Acquiring the featured Scion in today's Nice Price or No Dice contest comes close to possessing an Aston Martin for most enthusiasts. The iQ formed the foundation for Aston's unusual Cygnet variant. We will examine what that upscale connection should reasonably command in value.

Francis Bacon, the noted Elizabethan thinker and official, once suggested that steady habits form the basis of moral character. If accurate, then our repeated choices reflect strong principles. Yet excessive self-satisfaction over such traits would itself seem unvirtuous, so let us set that aside for now.

Recent voting patterns show a string of rejections at higher prices. A 2015 Mini Cooper S at ten thousand dollars ended that pattern with a slim majority favoring it as a good deal. Comments highlighted both the vehicle and its cost positively. Now we consider whether dimensions still count in today's market.

High iQ

Among contemporary compact vehicles, few match the scale of this 2012 Scion iQ. Its wheelbase under eighty inches and total length of one hundred twenty inches make even the British Mini seem oversized by comparison, given the latter's ninety-seven-inch wheelbase and extra length approaching two feet.

Some might compare it to the Smart ForTwo for similar compactness, yet that model seats only two while the Toyota design cleverly accommodates four occupants. Engineers achieved this through a rear-mounted engine behind the drive unit, a steering rack positioned above the powertrain, and a compact beam axle with lowered springs to maximize cabin space. Though best suited for two adults over longer trips, the rear seats serve well for short distances when needed.

Toyota marketed this smallest model via its Scion division, aimed at attracting younger buyers with distinctive vehicles. While that effort fell short of expectations and Scion faded from the scene, the parent company's support ensures parts remain accessible for owners.

Park with impunity

The appeal of such compact proportions lies in practical advantages. Few buyers chose the iQ when new because its price matched larger, more capable cars without matching highway comfort or versatility. Its standout feature remains the ability to occupy minimal parking areas, potentially allowing three vehicles side-by-side in a standard curb space.

This capability holds clear value for urban drivers with short commutes. The Nevada example appears well suited for such use. Its burgundy finish offers understated elegance, and the cabin, though uniquely trimmed, looks tidy and equipped for everyday comfort. Features include functional air conditioning with space-efficient vertical controls and a compact double-DIN stereo system.

Preventative maintenance

Motivation comes from a 1.3-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering ninety-four horsepower through a continuously variable transmission to the front wheels. Performance was never the priority; efficiency in tight urban settings was the focus.

The listing highlights recent service based on the CarFax history, listing items such as a serpentine belt, fuel system cleaning, spark plugs, air filter, brake pads, rear shocks, intake manifold, catalytic converter, and routine oil changes. Some entries like the manifold and converter appear unusual for a Toyota with 111,000 miles and may reflect specific repairs or reporting quirks. The title is clear, and the seller confirms normal starting, stopping, and driving behavior.

Finally, cheap enough?

Early pricing placed the iQ at levels similar to bigger vehicles without proportional fuel economy gains, limiting its market. As a result, examples remain uncommon today.

The current request of 4,999 dollars aligns better with its capabilities and size. Whether that represents fair value rests with prospective buyers.

What are your thoughts on this urban-focused Scion and its asking price? Does it seem reasonable for the parking flexibility it offers, or does the amount still exceed expectations for such a compact machine?

The decision is yours.