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Hi there,,

I have been looking for a Toyota Corolla GX 2010 - 2011. This will be my very first car. I went to visit a Toyota dealer, and they offered me one with Signature Class. However, I got told that as part of meeting their sales target, their shop has already pre-profiled the car, and the warranty that goes with Signature Class has been activated last month already. The car has been leased to a rental company. Does this mean that I would be the third owner if I were to purchase this, and the first and second owners being the car rental company and the Toyota? Is this right? Is there any disadvantages of buying a car that has been leased to a car rental company? I'm also not sure whether it is worthwhile to get a Toyota with Signature Class at all?

Also, with cars that do not come with warranties, how many years of warranties would you recommend to get on a 2010 - 2011 Toyota Corolla.

If you could please help me with the above as soon as possible, that would be much appreciated as I am trying to decide to go ahead with the purchase.

Many thanks

By the sounds of it you would be the second owner if the vehicle was only registered in the lease company’s name. The dealer should not reflect as a previous owner as it would have been part of their stock. You should ask the selling dealer this question to clarify how they have 'pre-profiled the car'.

A leased vehicle should have a good traceable service record and a Toyota Signature class vehicle is a good choice as it would have been thoroughly checked over by Toyota.

The Toyota Corolla has a good reputation for reliability and you are covered by the CGA for a reasonable amount of time as you are buying from a registered motor vehicle trader.

A three year mechanical warranty will be useful in case of any major mechanical problems - however the Corolla has a good reputation so you might never use it.