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Scion tC

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Comments

  • beeboybeeboy Member Posts: 1
    dude,
    i have a manual tC. does your engine vibrate when the A/C is on and you're stopped at a red light or stop sign? mine does. i can see the RPM flicker a lot. it goes away when i turn the A/C off
  • leo_tcleo_tc Member Posts: 2
    hello, this is my first time writing. i just got my flint mica tC, (5spd, S/A) about two weeks ago... LOVING it so far. i just have some questions:
    1) i want to change the stock head unit, install my own sub and amp and speakers. will this void the warranty even if the parts are made by pioneer?
    2) im having a problem with the a/c. when its turned on and im stopped, say at a red light, the engine vibrates. i would expect this from an older vehicle (like my old 91 miata), but not from a new 05 tC. does anyone else other than soapdish experience this problem?
    3) i like driving with my windows down. i have noticed however that when i drive with them open and am driving more the 75mph the seatbelt starts going crazy and makes a really annoying sound from the wind coming in. i really hate when this happens. are there any others like me out there that like having windows open that are experiencing the same thing?

    other than those minor problems, this car is perfect and perfect for me...

    i appreciate the help very much.

    thank you all and happy tC driving!!!!
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    I think it is common for the engine to vibrate a little at a stop with the AC on. The compressor creates some additinal drag on th eengine. I don't use the AC much, but when I have, I don't recall noticing anything out of the ordinary (and I'm very picky about little things like that).

    If you replace the radio, obviously the new pieces won't be convered by Toyota, but it should not void the rest of your warranty, unless the installation can be proven to have screwed up something else (ie, if they splice the wiring harness which casues the ECU to fry, Toyota ain't paying for that!)

    I have noticed the wind issue also, since I like to drive with the windows down too. I think you get some buffeting at the B pillor (behind your head), since the doors are longer than in a 4 door sedan. It just seems to be a function of the design. It does get a lot of air to the back seat though, which can beat up the kids in the back at higher speeds.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    also, I assume you are wearing the seatbelt. If not, having them flap in the breeze shouldn't be your biggest concern.

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

  • leo_tcleo_tc Member Posts: 2
    thanks stickguy, and yes i do wear the seatbelt cuz i hate the beep that comes on if you dont. the belt thing is not that important but it still bothers me a little. anyone else have a comment on changing the radio system? or anybody that has already done so and has gone to the dealer for oil changes or what not, and did the dealer say anything about it? just want to be sure that the warranty isn't voided. thanks
  • pcrpcr Member Posts: 14
    I've read in another forum that the speakers are riveted in, and are not considered an upgradeable part by Toyota.
  • pcrpcr Member Posts: 14
    I just took delivery of an Indigo/Stick/SAB tC; it took a little less than six weeks.
  • carguy79carguy79 Member Posts: 23
    My manual tC does not vibrate with the A/C on, just the usual slightly higher RPMs. My A/C runs continously due to the climate I live in.
  • carguy79carguy79 Member Posts: 23
    Congrats on the tC!!!
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    A new Scion Owners Club is now available on Edmunds.com Owners Club board. Please stop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members and let me know how I can help build your club. I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in C&C.

    Looking forward to meeting everyone!
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    I would strongly recommend using your seatbelts at all times. Have you ever had an encounter with an airbag? It's not an exciting experience. Enough said.
                      : )
                        Mackabee
  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    Any one out there know where I can have an invisible bra installed near Salem, OR?
  • tcrazytcrazy Member Posts: 2
    I live in lower Westchester county NY and as of now have been waiting 3 long months for a Black Automatic Tc with SIDE AIRBAGS since ordering. The dealer now has me down to 2nd in a long line of waiters that goes on forever. Seems Japan was asleep at the wheel in forcasting demand for side airbag equipped cars.
    The dealer can't predict when this car will ever arrive. Still waiting to hear from them on 9/30 district allocation.
    Am I the only one in this jam? Or is Tc really Prius spelled backwards? Advice, hints & strategies greatly appreciated.
    -TCrazy.
  • mikegoobmikegoob Member Posts: 1
    Im shopping for a Scion tC and they are VERY hard to find right now. Everywhere has at least a 6 week wait.

