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Scion tC

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Comments

  • markg4markg4 Member Posts: 44
    i have a 2000 civic si in black now. i think i will opt for the black cherry also when i buy mine. i dont really like silver and it is too hard to keep the white cars clean. have you driven one yet? i plan on taking a test drive one of these days but i am putting it off because it might to make me buy one sooner than i am planning to. i am also going to buy a base model and purchase any options at one of the resale places online where they are MUCH cheaper. i especially like the metal shifter knobs but i hear they get quite hot in the summer.
  • tonylexustonylexus Member Posts: 94
    Yes, I've driven both the stick and auto. The stick is fun but I commute so went for the auto. Don't believe half of what you hear from those 'stick guys', the auto is a blast as well.

    Black works on the civic but for some reason didn't turn me on with the tC.

    I know of 2 sales that occurred in a week, one to a 50+ yr old preachers wife and one to a 23 yr old exotic dancer. I'm, a 52 yr old male professional. So much for the marketing guru's! Build a great car and they will come - target market or not.
  • markg4markg4 Member Posts: 44
    i commute too but i cant stand auto's since i started on sticks. i love the overall balance & value of the tc and cant wait to get one. the only issue i have is the weight. i wonder how much faster it would be if it weighed 200-300 lbs less? it must be very solidly built if it weights 2900 lbs and is the same size as my 2600 lb civic.can all that extra weight be in the 2.4l engine as opposed to my 1.6l?
  • axiomowneraxiomowner Member Posts: 76
    I'm older than the GenY market too. Anyway, I agree with tonylexus, you really need to see the colors in person to decide. The online pics and even the color swatches at the dealer just don't cut it.

    Better hurry. As Mackabee pointed out, I'm not seeing any tC last more than a few days at our local dealer.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    The extra weight seems to have gone into the structure. It is very solidly built.

    Just got gas again. This tank was again about 24.5 mpg, which seems to be my normal around town mileage. This is mostly short-hop local (rarely more than 5 miles from my house), with lots of 1-2 mile runs. Did have a copy of short highway jaunts of a whopping 5-10 miles, but they usually ended on local roads with lights, etc. So, not too bad all in all.

    to recap, looks like I get 24-25 around town, and about 32 highway. This is with a 5 speed.

    Still get lots of compliments on the car.

    BTW, I'm a 42 YO male, for whatever that does to the demographics.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    Yes, it would appear that Toyota really missed the boat on the demographics on the tC. The little lady who sold me mine - was picked for the Internet position for a BIG Scion store BECAUSE she was only 19 - has not sold a tC to anyone under 35. I am 64 but her "crowning glory" was a lady 76 years young who took a stick and a blower (I think a complete dealer thing ... is the TRD package even out?). She took it on her title transfer spin "to see if she could get rubber in all five."
  • WeazellWeazell Member Posts: 15
    I'll add my name to the parade of old people - I'll be 50 next month. I figure it's as close as I'm gonna come to a mid-life crisis. And, yes, I do get a few odd stares from people who see this old guy driving a tC with Outkast thumpin on the stereo . . .

    Silver tC, by the way. I really liked the Black Cherry but it is hard to come by (unless you are patient enough to order it and wait several weeks) but I knew it would show the dirt a TON more than silver. I know silver is a common color but I am very satisfied with my choice so far.

    One more thing. I still have not seen another tC on the road. I live in a relatively small community - Bend, OR but I have traveled to Portland and Seattle over the last month and still haven't seen another tC - except for an occasional one on a car lot. Weird . . .
  • exzurexzur Member Posts: 166
    I am driving a silver Scion tC 5 spd since August 24. The car has only 1 mile on the odometer when I got it.

