Scion tC

alpha01

Um, who cares? Read the top of the page, it says "Scion tC". Why does the Honda headlight recall have any place in this discussion, or the Cavaliers head gaskets? The Cavalier and tC will barely even overlap in sales periods.

Back to the tC- Any word on pricing or finalized specs?

~alpha

jeigh1194

I'm pretty sure that it's going to be offered as a base model. With the option of going for the supercharged version. Since Scion is a young brand targeting the youth market, it'll want to 'toe the water' first before offering more options to the motoring public.
I'm betting 17k for the base. Around 18k for the supercharged variant.
Darn nice package I'd have to say. Are toyota seats comfortable? That's going to be a big selling point for me in my next vehicle. I'm driving an old Pontiac right now and the seats are torture on long drives. Has a lot to do with the back pain I have now. Cripes.

1davao

Check out these Scion pics.

http://www.conceptcarz.com/folder/vehicle.asp?car_id=7788&aut- oShowID=40&submitbtn1=Go

1davao

jeigh1194

Man, thanks for the link. Nice pics. It now makes the decision between the Cobalt and tC more agonizing.
I can't wait to see both in real life come later this year. Right now the tC is in the lead.

gee35coupe

No Tc. I was VERY disappointed.

They did have an E55 though. That is NICE. Benz is kicking BMW's I-drive equipped 5 series in the nads.

The TL's stick is like buttah. I gotta have one of those.

tundradude

Since this car is basically a Celica (90-99), you will bet comfy seats. My seats in my 91 Celica are superb. However, they are superb in my other two Toyotas as well.

I have been in the xA and xB and they are 4 out of 5 (stars). I would drive a xB, but I also like the upcoming tC.

I have owned 14 Toyotas in my 33 years, and only the 72 Landcrusier had serious uncomfortable seats for me.

alpha01

This car is basically a 90-99 Celica? So you're saying the current European Avensis is based on the 90-99 Celica?

~alpha

moparbad

Nope. The Avensis was engineered mostly in Japan base on the Allion / Corona Premio architecture (the duo was launched about a year before the Avensis).

And the TC was derived from the Avensis platform, so no Celica here.

tundradude

No, I am saying that the 90-99 Celica was built off Camry platform with Camry engine. The tC is very similar. This is not a bad thing.

alpha01

The tC shares the current Camry engine. Period. The chassis is based on the European Avensis, which, to my fairly good knowledge shares nothing with the current or former Camrys. The entire Camry platform was new for MY 1992 (and again for MY 2002), so I'm not sure how the 90-99 Celica is based on the Camry, but whatever, its a digression, and the tC is not related to the Camry.

~alpha

bamacar

As I have said before, It looks like a 10-15 year old Celica. I don't care if was a Volkswagen Beetle underneath.

alpha01

Looks are subjective, and your opinion is just that. I dont find the Honda Accord, especially that frumpy rear, particularly attractive, but its clearly the class leader in terms of driving dynamics and overall value.

~alpha

gee35coupe

After it split from the the Supra in the mid-80-s. The latest gen Celicas are not that way though.

chaotic_amber

I'm doing research in preparation for buying a new car in a couple of months. Balancing the cost versus the features I am looking for (decent mileage/hatchback/reliable etc) I believe I am looking at either a tC or an xA. The reliability of a Toyota with a much lower price tag looks very good to me. I like the looks of the tC more than the xA, but the xA looks like it would hold a bit more cargo and possibly do a bit better on the roads around here. Technically it's probably all city driving around here but there is endless road construction and potholes outnumber road crews twenty to one. I've seen people with the dropped cars/trucks ripping off chunks of that pretty body work before they even realized there was a pothole.

My question is does anybody have a clearance figure for either of these two models? The tC looks a bit low slung and even if the roads were perfectly paved I have still have to cross about a half dozen sets of railroad tracks just to get to work every morning.

bamacar

have to do with the Scion tC looking like an old Celica? If you put conventional headlamps on a early 90's Celica, it looks just like a tC. To me, it is just not distinctive or very updated. I think the present Celica or the Acura RSX look much better.

micweb

I have an xA and considered an xB before getting the xA. I opted for the xA because it was more conservative, and about $1,000 cheaper (both are great prices though).

In hindsight, I think I should have gotten the xB. It is outselling the xA; 2 out of every 3 Scions being sold are xB's.

The xB has stability control, which is a very, very big plus in parts of the country that get snow.

The xB has significantly more "knee room" in the rear seat, which is not significant for passengers (my xA works fine in that regard) but is a LOT better with a baby seat (which I found out recently, much to my chagrin).

The "trunk" is slightly - only slightly - bigger than on the xA, mainly because the extra length they built into the xB ends up primarily in the passenger compartment. If, however, you are willing to stack the "trunk" to the ceiling, then the xB is a clear winner because it's ceiling is significantly higher.

Finally, the xB is emerging as a "cult" car that will have great resale value down the road.