    One particular dealership is offering to sell me one of thier demo cars (manual transmission OVER 1000 miles not sure how much over).

    Should i even consider a demo car? Its a toyota and will have a warranty so does it make a big difference? They said they cant negotiate the price because its a scion.

    What would you recommend? thanks!
  • blacktalonblacktalon Member Posts: 203
    1) No.

    2) Especially not with a dealership who says they aren't willing to lower the price on a car with over 1000 miles!

    3) Run, do not walk, to another dealer.
  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    This is a USED car! First year depreciation is 15-20% The warranty is still going to be 3/36.
  • tahlequahtahlequah Member Posts: 54
    First question is: what is everyone's preferred tire pressure for the Potenzas?

    Second question is: The recommended 5000 mile or 6 month maintenance vs. the usual 3 month 3000 mile maintenance - which do you prefer?
  • tahlequahtahlequah Member Posts: 54
    Hey Char - Tahlequah bound in three days! The tc is taking it's first 'real' trip!!!!
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    I have been running +3 lbs all around (34 front/31 rear, I think recommended is 31/28) and it seems to work fine.

    the 5K/6 months is probably fine for normal usage. I do a lot of short hops, so will probably do an oil change at 3-3.5K, which will be about 4 months or a little over.

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

  • charchar Member Posts: 18
    Woo-hooo!The OK roads will give the tC a real test. I've taken 2 roadtrips to B.A. in mine, it handled beautifully. I haven't seen a tC in OK yet!

    This is Texas/OU weekend. Be prepared for the southbound pilgrimmage!

    I've seen 3 tC's this week in DFW. Another Black Cherry, Black and Indigo. We're looking sharp!
  • tahlequahtahlequah Member Posts: 54
    I'm seeing at least two blue tC's in The Horse Capital. But I've heard tell of silver and white lurking about. Saw my dealer about a month back and he said Azure Blue is the hardest for them to get....so suddenly it's the one everyone wants.

    Here's a story for ya: I see a blue tC sitting on the showroom floor. I said, "Hey, you've got another blue one." The dealer said, "That car is cursed." Of course I asked why and he replied, "The first owner couldn't prove her income (she was a stripper and I guess she didn't claim her tips!), so the car came back. We sold it again only to have that owner be unable to prove his income, too. So, I think it's cursed." I thought, "hmmm, must have been the guy that gave her all the tip money!"

    I wanted to ask him how it is that dealers will let you walk out with a car without verifying that you make what you say you make? Then what happens? Do they send the repo man to take the car back?
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    first they ask you to return it. If you don't, then the repo man comes. Of course, now they have what amounts to a used car, although they might technically be able to sell it as new (if the registration was never put through).

    It's called a spot delivery. Sounds like this dealer isn't very good about picking out candidates though.

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

  • kmm1974kmm1974 Member Posts: 5
    Spotted 4 tC's on the road in the Chicago area over the weekend - Black, Indigo, Azure, and Black Cherry. All looked sharp! Still anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Flint Mica...
  • racerdavenycracerdavenyc Member Posts: 1
    I have been waiting about 7 weeks for mine (I'm in Rockland) and it has finally come in from Manhattan Toyota..well, it's in port anyway. I also had put a second deposit down with a second dealer (Johnston in Middletown) who is a very large Toyota/Scion dealer. Your deposits are refundable and the more dealers working for you, the quicker you'll get it. Just cause one with your specs is allocated to the area does not mean your dealer will get it. many people over on scionlife.com have reported waiting and waiting with one dealer, then trying another and getting a car from dealer #2 before dealer #1 ever got it.

    However, 6+ weeks wait for a car w SAB, depending on color, is normal.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,330
    If nothing else, yo uend up with multiple dealers all trying to snag the same car off the allocation sheet.

