Coming from a Scion TC to a IS250 you should stay with the IS . The rattles well get to you after a while in the TC .. The one thing i did not like most of the TC was that if you where making a turn left or right in a elevated surface like a drive way the glass would sound like it would crack . Dealers never figured out what the issue was .. Here's the forum i was in before when i had my TC . You can probably find one pretty low on their on price and modified if thats what your looking for .
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=1582

 

No, I dont have navigation unfortunatley.

 

Maybe but maintenance is alot more on these cars also and I only owe 23k and if I could sell it for 27k (like the car shown in the 2nd post I would make money.)

 

Tc is a fun car. My girl had one... they are almost faster than the 250... jus get online and see what people are sellin for and that's what's its worth... well that's what u will be able to sell for... goin from a IS to a corolla would be a long jump (for me atleast). Unless u are tryin to pay less monthly on a car I wouldn't do it....

 

Consider this, insurance may be higher on the Scion TC or that Corolla you are looking at. Check with your agent before changing.

Scion TC has one of the highest insurance premiums of any car on the road today.
Insurance Link

 

Keep the IS, Tc is a way step down and I don't like the look. Too many teens drive this car that's why insurance is way too much.

 

Selling a 2008 as described is a huge waste of money, what it accomplishes is the realization of a huge depreciation loss (first 1-2 years).

 

You mentioned that you would actually make money by selling your car, but don't forget to factory in tax on the new car that you are buying and the immediate depreciation you will encounter as soon as you take it off the lot.

 

Down here maybe 24K if your lucky. I just bought an 08 is350 CPO for 27K, and I think it was an OK deal, not great by any means.

 

it's a toyota afterall....as long as you have a reliable mechanic, it's all good

 

yes, I know this a toyota but the parts for these vehicles are priced more because of the status symbol "lexus" so they charge more...... which sucks

 

2008 AWD IS250, trade in value is around $20-$24K, and if you bought a brand new TC or Corolla with tax title license, your looking around paying $20K. Its like doing a straight swap with a cheaper car. Not good!
If your afraid of dings, you will be the same if you bought a new cheaper car. I treated my Mazda3 the same way, parked far from everyone, only large spaces, end spaces etc etc.

 

What "parts" are you expecting to need in the next couple of years?

Your bumper to bumper warranty should be good for a while still (and extending it a lot further isn't that expensive).

There's very very little routine maintenance required for the car. Hell, if you can do your own oil changes the most you'd pay the dealer for in the first 100k miles is 3 brake fluid changes, one spark plug change, and one coolant change.

 

get them from toyota dealers (if you know the part #s)

 

To answer your question fast, check with KBB's rate for better acuracy. It gives you an idea in general for a fair market price, and take a +/- 5% depending the condition of the car and your negociation skill when dealing with the buyer.