Man Purchases New GR Corolla, Drives It For A Month, Then Sells It at a Significant Loss | Carscoops
A nearly-new Toyota GR Corolla attracted a winning bid of $34,500 at auction, despite selling for over $41,000 just weeks earlier.
The 2025 model had only 750 miles on it when it went under the hammer.
A window sticker indicates that the original price in August was $41,377, including additional options.
Purchasing a brand-new car truly seems unwise. While many desire to be the first to drive a vehicle, and trust it will be trouble-free due to its low mileage, this recent sale of the GR Corolla at a Cars & Bids auction illustrates the advantages of purchasing a nearly-new vehicle.
This specific car is a base-spec Core model, registered in August of this year. At that time, the window sticker showed a price of $41,377, encompassing destination charges and some basic features. However, just a month later, with only 750 miles (1,200 km) on the odometer, it fetched a mere $34,500 on Cars&Bids.
Essentially New Without the Premium Price
Aside from the documentation, everything about this car suggests that it is as good as new. It appears immaculate, both externally and internally, as well as underneath. While the reasons behind the original owner’s quick sale remain unclear—along with the amount paid to the supplying dealer—it seems they suffered a loss, allowing the new buyer to snag a great deal.
Of course, buying from an auction site means handling your own financing and possibly not having the opportunity to inspect the vehicle in person before finalizing your bid. However, dealerships also offer nearly-new, often pre-registered cars, which come with extended warranties, low mileage, and provide nearly all the perks of a new car for significantly less than 97 percent of the original MSRP.
As a 2025 model, this GR features the updated version of the 1.6-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder engine that first appeared for this model year. While the power remains at 300 hp (304 PS), torque received a 22 lb-ft (30 Nm) increase, bringing it to 295 lb-ft (400 Nm).
Both front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials come standard, even on the base Core model. Although an eight-speed automatic transmission became available by the time this vehicle was ordered, the initial owner opted for the six-speed manual.
Review: Toyota’s Rally-Bred GR Corolla Improved for 2026
We recently tested the 2026 version. While it includes minor upgrades such as additional structural adhesive for body stiffness, a new cooling duct for the engine, and revised trailing arms for improved grip, these enhancements do not significantly outweigh the savings offered by this car. However, the upcoming, more powerful GRMN Corolla might. Perhaps the seller wanted to make space for one of those?
Aside from the nearly $7,000 depreciation the seller had to absorb, two particular details stood out concerning the dealer-installed options. It seems excessive to charge $129 for an infotainment screen protector and $79 for four smartphone cables. Others agree, right?
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