Scion tC

Kirstie_H

A newspaper reporter is looking for vehicle shoppers and recent buyers age 20-29 who live in either the Atlanta or Raleigh-Durham area. If you're willing to talk about your vehicle preferences and shopping experience, please send an e-mail to jfallon@edmunds.com with your age, location, and contact info by December 13, 2004. Thanks!

bobotheclown

I thinking of getting the security system and the subwoofer next year when I purchase the car. Anyone currently have it installed? Was it worth it, or would you go with third party vendors if you have a chance?

If I do get those options, I'd have the dealer install the security system and I'd buy the sub from mcgeorgeparts.com and install it myself to safe some money.

genee

Clown - There isn't much need for the security system since you can't start the car without the $135 key. They (security systems) have become so common place that no one pays any attention to the noise any more. Many, many postings back it was brought out that the sub might install looking really great but it makes getting the floor mat (and, hence, spare) a REAL PAIN to get out.

bobotheclown

Wow a $135 key. Geez that's going to be a b**ch to replace if it gets lost. Hope the dealerships give buyers at least two of them.

Hmm I guess I'll price the cost of insurance w/o an alarm and see if it's a large difference.

Thanks for the information

stickguy

you actually get 3. 2 full function keys with the integrated remote, and a valet key. No remote on that one, and it won't unlick the glove compartment, but other than that it will run the car just fine.

callmedrfill

I've heard 11/15 release date, no info on Scion.com or TRD?

   DrFill

jcf

My dealer rep told me the tc's key/ignition start system is the same system used on the Lexas. It's an impressive theft deterrent system, though it does make for expensive and large keys.

By the way, I've already found out that if you just want a cheap entry key to hide (and then there's lots of good places to hide a starter key inside the car), the factory key can be easily and successfully copied.

I can't speak for other insurance companies, but State Farm gives no extra credits for alarm systems of any kind. In fact, they gave me the same tC quote regardless of any options or features.

20 years ago, any good, after market stereo was an outstanding target for thieves - and alarm systems were rare enough to be noticed when they sounded off. Today, most stock stereos have disabling theft deterrent systems - and alarm systems sound off so regularly that they are usually ignored. It seems like a person is more likely to have his wheels or entire car stolen than a stock stereo unit.

Toyota's taken care of the car theft concern pretty well with the ignition key system, and a $25 set of locks should help with the wheels. Adding another alarm? There's probably more important things to spend money on.

hc72

My car mileage has not been great (about low 20's). Mostly because it is cold in NW and I drive mostly streets and short distances.

I just bumped my tire pressure from 31-front 29-back to 38-front and 31-back. Yeap, if you look through the Scion manually carefully, this is their recommendation for people driving higher speeds.

Hopefully it would give me some more mileage. Increaing tire pressure reduces tire contact patch (surface area on which tire is in contact with ground). If you ever rode a bicyle, you would probably remember that extra effort is needed to pedal a bicycle with low tire pressure.

However, the treade off is reduced tire grip, comfort while increasing tire noise. The car feels just slightly bumpier and noisier now, but probably because I was really paying attention. Or may be it is psycological. Not much difference to handling though.

rpost007

When I bought my tC, the dealer discouraged me from getting the scion security system and told me that the toyota one was much better to get. When I got security system installed, I thought it would be a button on the large key, but instead it was a whole other separate unit of buttons to add to my key chain. Does anyone know if the scion security system would have eliminated this problem and kept the security alarm button on the Key?

60201

Dealer in Evanston(Chicago) said that there is a 10-12 week wait to order a tC, is that same elsewhere?

bobotheclown

rpost007 - It is integrated into the key, or atleast that's what the scion wesbsite shows it as being.

jcf - My insurance (mercury) gives a discount for having an alarm. About $100/yr. But then again, I'm probably going to shop my insurance around right before I buy the car.

iluvmysephia1

car insurance. I switched from AIG, where I was getting royally screwed, to Allstate and saved about $400 a year!