    So much for this demographics. I am 57.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    Gee, looks like my 42 is actually driving the average age down!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Your Host is very sensitive to old fart comments :)

    Man, Scion marketers must tear their hair out whenever boomers buy Xbs and Tcs. I think there's a new phenomenon out there waiting to be harvested---the "recapture my youth" market!
  • markg4markg4 Member Posts: 44
    im 37 but i feel & look much older.
  • dat2dat2 Member Posts: 251
    I just bought the trd rear sway bar from mcgeorge in va, took it to my dealer and they wanted 2 hrs labor, which was $170 (oxmoor toyota in louisville), seemed like way too much. am going to a local mechanic tomorrow who will install for 1 hr labor ($70). much more reasonable.

    also, the strut bar was a surprise, looks like it will take me several hrs as you have to remove the cowling, wipers, etc.
  • tonylexustonylexus Member Posts: 94
    Heard a little talk about fog lights. Are they available as a Scion accessory? Haven't noticed them listed. Even if so, is there a better option to pursue?

    Appreciate any help.
  • techwolftechwolf Member Posts: 4
    1700+ and still going strong. Brake still feels nice and strong, turning just as good and acceleration seems to have improved after break in.

    The exhaust kit finally made it to the dealership (3+ weeks after buying) along with the rest of my accessories. I hope to get it installed sometime next week. There were a number of accessories that were not available from the build-your-own website that I added on after. The color steering wheel, rear bumper applique, door sill enhancements and I am going to have them tint it. The fog light kit should be available from the dealership parts department too but I think I'm going to make this months car payment instead of getting them...
  • cmosecmose Member Posts: 3
    Thanks much, yeah I'm thinking the same thing, can pick the bar up for what, 140 on partznet.com and then take it to an inlaw automachanic maybe. Two hours is way to much for something that should take all of a half hour to install.
  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    The fog lights HAVE to be a planned extra. The manual I downloaded from one of the Cal State sites shows the wiring for the lights and switch are already part of the harness.
  • pdm72pdm72 Member Posts: 11
    I have read that you can't get the auto-dimming mirror if you're getting the side curtain airbag option--I don't think my sales consultant was aware of this when I placed my order, nor was I. I'm wondering though, if this means that no kind of auto dimming mirror if compatible with the side airbags, or if it's specific to the one being used? It's a feature I'd still like, though I don't need one with the homelink feature anyway.
  • soapdishsoapdish Member Posts: 1
    I have an automatic tC with around 120 miles on it so far. However I have noticed some "vibrations" coming from the gas pedal during 1st and 2nd gear. 3rd and 4th are just fine.. it's extra noticable around 2100 rpm.
    You can also feel some "engine shake" sometimes when using reverse. Anyone else notice anything like this?

    Second thing of notice, my steering wheel seems to point couple degrees to the right and when I hit a bump or drain path the steering wheel pulls pretty hard based on how the tires are doing/pointing. Anyone else notice these things?
  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    I don't know where or what you have been reading but I drive a tC with side airbags AND an auto-dimming mirror. I was also told that you couldn't get leather installed if you had the side airbags. Funny, mine has both. The main reason for getting the auto-dimming mirror IS the HomeLink. If you don't want HomeLink save $310 and flip the little lever to "dim" the mirror as most folks do ...
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    my steering wheel is dead on straight, and the car tracks perfectly. I'm also real sensitive to the wheel being straight.

    Make sure your tire pressure is correct, and if so, I would take it in to have the alignment checked. That usually will straighten out the wheel.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • axiomowneraxiomowner Member Posts: 76
    Hi,

    I've seen the leather pics from Genee. I definately want it. Classic Soft Trim + Katzkin don't have installers in my area. The salesman had mentioned the leather install is $1380. Anyone else get quotes from Scion and/or negotiate a lower price?
  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    Axiom owner - I thought you were in Hillsboro. Do I have you confused with another to whom I sent the pics?
    Katzkin will deal only through a dealer on cars newer than three years. CST will send you the fabricated pieces if you can find an installer closer than their franchise outlet.
  • axiomowneraxiomowner Member Posts: 76
    Genee - Thanks for the info. By the way, I live on Cape Cod in MA. But, Hillsboro sounds nice :).