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

  • weav727weav727 Member Posts: 15
    I just got my silver 5 speed manual on Thursday the 30th. It is even better than I hoped. It is SO solid I can't believe it. It's also really pretty quick, the torquiest four cylinder I've ever driven.
  • weav727weav727 Member Posts: 15
    I forgot to ask about a break in period at the dealer, and they didn't say anything. I always thougth about 1000 miles was break in, but maybe not. Anybody's dealer tell them?
  • buckeyecasebuckeyecase Member Posts: 8
    My dealer told me that no break-in was required. Supposedly that's common with most of the newer engines. Or they could just be full of it.

    Didn't notice anything in the owner's manual about it, so I would assume it's not necessary.
  • geneegenee Member Posts: 170
    I believe the manual says something about not holding any steady speed - fast or slow - for the first 1,000 miles. On my last four or five cars I would drive 15 minutes at one speed and then change it by 10-15mph ... with occasional romps up to higher speeds for 30 seconds and then let it back down against compression. We have also had a tradition since 1956 that you are going 100mph when your odometer hits 100miles. All of them have run fantastically and gotten great mileage.
  • exzurexzur Member Posts: 166
    I am sure there is a break-in topic in the manual. It says something like, “you are the final machinist of the engine in your car, therefore for the first 1,000 miles or 1,6000 km do the ff:

    - Do not drive slow at high gear.
    - Avoid hard stop.
    - Do not race the engine.
    - Do not drive at one speed for a long time."
    -
    I don’t have the manual with me right now, I may be missing something. I suggest not to listen to the dealer and follow the break-in procedure in the manual.
  • axiomowneraxiomowner Member Posts: 76
    Has anyone seen a true maintenance schedule for the tC? My manual only states oil changes every 5k or 5 months and 'inspection' of other items. I'm not sure what the intervals are for anti-freeze, transmission, etc... This is the first car I've purchased that doesn't have one.
  • onitswayonitsway Member Posts: 3
    Well you unfortunatly are not the only one waiting patiently or impatiently for your tC. My indigo, stick, airbags is supposed to be here within the next 2 weeks which would put it at the 11 week mark, plus time to install leather, alarm, tint, etc. I got sick of listening to my dealer tell me they just can't find one to fit my specs so I called scion customer service. They started a case and had about 5 different people call me and ask me to switch colors or drop the airbags, when I wouldn't, they informed me they would do their best. All of a sudden my dealer who previously could only wait for his allocation to reserve a vehicle now had the ability to track vehicles 3-4 weeks out and still on the boats. 1 week later he had located my tC and reserved it. He even gave me my VIN #. Can't wait to get it. Hope this helps anyone else on the endless waiting list.
  • hc72hc72 Member Posts: 20
    I waited ~3 months for my superwhite TC with automatic and side curtain air bags. Eventhough I pre-ordered it before the car even came out. I have asked scion corporate rep about the shortage issue. They said that only 20% of all tc comes with side curtain airbag. Since the transmission is split evenly between auto and manual, you are down to 10%.

    If you want a specific color, that cuts it further down. Indigo is not a popular color (~10% of all cars). Therefore, you are looking at 1%. That mean that there is only 1 car fitting your configuration for every 100 cars. My was superwhite (~25% of all cars). Therefore, just slightly better at 2.5% Hope that this answeres your wait.

    If your dealer was able to secure a VIN#, that means that they received official allocation from Scion and it is up to the dealer on whether to sell the car to you.
  • tcrazytcrazy Member Posts: 2
    I"ve also taken the phone route to Scion Corporate in Calif. A customer advocate assigned a case# then contacted the district manager in my area . He has phoned to apprise me that as of the next allocation delivery around 10/15 he could then tell me whereabouts of my car. It would hopefully be delivered before October end. Maybe there's finally some light at end of the road.
    It points to a lack of communication between Corporate Toyota and dealers on how the dealers could deal more honestly and factually with legitimate consumer concerns on delivery of their cars. It seems like one long public relations fiasco in my own experience. The corporate folks have been extremely polite and helpful but the dealerships could use some fast corporate TLC in the Scion tC's release and availability problem issues.
  • jcfjcf Member Posts: 35
    I may have set a record by placing orders with 13 dealers in San Diego and LA (in mid July). I put $500 deposits down with 4 of those dealers to get my vehicle "preferenced" ordered, though at least one other dealer made my preference order without a deposit.