hemiandtc

was pleased to hear of your satisfaction with your tc...I just paid for a tc ( mica-5 speed )SIGHT UNSEEN except for the auto. demo...I recently bought a durango 4x4 limited with the HEMI ( 12-13 city ) and while I am more than pleased with this awsome-powerfull fully-loaded suv, I thought a better gas mileage/less costly car was in order for our second car....saw the tc, read the reviewes, LIKE the styling and to the dealer I went...drew names from a hat to see who would get the automatic mica...needless to say I am getting mica but in 5 speed....I am sure I will adjust( saved even more money-who could not appreciate that!!)arrives at la port on the 22 OF this month NOV. so should get it in a couple weeks..I am excited about the car and like to hear all the good things while lookin at the minor bad things...Tell me more..........

tonylexus

You won't be disappointed. I continue to find myself conciously taking note of the smoothness and refinement of this drive train and the comfort level such as I have never felt in a car in this class.
I immediately felt at home with all of the controls, the MPG is better than expected and the design is subtle yet clean and aggressive.
Can't say enough about my satisfaction.
And you are right about 'the small'stuff' - don't sweat it. Some items in this forum have nitpicked senseless personal preferences and disguised them as 'problems', i.e. center brake light, radio controls being complicated, radio cover, etc. The level of quality and refinement in a vehicle of this class and price range should leave little room for nitpicking. Legitimate problems are another matter and can be found in more abundance in many high priced vehicles in and far above this class.
We all probably felt a little apprehensive buying a new model 'sight unseen'. So far, I have no regrets and am pleased beyond my expectations.
My other vehicles are a Lexus RX 300 and Chevy full size pick-up, I am espescially enjoying the diversity of hopping from vehicle to vehicle as you will be doing. Adds excitemnt and diversity to driving.
Enjoy, I know you will.

gtw

Well my daughter just busted the passenger side mirror off her tC. Driving it for 5 months and this is the first incident. $230 and a week to get here.

dat2

I totally agree with tonylexus. That is spot on. For the price and class of car the tC is unbeatable. The biggest gripe I have is never mentioned - the electronic throttle. I experience a 1+ second delay from on-throttle and off-throttle in my tC. This is super annoying and hard to get used to, and awkward in agressive driving manueavers (such as tail-braking). Also, the throttle is very jerky in the initial pedal travel, especially when the car is cold. If you lightly touch the throttle the car jerks on and off the drivetrain - annoying. Oh and the seat belt buzzer, I like to put my belt on as I'm pulling out in the morning and I can never beat the annoying seat belt buzzer! Everything else about this car is truly amazing. The craftsmanship is awesome and the interior materials are on a level of the 30g nissan 350z. Waiting for the supercharger and CAI to bump horsepower.

tonylexus

Thanks for the support. You may want to have that throttle checked out as I have not experienced anything like you described. I have an automatic, you too? I am driving the car more aggressively from time to time and have no complaints with the throttle or anything else in that regard.

I too hate that seat belt warning, a lite would suffice as there are times I don't bother with the belt. The warning does stop after a while but it is a royal pain while sounding. I think I'll check to see if it can be disarmed on my next visit to the dealer.

dat2

Tonylexus, i have the 5-speed. Anyone else with the manual trans exhibit the problem i mention above??

secretariat73

I just picked up my tC on Monday (Black Cherry Pearl!), but my dealer didn't have the optional door sills. Do most other dealers have these? How hard is installation, if I choose to do it myself?
-Steven-

stickguy

I have noticed that the revs will tend to hold a bit when you lift off. I noticed it much more when it was new (July), and it really only bothered me when I was upshifting (it sounded/felt like you hadn't lifted off the gas all the way).

I'm not sure if I got used to it, the car adjusted to me (learned), or it is more prevalent when it is hot out. In any case, others reported the same "feature", so I think it is just how the electronics are programmed (probably for emmisions reasons).

FWIW, my '95 Mystique V6 5 speed did the same thing.

Oh, and my tC is a 5 speed also.

exzur

Since I got the car in August, I have not experienced the problem you described. As I step on the gas, the power is right there. No delay. It’s a matter of timing or synchronizing the in and out of the clutch pedal with the push on the gas pedal and let go.

