Newbie & a Potential 09 LE buyer - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Joannarolla · 11-22-2009, 01:18 AM

Hi Guys,

I'm interested in buying this 2009 Toyota Corolla LE but need some help determining if its a good deal and after looking at this forum I'm hoping I find the answer here. It has 35,000 miles on it and according to Carfax it was a rental car from FL.(I live in NY) Dealer is quoting me at $17,000 before tax/fees. Car looks to be in good shape but being a rental I'm worried about how its been treated (ie brakes, engine). I don't know too much about cars and am definitely not good at bargaining with the salesperson. I'm only putting down $3000 in cash and I don't have good credit so the salesperson said they have to get back to me in a day or so to see if I get approved by Toyota. If I do get approved should I go ahead with the buy. I just really want a car but I've had a few of my closest friends, who know their car stuff, tell me that this price for a previous rental car with that many miles is crazy and I shouldnt go more then $15,500 for a corolla. Please help me out guys. What should I do/say?

Thanks soooo much,
Joannarolla

***got-rice*** · 11-22-2009, 02:08 AM

Where is this rental Corolla being sold at? A Toyota dealer?

Personally, I think it's too much...for that amount, you should be getting a new 2010 LE, or even a really pampered Toyota Certified vehicle, which comes with a longer factory warranty.

***SuperchargedMR2*** · 11-22-2009, 02:13 AM

I think that is way too much for a rental with that many miles. You could get a new model for that same ballpark price or slightly more. I would think that it should be less than 15k. Look around on eBay motors and auto trader to see prices of similar cars.

Joannarolla · 11-22-2009, 02:35 AM

Yes its a Toyota dealer. It is also Certified. But like I said due to the high miles in such a short time and because it was a rental I'm worried about simple wear and tear items going on the car, which from what I understand is not covered under warranty.

MrMoose · 11-22-2009, 02:55 AM

That seems really high seeing as I paid 18,000 for a 2010 Corolla S w/sunroof brand new...and like you said...I wouldn't trust a rental

joeylgarcia · 11-22-2009, 06:27 AM

keep in mind that most rental cars are being sold because some defects are starting to pop up. the looks maybe flawless so be cautious. find out too how much warranty is left and what are being covered under that warranty. if i were you i would buy brand new. $17k or $15k is no joke.

shotgunjimmy · 11-22-2009, 08:49 AM

just for reference, i got my 09 S with 11k miles for 14,4K from a toyota dealer. you can do much better on that car. being a rental, however, i wouldnt touch it.

steve376 · 11-22-2009, 10:28 AM

That price is a bit high, I got my 2010 S for 19 with sun roof and dealer installed leather. For that kind of money you might as well throw an extra grand or two and buy new.

kevinnz · 11-22-2009, 10:38 AM

imagine all the hanky panky that was done in the back seat. some things to consider.

nono but seriously, for that price your about to pay, you want to buy a new car. Trust me your gonna love the new car smell.

roshermoore · 11-22-2009, 11:18 AM

The price is way too high!! Go to NADA's site and you'll see the trade in value is $11,900. This is close to what they gave someone for the car in trade. So, after they add a handling fee of $600-$800 everything they make above this is gravy.

***SuperchargedMR2*** · 11-22-2009, 09:25 PM

I worked in the rental car business for many years and the fact that it is a rental doesn't bother me as much as the price they want for the miles that are on it. Rentals are checked and maintained really well, at least they were when I worked for Enterprise. The cars were always sold between 30k - 36k and not when things were going wrong. In fact the Toyotas were always running great and were the most reliable cars in the fleet.

joeylgarcia · 11-23-2009, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperchargedMR2

Rentals are checked and maintained really well, at least they were when I worked for Enterprise. The cars were always sold between 30k - 36k and not when things were going wrong.

i would assume that it is how they do it in Washington state. but not in los angeles. many years ago Enterprise offered me a handful of 4 cylinder rental cars that were up for sale. some were only at 11,000 miles and another was at 17,000 miles. one was at 26,000 miles. none of them passed my approval because 2 of them were automatic and you could feel a strong nudge when the gears are changing. so i said to myself these cars have a transmission problem or something. 1 of the cars had this feeling of not accelerating at the correct speed when you know that you are pressing on the gas pedal.

so maybe we can conclude that rental cars in los angeles were trash compared to other states. scary cars i would say.

tngogo · 11-23-2009, 01:39 PM

09 Corolla has more issues in these areas: EPS, interior. The 10 is much more better in EPS but still not good compare to other competitors.

And for that price, that is just way too high. I bought mine 09LE for $15700 before tax title and dealership fee.

freeyellow2000 · 11-23-2009, 01:55 PM

Im going to echo what other have been saying. The price is too high. You better off get a spanky new 2010 at that price.

lolitsalan · 11-23-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joannarolla

It has 35,000 miles on it and according to Carfax it was a rental car from FL.(I live in NY) Dealer is quoting me at $17,000 before tax/fees.

I bought my brand new 2010 Corolla LE with 3 milesfor almost the same price AFTER taxes. I think you're paying too much!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joannarolla

I shouldnt go more then $15,500

Your friends are RIGHT! However, my 2010 was selling at this price brand new! I would say look around before you settle with this dealer.