    Insisting on air bags was the problem all right. It took 8 weeks for one of the dealers to get allotted my second color choice (with a VIN no of the unit still in Japan). Going in to finalize the order and deciding whether to hold out for my first color choice was a tough decision.

    After 2 hours of listening to me waffling and worrying, my sales rep finally produced a printout of all of the tC's coming into the LA port for the Aug/Sept and Oct/Nov periods. There, I saw some enlightening numbers that forced my decision. The port's allocation, for the entire west coast, included only one Azure Pearl manual with side air bags for each of the two delivery periods. Now, even with my multiple orders, I doubted my success at being able to snag that one and only unit arriving.

    The printout showed 7 azure pearl manuals coming without side airbags, 7 white manuals with, 30+ flint mica manuals with, etc. Anyway, the numbers were helpful in determining the "odds" of getting my preferred choice. I'd recommend anyone else holding out for a single color choice review those numbers in determining how long you're willing to wait. In my case, I had several dealers who preference ordered my color and promised that I would get the car in 2 to 8 weeks. Not true at all; the dealers can only preference what the port is targeted to receive. In LA, that means lots of white, silver, and flint mica, fewer azure pearl, cherry, and indigo.

    My white, manual, SAB tC is due for arrival in late Oct - taking a full 3 months to get my second color choice from 13 dealerships. So much for this new Scion sales experience being easier and carefree?
  • 307web307web Member Posts: 1,033
    Doesn't alot of the difficulty of finding a car wit SAB have to do with the fact that you elected to choose MANUAL transmission?
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    because I read that tC's are evenly split up between manual and automatic transmissions for consumers to choose from. Is there some truth that this new Scion ordering system is sadly slow and lacking in this "press a button and you'll get what you want" day and age we find ourselves in?

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • 307web307web Member Posts: 1,033
    They may have put most of the SABs in ones with automatics believing that those buying manual transmissions are looking for the lowest price possible.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    I am one who would order a manual-trannied tC and not need SAB's, indeed, for example. It is also true that I want the lowest price possible, too.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • jcfjcf Member Posts: 35
    According to numerous dealers, the manual/automatic production is about 60/40 - or 40/60, I can't remember which. In any case, its reasonably close for trying to order either model. The LA port numbers listing I saw supported this claim.

    According to numerous dealers, the models coming with SAB's is 5-10%, in both manual and auto. I found the number to be closer to 10-15%, in both manual and auto, looking at the LA port numbers listing.

    Among transmission choice, color choice, and SAB option, the SAB option is the most limiting factor. Certainly, specifying a single color choice and transmission type further limits the available units.

    According to Toyota management interviews I read in earlier test reports, the company underestimated demand for SAB's because they calculated the younger generation buyers that the car is targeted for would be more price conscious than safety conscious. Toyota apparently underestimated the number of older folks, who either have more to live for or who simply have grown smarter about safety, that would be attracted to this vehicle. The company's supposedly already increasing the percentage of units with SAB options. Those of you who can wait will have an easier time in 05.
  • jcfjcf Member Posts: 35
    You ever hear the expression - living in denial?

    Being on a tight budget, I too have always sought the lowest price on new cars, and never cared much for hidden features that I can't see or feel. Consequently, safety was never a factor that I'd pay extra money for.

