How long should I keep my car before trading it in?

In most cases, plan to trade or sell your car after about 5–7 years, or when repair costs start rising and mileage reaches the 60,000–120,000 range. If you drive fewer miles or keep it exceptionally well-maintained (and your Scion remains reliable), you may be able to hold it longer and still get a strong used trade-in.

What This Means

Trading timing is less about a calendar date and more about value vs. risk. For many drivers in Findlay, OH, the “sweet spot” is when your used Scion still has strong demand but hasn’t crossed into frequent maintenance territory.

• If your Scion is running well, has clean service records, and passes inspection easily, you can often wait closer to 7 years.
• If you’re seeing repeat issues (brakes/tires, sensors, oil consumption, transmission concerns), trading sooner can protect your budget.
• Higher mileage isn’t automatically bad—what matters is how the car was maintained and how well it drives today.

Why It Matters

Depreciation tends to be steep in the first several years, then slows—so waiting too long can leave you with lower trade-in numbers and higher out-of-pocket repairs. According to iSeeCars, the average new car loses about 50% of its value by year 5 [Source].

At Cars On Main (family-owned), we see how earlier decisions can help families move into another quality used Scion with less financial stress—whether you’re upgrading for more space, downsizing for fuel costs, or simply switching makes like a used Toyota or used GMC.

Your Next Steps

1. Check your recent maintenance receipts and note anything you’ve had to fix more than once.
2. Estimate your “repair trend” for the next 12 months—if it’s climbing, it’s time to compare options.
3. Bring your Scion in for a trade-in evaluation so we can review condition, mileage, and service history.

If you’re wondering when your specific used Scion makes the most sense to trade, get in touch with Cars On Main in Findlay to discuss your options.