Used Scion buying guide
About Scion
Scion was a youth-oriented division of Toyota from 2003 to 2016, primarily offering small and sporty coupes and hatchbacks. The simple and well-equipped lineup includes the xA, xB, and xD, boxy subcompact cars beloved by college students and city dwellers for a small size that also offers plenty of passenger and cargo space. The popular tC is a compact yet sporty coupe known for its quick acceleration, roomy cabin, and generous standard features. Scions are small, stylish, and seriously fun to drive, making them an ideal choice for young drivers — or the young at heart.
What CarMax customers like
Fuel Economy
Ride and Handling
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What CarMax customers don’t like
Cabin Noise
Power
Technology and Entertainment
Scion FAQs
As a division of Toyota, Scion cars are generally considered reliable. RepairPal gave Toyota an overall reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota eighth out of 32 car brands. If you're considering a Scion, take a look at its mileage and how well it has been maintained as this will help give you a sense of how reliable it could be.
Scions were discontinued after 2016 because the brand achieved its goals of developing unique products and bringing younger customers to Toyota. Starting with the 2017 model year, three Scions were rebadged as Toyotas: the FR-S became the Toyota 86, the iA became the Yaris iA, and the iM became the Corolla iM.
There are eight Scion models: the FR-S rear-wheel-drive sports car, iA sports sedan, iM five-door hatchback, iQ premium micro-subcompact, tC sports coupe, xA subcompact, xB boxy subcompact, and xD urban subcompact hatch.
The Scion tC (touring coupe) was available for the 2005-2016 model years and has not been replaced. However, you still might be able to find used Scion tC models at CarMax.
Yes, Scion cars have a Toyota engine, as it was a division of Toyota from 2003 to 2016. For example, the 2016 Scion tC has the same standard engine as the 2016 Toyota Camry: a 2.5L inline four-cylinder.
Scion cars may last a while, depending on how well they’ve been maintained. To help determine the lifespan of a used Scion, check the mileage, request a vehicle history report, and get a mechanical inspection. Learn more about mileage vs. maintenance in used cars.
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RepairPal reliability ratings
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of 3/18/2025. Learn more at repairpal.com/reliability.
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Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
Range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.