    When I first started considering the tC, spending an extra $650 on SAB's wasn't even a consideration for me. In the process of shopping for a new car though, I started to do some real research - all the road test reports on performance and handling, all the consumer reports on reliability, all the forums on personal experiences, and... all the safety crash ratings and test reports from NHTSA and IIHS. Man, did I get an eye opener on the difference among cars in crash tests and safety ratings - like seeing that the new Mazda 3 I wanted so badly had a poor side crash rating. I remember working a wreck this summer while I was still pondering the tC/Mazda 3 choice. The car over the side looked like it had gone through a trash compactor, and my touching the dead bodies put a renewed sense of vulnerability and safety concern into me. That clinched the tC for me over the Mazda 3. It also put new light into considering the SAB option.

    We all make compromises on price, performance, handling, economy, style, and safety in the car we choose. In this case though, you're choosing between $650 in your pocket or an insurance policy you hope you'll never use. I wrestled with this too - until I read a good SAB article available on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Go there, find the article on the left side column, and read it.

    The best statistics, which are really quite extensive and thorough, show that SAB's reduce side impact deaths by 45%. That's pretty significant, and doesn't even account for the serious injuries prevented. The new SAB's, like on the tC, also have variable deployment rates made to specifically protect you in a rollover too. The effectiveness of SAB's is now so good and so proven, that Honda has committed to making them STANDARD on ALL of their models by 2006. Since that's the trend already, I believe the other manufacturers will follow suit - just as they did for front air bags 10 years ago. Five or more years down the road when you sell your car, any car without SAB's will be considered less safe - and probably worth a bit less.

    You know, with all the high riding SUV's on the road, us little people in lowly cars really are more vulnerable. The tc's 3 side door beams are great, but they won't protect you from the SUV bumper that comes in through the glass above those door beams. The only thing between your head and that bumper is a SAB curtain.

    Over the past several years, I've worked a lot of wrecks and seen a lot of people crippled and killed needlessly. I've also walked away unharmed from a fatality collision myself. I know which category I want to be in - and I've decided its worth an extra 650 to better the odds in my favor.

    I Don't mean to be a party pooper. And, if you know all this and choose to live life recklessly - like Arizona motorcyclists that don't wear helmets or masses of drivers in other countries that don't wear seatbelts, then I respect your freedom of choice. But, at least make an informed decision and realize that you may not WANT to pay for SAB's, but that you do need them - if you value your life much.
  • revjoonbugrevjoonbug Member Posts: 3
    Just a quick comment about the SABs... I got my Azure Pearl Scion tC with SAB (manual) three days ago... and it took eight weeks to receive. Initially I did not opt for the SAB but after I put in my initial order I got a call from the dealer telling me that it was required that I purchase the option. Did anyone else get the same treatment or did they shill me?

    I mean, I *do* feel better about having the safety feature... but still.

    And I like the little SAB labels on my seat. haha.
  • tonylexustonylexus Member Posts: 94
    "Required option" is an oxymoron. You were bilked. Too bad you don't have the dealers claim in writing, would make a good case for retribution. I would find a new dealer.

    Just took delivery on my Black Cherry Auto - waited a little more than 4 weeks and used two dealers to get it.

    I was afraid that my expectations had been set too high while waiting but the tC is better than I had hoped for . Love it! Have not noticed any of the recurring concerns of other tC owners (sun roof popping, radio cover operation...), all is well- better than expected. The only thing I would change so far is a good-old-fashioned knob for the radio volume.

    Some of the other per-peaves expressed here makes me think that some of these people need a life (i.e., more bulbs in the upper brake light?) The sound system is awesome, it's comfortable, quiet, solid, shifts seemlessly, is always in the right gear in my hilly area, and looks great. Still breaking it in, can't wait to test the limits. from what I can tell so far, should have no worries.
  • 307web307web Member Posts: 1,033
    Quiet? I've heard noise complaints. The manual may be noisier since the gears are shorter for sportier performance.
    I have also heard complaints about the tires being noisy at highway speeds with the solution being "play the stereo louder."
  • hc72hc72 Member Posts: 20
    Not a single state or federal government required SAB. The dealer is telling you a lie so that he/she can make more profit. It is all up to you to determine whether you can afford it or should wait for it.