    If I can't find a reputable installer, I'll pay to have it done at the dealer. Most importantly, I want it done correctly.
  • weav727weav727 Member Posts: 15
    I currently drive a 2000 Civic EX 5speed, and I am impatiently for my 2005 tC 5 speed. I am a little worried about if I will be satisfied with the clutch/shifter action compared to my Civic. I was only able to drive an automatic before ordering. However, I did test a Corolla XRS with a 6 speed, and I did not like the clutch/shifter action at ALL. I couldn't get a smooth shift out of it, and I've been driving a manual trans for the past 9 years. I realize it's a different transmission than that particular Corolla, which shares its drivetrain with the lame duck Celica GTS. So, tC 5 speed owners, what do you think of the shift action?
  • pdm72pdm72 Member Posts: 11
    I think that might be a port install vs. dealer install issue. I've heard of people who have tried to order both, but were told from the port that they were incompatible, or rather, I think they just didn't want to mess with screwing up the side airbags somehow. For some reason, I thought the auto-dimming feature would do more than just flipping the lever on a normal mirror would--I didn't really realize that it wasn't anything more than that, because I've never actually used or seen one. I'm glad I didn't pay for it if that's the case.
  • charchar Member Posts: 18
    I also have an A/T (black cherry), creeping up on 2000 miles. No vibrations or tracking issues at all. I've taken it for 2 road trips,and even on the really bad highways and byways of Oklahoma, I have no problems...other than curious folks crawling up my back bumper when they see the Scion logo and want to check out the car!

    BTW, saw my first Scion here in Fort Worth, TX on the road this week. It was hard to tell which one of us was more excited!
  • charchar Member Posts: 18
    Got a question for you, Mac ---
    I heard a nasty rumor from the insurance agency that the tC has a fragile moonroof. Apparently, hail can cause it to break easily. Living in tornado alley, I'm obviously concerned about this issue. I doubt the cars have been on the street long enough for this to be challenged but I'm curious if this has been actually documented. I have always had T-tops (remember those?!), sunroofs or moonroofs in my vehicles. Never have had an issue. Just curious...and hoping its a petty rumor caused by jealous competitors!!

    Your thoughts?
  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    Pdm72 - I guess there is a little more to the auto-dimming mirror than I stated, but the effect is the same. When lights hit the sensor the mirror darkens (like light sensitive glasses)reducing the glare. There IS quite a bit to installing the mirror - shop time is listed as two hours. The mirror is nice but not something I couldn't live without. The HomeLink is why I opted ...
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    I have driven sticks exclusively for many years (hence the screen name), and currently have a 5 speed tC. I don't have any problems with it, but it might take a little getting used to coming out of a Civic. The shifter itself is fine, although the throws might be a touch longer than you are used to (but there is a short shift kit on the options list that I might look into).

    I think it is the clutch that is bothering some people. It does have a fairly long throw, but has a nice feel (not too heavy or light) and is easy to modulate. Also works will in stop and go traffic.

    The clutch is no wheres near as bad as in a VW. Those tend to engage at the very top of the travel, and take a qhile to get used to. The tC isn't really much different in feel than the maxima I replaced it with.

    Not sure if a Camry 5 speed will feel the same, but you won't find one of them to drive anyway. The Corolla is going to feel way different (especially the 6 speed, which is generally reported to be crappy).

    Best thing is to wait until the tC comes in, and give it a good test drive before you sign the papers. 20 minutes around town should give you a good idea, but IMO, its fine.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • weav727weav727 Member Posts: 15
    Thanks for the info stickguy. I would have to agree with the reports about the Corolla XRS 6 speed being crappy. I could not get a smooth shift out of it, and I was trying. But the two are unrelated anyway.

    I have already put down a deposit on a 5 speed, which should be in by the end of the month. However, since I have only driven the automatic, my deposit is refundable and I can back out if I decide I dont' like the car. The dealer said they've been offering that option, and nobody has turned down the car.

    I've compared the tC with an Accord Coupe EX 5 speed and a base RSX 5 speed. The dealer didn't have a 5 speed Accord to test, so I drove an auto. It was nice, but underwhelming in auto. Plus, it's about 21000. The RSX was also nice, but still a bit more expensive, coming out at around 20 even. So basically, nothing can touch the tC in the pricing department. I ordered a silver 5 speed with a lip spoiler, hybrid mats, and one of the shift knobs (don't know which one yet, maybe speed star). I think the silver looks awesome, because the whole car is silver and black, inside and out. I really liked the indigo and dark gray as well, but went with the silver. Coming out of a black car, I wanted a lighter color. Black is TOUGH to keep clean.

