A used car dealers' competitiveness depends on the availability of high demand models and Toyota continues to be among them. The Starlet was manufactured from 1973 until 1999 when it was discontinued and replaced by the Echo. Echo is also in high demand as are the Vitz, Platz, and Yaris as they were called when sold outside the U.S. The second generation Scion sold in the U.S. not as the xA but the xD.
Toyota is known for producing lightweight vehicles with excellent mileage. The Starlet for example is praised for its 42/54 miles per gallon fuel economy. Lightweight, reliable, and inexpensive the name speaks volumes about the quality of this car. The used car dealers have this priced from two to ten thousand for the 1.3 liter engine, 1998 and 1999 models. Air conditioning, power steering, power windows, and antilock brakes are available on most models.
The Toyota Vitz also known as Yaris or Echo is a 3 and 5 door hatchback or sedan known in Europe as the Yaris liftback. In Canada it was introduced as the Echo hatchback and in 2005 it was sold in the U.S. as a sedan only. In 2000 it won the European car of the year award. Its digital instrument pod in the center of the dash, 4 cylinder 1.0 or 1.3 engine with low fuel consumptions at almost 58 mpg and emissions make this a great model for used car dealers to have in stock. The Vitz is the first and only subcompact during its production to have lithium ion batteries and start/stop engine system. Prices vary on the Vitz depending on the year. I found a 1999 Vitz with 136,967km for $2,667 and a 2007 Yaris with 6012km for $11,111.
To research vehicles online and compare prices I suggest these sites; autotrader.com, smarter.com, kbb.com, local.com, and my personal favorites, edmunds.com, and toyota.com. I really like edmunds.com because of the tips on why to buy a used vehicle rather than new and what to look for in a used car. The vehicle history report is stressed as is being prepared with a financial plan before heading to the used car dealer's lot. Test driving tips are available, and vehicle reviews and relevant articles about the histories of many makes and models. Likewise, Toyota.com is very helpful in answering many questions even before they arise.