    I got my tc with SAB. It was worth the wait. I do realize that it cost $650 extra. However, some car insurance companies provide deductions for it. For example, 21st Century insures car based mostly on price, whereas Geico insures based on price and feature.

    Geico rep asked me about each of the features on tc (front passenger driver airbags, SAB, ABS, tire pressure monitor, engine shut off, etc). I got a quote that is ~$150 cheaper.

    Nope, i don't work for them or get paid for. Just a note, a lot of insurance companies does not have data for tC or even Scion. You will see big differences among the quotes.

    Not much noise from the gear. Your transmission has to be really bad to cause noticeable noise. However, there is fair amount of noise on bumpy highway roads (It is not a problem if your city has the new rubberized asphalt).

    I think that most of the noise is from the tires. The tires are low profile (side wall is very short) which provides better handling and cornering but less cushion. in addition the shock/spring are tighter too.
  • buckeyecasebuckeyecase Member Posts: 8
    After 500 miles on my BCP auto, have no real problems. No sunroof popping or other rattles at all. The radio cover doesn't always pop open as it should, but a slight push to the top of the door opens it right up. No biggie.

    I noticed a huge difference in audio quality when I changed the SSP setting to car type xA. This may have been mentioned here before... it increases the sound quality dramatically.

    Only real "complaint" is that the CD display doesn't scroll the text. Not a big deal, but I doubt it would've been hard to implement. I can live with it though.
  • jl637jl637 Member Posts: 4
    I'm looking at the Scion right now and it looks like everyone is paying MSRP. Do you guys think that its possible to negotiate for a lower price early next year when they make more Scions? Or will it remain MSRP w/ no negotiation for awhile?

    Also, I saw that there was a $500 Cash Back Rebate for new graduates on the scion website, but when I went to the dealer, they said they only had lower rates for financing, no cash back. Does that depend on each individual dealer?
  • buckeyecasebuckeyecase Member Posts: 8
    Scion dealers don't HAVE to charge MSRP. They just have to charge the same price to every person for the given equipment on a given day. So they can mark all tC's $500 off on a given day, or raise them all $500 on a given day. They must also post the prices up-front on their "menu" or whatever they call it in the showroom and on their Web site.... at least this is what I was told.

    So, no, you can't negotiate a lower price. But you might get lucky and find a dealer offering lower prices on all cars of the same model. However, given that most people are waiting ~ 30-90 days for their tC, don't expect anything less than MSRP.

    One dealer in Cleveland is charging $200 less than MSRP for all 05 xB's.

    The College Grad program is $400, not $500. The program is through Toyota Financial Services, not directly through the dealer. So if they handle their financing through TFS, tell them to call them up and ask for clarification.

    I've heard that Southeast Region Toyota dealers do financing through their own company, so they might give you a different answer.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    has not fallen on deaf ears. I will think about it if I order a tC in the future and will probably buy SAB's as an option. I am training in the medical field and respiratory problems(my field)are only one of the medical problems a person can get themselves into if they get involved in a nasty car accident without side airbags. Consider your warning well-taken by at least one person! Rock to some loud Drive-By Truckers in your tC's! But drive responsibly!

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • jcfjcf Member Posts: 35
    As others have already told you, your dealer mislead you - out of ignorance or lie who knows. I've found many of the Scion reps aren't very knowledgable about the car or the ordering process. Over half of them led me to the web site and told me that my car would specifically be made in the factory as per my preferences. Not true. Also, very few of them had read the many test reports on the car, or knew about any of the problems with the roof, transmission, or radio cover. Sadly, such is the case with most car salesmen. Few know their product as well as any anal consumer who does some research.

    In any case, you've done well, even if by deception, in getting a rare color with SAB's. In fact, you got the car I ordered and wanted for 3 months. My white one's on the lot, waiting my pickup when I get home from vacation.

    Enjoy.
This discussion has been closed.