I have the 5 speed tC with almost 3,000 miles on the odometer.

genee

If you can pull the plastic off the tape strips, you can install the sills. I would suggest you take the old ones off first - pop off with a screwdriver. The stock sills look good ... these add just a touch of class.

rebaza

Genee, as a former car thief, I gotta tell you. The sound may be normal and probably not a big deal for anyone anymore. But for a car thief, the thrill and the nerves are always on high alert. We do not like any chance of additional attention. We certainly look for an easy prey, unless there are a couple of 10lbs gold brick in the back seat. What we look for is low profile, quick access, retrieval, and quick way out. The less noise and attention, the better. Especially, when most of your car thieves are not veterans, they just do it because of opportunity, which equals to no preparation, no intelligence, and on top of that those are the ones who are most nervous. So, if the alarm goes off, they freak out. Do not underestimate the power of an alarm. I may not be the ultimate protection for your car, but it can give you a little handle on the situation with an unexperienced car thief, especially when 80% of them are beginners.

rebaza

As I told Genee, as a former car thief, the sound may be normal and probably not a big deal for anyone anymore. But for a car thief, the thrill and the nerves are always on high alert. We do not like any chance of additional attention. We certainly look for an easy prey, unless there are a couple of 10lbs gold brick in the back seat. What we look for is low profile, quick access, retrieval, and quick way out. The less noise and attention, the better. Especially, when most of your car thieves are not veterans, they just do it because of opportunity, which equals to no preparation, no intelligence, and on top of that those are the ones who are most nervous. So, if the alarm goes off, they freak out. Do not underestimate the power of an alarm. I may not be the ultimate protection for your car, but it can give you a little handle on the situation with an unexperienced car thief, especially when 80% of them are beginners.

On the rest of your question, if you have a automatic, get a third party alarm with features like FHS (frequency hopping system), remote start, ignition kill at multiple points, and when you install it, make sure you run fake cables to the source. This made Porsches so hard to steal for us, because while we were trying to cut the cables to the alarm brain, there were cables with current but had no effect on the brain. These are the fake cables that are easier to find than the real cable. Even if the thief cuts the fake cables, alarm is still on. This is bad combination when added to bad nerves. If you can, get the one with a pager, which will warn you if you are outside the echoic field (radius to hear the alarm).

wonderland

I'm feeling rather foolish today for not having the foresight to include wheel locks with all of the add-ons I purchased. The $59 price tag would have saved me a lot of hassle.

I went outside yesterday morning to get the paper from my driveway and was shocked to see my car on jacks, minus all four wheels. My thinking had been, "Why would anyone want to steal stock wheels?" Ah well, live and learn. Luckily, my insurance deductible is only $50 and a rental car is covered but in the meantime, there sits my new car. The estimate I got from the dealer is $2,400-$2,800, and I am not sure how soon the parts will arrive.

For those of you who haven't yet made your tC purchase, take my advice and purchase the wheel locks.

gee35coupe

Taket the opportunity to go aftermarket....You can get some VERY nice 3pc wheels for that kind of cash. H.R.E comes to mind.

preludexl

What's the pricing on a automatic, including destination etc? Isn't Scion pricing supposed to be fixed by toyota?

ndsax707

The price is supposedly fixed by Toyota/Scion, but it's really not. I've had some heated discussions with Scion reps over this and here is what I have learned.

- Scion pricing is "menu-based" so the price you see is the price you pay. You can't negotiate it down.

- Scion has an MSRP just like any other brand - in the case of the tC w/auto (including dest.) it's $17,265 ($16,450 for the 5-speed).

- Now here's the catch - Scion dealers can tack on any additional charge they want, so long as they tell you about it. So if they want to charge MSRP + $3000 they can. If they want to tack on a "processing fee" of $399 then they can and will (as they do here in Virginia - ridiculous if you ask me).

- Basically the dealer tells you how much he wants for the car and you either say "yes" or "no". The only room you have to negotiate is with a trade-in, where I hear they're being pretty generous.

- The good thing in all of this is that the cars are reasonably priced to begin with, so the MSRP (even with the BS processing fee) is still a good deal until you start adding on all the options.

iluvmysephia1

attractive new car from Scion. A fair price and a lot of feature content plus arrestingly hot looks plus fair trade-in values. I don't know how long I'm gonna wait until trading but the Scion tC is right at the top of my "futures" list, along with Kia's 2005 Sportage. The better trade-in deal may be the one I go with eventually.

