Scion was a Toyota sub-brand that sold new cars in the USA from 2003 to 2017 before being discontinued. Although defunct as a brand, many used Scion models are still available in the US because, over the brand’s existence, just over 1.15 million Scion cars were sold in America. Mainly targeted at Gen X buyers, Scion used a unique business model, using viral and guerilla marketing techniques, eschewing multiple trim levels, and following a simplified “pure price” sales model. The cars were small, sport compact models with edgy designs. However, the brand failed to find enough buyers and after the 2008 financial crisis, sales never recovered to pre-crisis levels. Its best-selling year was 2006 with upwards of 173k units sold. Second-hand Scion models are relatively common and it should be easy enough to find and buy a Scion near you. As the market to buy used cars around the country continues to thrive, finding the best Scion for sale in the USA for you could be a quick internet search away.
You Can Easily Buy Scion Cars Online
To find a cheap Scion second-hand is as easy as shopping on CarBuzz’s used car portal, because it’s never been easier to buy Scion cars online. Enter your ZIP code and set a small radius to search for a Scion near you. You can set filters so search only for certified pre-owned cars, according to the exterior or interior color, or even according to the extras that you want. The results can be displayed according to price, mileage, proximity, or time of offer. Sorting them according to price will quickly show you the cheapest models out there but don’t just buy according to price because you don’t want a tired or neglected old Scion. Shop online to compile your shortlist of cars near you and then go view and test drive them.
When Browsing Used Scion Models for Sale, Keep A Few Things In Mind
As is the case with all cars, there are certain things that you should look out for when you shop for used Scion cars. By and large, the cars are tough and will last if maintained, but certain models are more troublesome than others. It’s worth checking the NHTSA website for recall data on the model you’re interested in and make sure all recall work has been done. It’s always safer to insist on a car with a vehicle history that shows routine maintenance has been carried out. Also, it’s best to avoid cars with a salvage title.
FAQs about used Scions for sale
Are Scions reliable cars?
Most Scions are based on Toyotas and one, the iA, is a rebadged Mazda. Both nameplates have excellent reliability records. In 2011, Consumer Reports named Scion the most reliable auto brand out of 28 brands, with the fewest reported problems. The most reliable model of all the Scions was the xD, a small crossover SUV. If a Scion has been properly maintained and cared for and has a full service history, there should be no problems with its long-term reliability. They are cheap, dependable wheels.
Which is the best used Scion models to buy?
The xD is probably the best Scion to buy. It’s a subcompact crossover in the class of the Ford EcoSport, so it’s still a popular form factor today and a great first car for a student. It also achieved decent safety ratings at the time; the 2014 xD achieved the best score of “Good” in all the IIHS’s crashworthiness tests. On top of everything, the xD is also the most reliable of all the Scions. If you love a sporty, RWD coupe that’s fun and reliable, the Scion FR-S is hard to beat; it’s a rebadged Toyota 86 sports coupe. Used Scions are available in these body types:
- Used Scion sedans
- Used Scion coupes
- Used Scion sports cars
- Used Scion microcars
- Used Scion hatchbacks
- Used Scion crossovers
Fuel types include:
Were any Scion models recalled as part of the Takata airbag recall?
Only a single Scion model was affected by the Takata airbag recall and that was the 2008-2015 Scion xB. If you’re considering an xB second-hand, make sure that the airbag replacement was done, as the defective Takata airbag inflators used in these cars can explosively disintegrate when the airbag deploys and eject deadly shrapnel into the vehicle’s interior, endangering the passengers’ lives.
With the brand having been discontinued, where can I have my Scion serviced?
There are no concerns with Scions’ long-term maintenance needs. The cars are based on Toyotas, so all Scion owners can have their vehicles serviced and maintained at their local Toyota dealerships. You can book a service for a Scion on Toyota’s website just as you would for any Toyota model.
How much does a used Scion cost in the US?
A Scion’s price will depend on its model, year, mileage, condition, and other factors. For a good indication of second-hand Scions’ prices, look at our pricing guide: