-ons, electronics and a host of other customizations that makes the Scion yours.
3. Think about buying a used Scion if you want to get an already customized car at a better value than a new car. While Scions are known for keeping their value after they're taken off the lot, the used cars are still significantly cheaper and are reported to hold up extremely well. Just get a regular background check on any used Scion you might consider buying to make sure it's legal and hasn't been through major accidents.
4. Check out Scion's earlier models, such as the 2004 and 2005 year models, for a more compact version of the car. These earlier models were designed according to Toyota's original Japanese design inspiration for the marque car. The 2008 model, on the other hand, is larger even if it does come equipped with a faster and more powerful engine.