The other point in the tC's favor with me is that I wouldn't require any expensive options on mine. The only one I'm considering is the side airbag option, one I think does make some sense.

preludexl

Ndsax707: geez, I didnt know that. That's pretty shifty. I like the scion but can easily go for the mazda 3 hatch, they are 50/50 in wants. I was going to use my costco card and buy it thru costco so i wouldnt even have to negotiate. I am wanting to buy the tc auto without any options. Everything else are frills, I can add them on myself, pay someone else, or do it in the future. The car comes loaded with everything I need anyway.

dante1

if not for insurance, check ebay, take-offs are going for 400-500 complete with rims and tires. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1- &item=7938549978&category=66483

but yeah, if the insurance is going to pay for it, I'd go for some nice custom 18" wheels and nice tires. $2800 is MUCH more than those rims/tires are worth.

rebaza

All you y'all are going to hate my guts... I used to work to AIG (a big dealership corporation that has a couple of dealer on Camelback Rd in Arizona) I worked for the Toyota and Honda dealers, they have people in charge of these accessories (rims, alarms, etc, both factory and aftermarket) If you are to order rims for the tC, all the money that you pay is profit ($2800 to $3000) because these leadership have spare rims to cover for any damages on the line of new cars, these are provided by the manufacturer (Toyota or Honda) for free as an incentive to have all these new cars looking new. At times, customers would come to see the accessories guy and he would come out of his office laughing because he would charge something that crazy ($2800) for the factory rims and all of it would be profit for the dealership because they get them for free anyway. Though you cannot get them for free from the dealership $300-$450 should be fine for these rims (17"). If you see yourself having to pay that much money and they do not want to help you, then just buy aftermarket. Someone said that you can get some nice rims for $2800, DO it.. you will get better value for your money. Do not get ripped off by the dealer.

pdm72

That price is crazy. I bought a single stock wheel and tire--shipped very quickly, from a dealer online for $180, who had them left from people who got the wheel upgrade. I'd check around on the more well-populated Scion message boards, and maybe put up a request. I cannot see a scenario where you should pay that much, unless these are special magical stock rims they're talking about.

tlcman

Hi all im in pursiut of a Flint or Indigo tC, Love the car. Ive bought many cars and 2 from Toyota, I like the dealership experiance in my case (possibly because Landcruiers buyers shell out a bit more change than Corola buyers) Every car I have ever bought I have negotiated the price down. Method being Cash deal instead of credit or payments. Ive gotten deals on 3 BMWs, 2 Toyotas, and one Honda. I hear that Scion does not Bargin? It is a set price thing, And I am aware that it is a bargin car but I am not one to take it at the window price. My question is Will they make Cash deals? When I was in search for my Honda in 2000 (R.I.P.) I went to Saturn to check out the leading competitor at the time. I was there with my wife and asked the sales man, who didnt even stand up to greet us, if he would make a cash deal. He flat out said no, reasoning being that "everyone wants a Saturn" My wife and I turned around and left, drove across the strees walked into Honda whos reps were very Profesional, made a cash deal and drove of the lot with a new Accord that same day... I guess some car companys dont get it... but anyway, my view is that if Scion refuses to make a cash deal they might upset the buyers and possibly losing a sale. Will they risk that?

genee

Oh, they will make a cash transaction; but, not a cash deal. I wrote a check for mine but still had to go through the Credit Manager routine to try to get me to purchase warranties and service contracts. Almost left the place without the tC. It took nearly three hours to hand them the check.

I WAS able to negotiate the price of the leather installation by going directly to the installer. He gave me a firm quote ($500 under dealer)and the dealer wrote it up at that price. It worked wonders because I had to wait for the side airbag templates to be cut so the dealer HAD TO FURNISH A CAR (Scion - if we have to keep the car overnight thing ..) while it was spending two days getting the install. Go figure!!!

pdm72

You're not going to be able to bargain. The most I've heard is some people managing to get free floor mats, or maybe getting somewhere with the document fees. I don't really think it is a matter of losing sales for them, because in most areas, the tC is in high demand. There are plenty of takers.

The other thing, though, in response to the post above that even though it's pure-priced, dealers can tack on what they want as long as they tell you--well, sure, in theory, but most dealers charge some kind of document fees, which seem to vary a lot from state to state, but they're not just going to go crazy and tack on exorbitant fees and get away with it because they were disclosed. Yeah, people might get hit with various paint protection packages and all that kind of stuff, but that happens with every car. I don't think that dealers on a large scale are really circumventing the pure pricing notion by charging $1000 miscellaneous fees--people (I hope) are just not that dumb. Sure, they're going to push the accessories, but that's par for the course.

jcf

Amen on buying wheel locks. Aftermarket McGuards are $25 - a bit cheaper than the dealer.