    So I hope I like it!
  • c1rybickc1rybick Member Posts: 35
    I'm 20 and I like the car. Sort of.

    It's got a stick, hopefully has more power than the 95 Camry that I used to drive (LE model, which weighed less than 100 pounds more than a tC), and has a decent interior. I think that the panoramic sunroof looks pretty neat. I learned to drive on a 85 Toyota Cressida, and the quality of the interior is important to me. I can't stand cheap interiors (hello GM).

    The car looks typically Toyota-bland boring from the front, though. Maybe that's why so many old people are interested in it instead of younger people? The Celica looks good, the xA looks good, the xB is certainly unique, so why not the tC? At least it doesn't have those silly center-mounted instruments like the other Scion models.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    We old people are interested in it because it's a heck of a bargain! My son reported hail in Florida when they first got down there back in July. No damage to the glass moonroof. I think it is made of hard impact plastic. The white does look very striking! It's become my favorite color, specially when seen from a second floor window. The contrasting black glass with the white color is amazing!
                        : )
                         Mackabee
  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    I contacted the headquarters of CST and received the following reply about places near/on Cape Cod MiCorp is so new to CST that they are NOT listed on the web site directory:
    It's MiCorp and their number is 508-832-9816. They are located in Seekonk. I
    realize that doesn't seem close, but the other alternative is our branch in
    Boston.
     Now, I would hate to have to fight the "Big Dig" to get to a franchise ... the interior is WELL worth the effort(s).
  • johnehjohneh Member Posts: 5
    Whatever.... Enjoy being 20 for the only time you ever will be. Whatever a person's life-stage may be, a respectful attitiude is always important. Have you tried a Daewoo? Blahda-yada ya ya.

    -Old People
  • deucedeuce Member Posts: 13
    Don't generalize, I'm sure there's just as many "old people" that don't like the tC as there are "young people" that do like it. I'm one of them. (age: 23)
  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    Well, a couple of weeks ago I took the tC in and complained about the radio lid. A new center dash was ordered. Today I took the car back to have it installed. Two hours after the car was promised I called and was told that the replacement was worse than the original and the shop was waiting for a call from Toyota(Scion) to tell them what to do. So, if YOU ARE having problems with the lid NOT opening, take it in so we can get this problem documented and a retro-fit fix created. IT would be kind of stupid to invoke the "lemon law" for such a trival gripe.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    the only time I ever close mine, is when people complain about it here and I decide to check it out. SOmetimes it takes a few pokes, but nothing I can't live with. Expecially since I never bother to close it.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • ghghghgh Member Posts: 11
    Hear hear. It's like that old joke where the guy goes to the doctor and tells the doc that his elbow hurts when he moves his arm like "this" and the doctor tells him that he should stop moving his arm that way.

    I sometimes close the lid when I park in the garage to discourage the valet guys from screwing with my radio (I know for a fact that at least once the fellas sat in my tC, reclined the seats a bit, and played the radio). Give the cover a decisive jab and it WILL open ....
  • exzurexzur Member Posts: 166
    I also have to poke the radio lid two, three, four, five times before it opened.

    I still think the car is a very good value for $16,465. If there is a fix, I'll take it to the dealer, else I can live with it.
  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    Exzur - If you don't take it to a dealer and ask for a fix, they will NEVER work on a fix. Just because the car is inexpensive, it doesn't have to be CHEAP. If I wanted something that didn't work, I'd look for a YUGO.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    to a Yugo get you any credibility. I actually tet drove a new Yugo and can say that the Scion would be a beter value even if the durn door fell off every time you tried to open it.
  • axiomowneraxiomowner Member Posts: 76
    I ordered an Azure Pearl with Auto 3 weeks ago. I hope it comes in soon. :)

    This weeks auto section in the Cape Cod Times highlighted the tC. It said Scion plans 45000 units and has already sold 11000 units. I can definately say that no tC sits more than a few days at our local dealer.
  • charchar Member Posts: 18
    Thanks for the moonroof info, Mac. If the tC can take on Florida hurricane season, (& I'm not talking football here)I think we have a keeper!