For those of you who haven't read it elsewhere, the NHTSA full crash test results are in - and very good. The tC got a 5 star front for the driver and a 4 star on the side. That 4 star on the side is without SAB's too. So, the car's as safe as it is good looking.

carguy516

I work at a large dealership in central New Jersey. The price of Scion is the price you will be charged plus tax, registration fees and a documentation fee. In New Jersey most DOC fees are $95 which is pretty standard. As I have posted on other boards, now that price is going to be standard, the place you buy your TC from should be a place you trust and are confident you can get good service and repairs if needed. I have read horror stories about the way some potential customers were treated. Please do not take offense the you can not negotiate the price on the Scions. This is how this car line is marketed. It is for the consumers good in the long run.I can tell you right now TCs are hard to find in stock. That is why if you are going to factory order one go to a dealership that you like the salesperson so you can have an open line to info on when your TC will be ready for you.

preludexl

Hey does anyone kow if the MSRP price of 16,500 include the destination charge or is that separate? What did everyone here pay for their TC (specify options/autom/manual please)

axiomowner

Check out www.scion.com and choose 'build your scion'. The price you see is the price you'll pay. It does itemize the destination charge.

Notwithstanding documentation fees, taxes, and registration, we all paid the same.

preludexl

Thanks axiom. I did go to that site. They listed the destination charge under a diff name and that confused me.

Sylvia

Long-Term Test: 2005 Scion tC
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/scion/tc/100394782/roadtestarticl- e.html?articleId=102925&editorialpage=page001

60201

I bought my tC Friday. Black, 5 speed, dealer options included- floor mats, autodimming mirror, and mud guards - total 17,062, plus taxes etc= 18,350. Note: dealer didn't have options in stock, but should be in soon. I wrote a check out, although they asked, no pressure to buy other options, extended warranty, or financing, etc. I was lucky to find a car in stock. Often dealers I called would tell me they have a tC in but when I would go there, they would say, sorry, its sold, but would be happy to order on for 10 week delivery. One dealer showed me a tC with $5,000 worth of options.
Dealer in Park Ridge IL, was more straight forward on the phone. I went down there and drove off with it in just a few hours.
So far I love my tC and I'd recommend it anyone,but its not easy to find them out there.

stickguy

At least one error (gotta read that owners manual folks!). The drivers seat does have a memory, and it works fine. You just have to use the upper lever correctly.

The passenger seat will return to the same for-aft position, but you have to hold the lever to get the backrest angle where it was.

In any case, if you constantly have rear seat passengers, you most likely will have a 4 door. I take my kids quite often, and really have no problems with getting them in/out, although it is a little different having to hold the door open, but that's the price you pay for the "sporty" 2 door styling.

I also don't notice all these buttons (although I agree about the radio ones). There are only a few, all logical and easy to use (except the radio).

I also can't imagine getting less than 15 on a tankful. That must have been nothing but creeping along and idling. I get about 21-22 in strictly around town, which does include a fair amount of stop and go (local road, not highway) and no long stretches.

jl637

I went to test drive a tc and was given one w/ the added exhaust and it was lowered w/ the body effects. It was fun to drive, but that won't be the car I'm getting. I asked if they would have "regular" ones for test drive, and they said no. Is this common? I've gone to 2 dealers already and haven't had the chance to test drive an automatic w/o all the frills.

ndsax707

Here's a quick poll that probably isn't deserving of its own board...

If you had about $22k to drop on a car which would you buy, the supercharged tC or the Cobalt SS Supercharged and why? These are the two cars at the top of my list for this spring.

stickguy

probably neither. I don't think that much power will work real well through the front wheels. If pushed, take the tC, since it is a superior car in base form.

tlcman

saabs been making it work 250 plus.. tC is 200 with supercharger

vcheng

Overall I liked it. To owners, I have a practical question: Does the lack of a rear window wiper causes any issues in everyday use e.g. in the rain?

kmm1974

I don't think it's a problem at all. I've driven my tC in the rain several times and in the snow once, and never wished I had a rear window wiper. The defroster on the rear window worked well, too.