    Interestingly enough, gentlemen, if you barely jab at the radio lid with eagle-talon long fingernails such as mine, it almost never fails!
    Perhaps it's all in the magic touch. :)

    I was on a 5-hour roadtrip today. You "old folks" like me will appreciate this: my legs didn't get stiff, the moonroof didn't get hot, I didn't have to stop for gas, and it was such a smooth ride, I got pulled over by the TX HP...I think he just wanted to check out my car! But that Black Cherry shows every speck of east TX dirt!

    Is anyone out there running across other tCs on the road yet?
  • tonylexustonylexus Member Posts: 94
    Waiting for my Black Cherry to arrive. Have had a lot of black cars in the past so I'm prepared to keep it clean. As for seeing tC's on the road. The only two I've seen were back in early July when they first came out. Nothing since. Guess that's good as at least for a while we will be driving something rather unique.

    I am thus far relieved at the rate of satisfaction demonstrated by tC owners. The problems mentioned are either minor annoyances or personal preferences that would be common with any vehicle. Overall, it seems my choice to buy a tC is well supported. Wasn't in a hurry since my current lease isn't up until end of Oct but now that I've ordered - can't wait.
  • onitswayonitsway Member Posts: 3
    While everyone is on the subject of the radio, does anyone know what kind of inputs are on the back of the unit. Does it have any red/white audio inputs I have been trying to find out how I will connect my Sirius satellite radio(XM sucks) to my Tc..when it arrives of course. I can always use the fm modulator, but I would prefer to "hardwire it." My Tc is expected to arrive sometime between October and NEVER!!! Ordered July 29, indigo, airbags, stick shift-whenever I get it, leather will be installed by the dealer. Local toyota dealer in Southwest FL says "I have selected probably the most difficult combination of accessories possible", I don't believe them. Has anybody else heard a similar line? Well that's enough questions for know, hopefully someone out there will have a few answers for me. Thanks, till then I will assume my Tc is "on its way"...
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    First, it's tC (not Tc).

    You can probably go to the dealers parts department and check out the radio. They actually install them at the port, and it is also available as a dealer installed option. I believe that the 6 disk has the same configuration as the single slot one, so the plugs should be the same.

    I doubt your dealer is lying to you. Look at it this way, he doesn't get any money until he gets you a car, so what reason could he have to stall? Especially when they all sell for the same price.

    I think it's the side bags holding you up, especially on a stick. IIRC, they underestimated the demand for the SAB option.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    Thanks for the radio info, Char. However, I don't think I will opt for the talons.

    For those in the Black Cherry club, you can REALLY make it shine with the new Meguiar's TecWax. Strange stuff. You put it on the entire car before you start removing. The whole thing from start to finish is 30 minutes! (I usually spend another 15 with the lambs wool on the buffer ... just cause.)

    The parts department is on its third order for the radio lid. They wouldn't install the first two as they were worse than the one I am complaining about. (They are now on back order so I must NOT be the only one trying to get a fix.)
  • cooldad24cooldad24 Member Posts: 163
    Be aware of DIY since it will void the warranty on the stereo. Any modification not installed by manufecturer nor dealer will automatic void the coverage. I f you plan to have dealer install for you, be prepare to pay as mush as $100 for labor.
  • charchar Member Posts: 18
    Thanks Genee, for the wax info. I'm all over it!!Is this a product I can buy at any automotive parts place like PepBoys?
  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    Char - yes, the product is READILY available. It lists for $14.95 but lots of "big boxes" have it for less. The trick is to NOT over use it. Go easy with it. Use it like it was $50 a bottle and it will do wonders SEVERAL times. Be sure to use terry cloth (or mircrofibre) to wipe it off. It will NOT clean. It is a polish wax that seems to hide swirls in the process.
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