The only negative to the xB is that its boxy configuration means more wind resistance, and less theoretical freeway mileage; and you are more likely to get chipped glass from stones thrown up off the road - I had a VW Golf with a windshield that was also pretty upright, and stones wouldn't glance off the way they do on really sloped windshields, they'd strike straight on, hard, and chip the glass. If you are worried about such things, I guess cars with steeply sloped windshields are also a little safer when things come flying off the backs of pickup trucks (happens regularly in California).

The tC is the sporty Scion counterpart to the Solara. If you are a Solara type of driver, the tC is a "beggars banquet" way to go - enormous value for its significantly higher price vs. the xA and xB, but considerably less expensive than a Solara. But, it won't get cult status, it is very conventional, even the xA is "cuter" with its Mini looks.

If you are a techie, keep in mind that the xa, xB, and Echo all share Toyota's "world platform" chassis - the xA is closest to the Japanese original, the Echo was the first arrival here and is basically the "basic" chassis with a trunk tacked on in lieu of a hatchback, and the xB is a stretched wheelbase "concept car" offshoot. On the other hand the tC is a completely different platform adapted from a European model that is not sold here. (Toyota Avensis in Europe, I believe.)

alpha01

My point was that styling is subjective. In relation to the tC, I used the Honda Accord to point out that my subjective opinion is that its ugly, but nonetheless, it is an outstanding car, and sells well because of it. So you may think the tC is unoriginal, but that has nothing to do with the quality/performance/value of the vehicle, or its sales potential.

Im not sure I can be any more explicit, and I dont think my original analogy was so vague as to not be understandable, but whatever.

~alpha

PS- for those considering an xA/xB, I strongly recommend the manual transmission, which does a much better job of helping the underpowered siblings keep up with traffic, as well as improving the EPA figures.

bamacar

I said that it looks like a Celica, then you assumed (we know what that does for you) that I meant it was ugly, would not sell, was a poor performer, and was a bad value. Guess what, I meant none of those. So thanks for making it clear what I meant. It looks like a early 90s Celica, and is not origninal. I am sure it will sell well, be an average value, and be an average performer. Don't be so defensive especially when it comes to any comment about any Toyota/Scion. Hopefully my opinion is now clear not the way you twisted it.

lightning300

If you want to know the exact specifications and prices of all three Scion vehicles, go to the scion website. Here's a link: http://www.scion.com/

moparbad

Where on the Scion sight did you find the pricing for the tC?

jsvh

The official pricing is not yet released. The pricing should be between 16-19k however.

Kirstie_H

More photos, more features & specs here.

tompo2

http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display_release.html?id- =20040406

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

alpha01

Looks like everyone who was bellyaching that the Scion would be priced too high has very little to bellyache about now.

Recap:
Price of 160hp tC 5M including destination: $16465

Notable Standard Features:
4 wheel discs w/ABS
Panorama glass sunroof
17 inch alloy wheels
Power windows, locks, and mirrors w/integrated turnsignals
60/40 split folding and multiposition reclining rear seat
Cruise Control
Premium Pioneer Sound System

Impressive!

~alpha

ateixeira

Wow, 17"s standard? Most here were thinking $18k or so, right? Not bad...

Just remember Scion is selling at or near MSRP, so it still might sell for the same price that cars with $18-20k stickers do.

Wish is had VSC, though. xB has that.

-juice

bamacar

As one of the bellyachers, at the "experts" expected price of around 18k, the tC would have been an average value. At $16,465, I will admit it is an excellent bargain (but it still looks like an 80's Celica - had to get that one in alpha). It will definitely outsell the Xa and possibly the Xb, too - at that price.

ateixeira

The local dealer finally got some xBs, but they're all automatics and some break $18k. Still, most still represent a good value.

-juice

gambit293

Good lord, no wonder Toyota is talking about discontinuing the celica. There's no way the current celica could compete against a package like that!

With that pricing and that package, they will sell like Krispy Kremes.

tomjava

Simply amazing. Under $17K with panaroma sunroof and made in Japan?

How could they do that? I guess 15% global market is not out of the reach for Toyota.

1davao

I ordered a TC scion auto w/ fog lamps and side airbags from dealership. I will receive it on July 4th or earlier. Can't wait.

1davao

alpha01

Are the side airbags chest only or side curtains?
Were you promised a certain price.

Congrats!

~alpha

1davao

I ordered it before the prices came out.
I figured that it would be a few K's higher than the Xb. It looks like about 18k for auto, sideairbags and fog lamps. No definite price yet.

1davao

alpha01

Are you new around here? If so, thanks for joining and please keep us posted as to the progress of your order, as well as your driving experience. I'm going to be at the NYIAS tomorrow, and am looking forward to checking out the tC. Did you already choose your color? Again, welcome and congrats!

~alpha

ateixeira

It's easier with Scion because you don't have to haggle. So the deposit just saves your place in line, and you won't pay any more than anyone else, even someone buying it 3 months from now.

Congrats.

-juice

1davao

I have been reading the posts for a while now. I will keep you posted about the tC once I get some driving time.

1davao

j42

in post 188, it says theres no haggling?

is that true?

how did you choose your options?

1davao

Yes, its true, no haggling. From what I understand, the prices of scions are the same nationwide. This is a new concept for Toyota which takes out the salesman factor.
As for the options, just ask the dealer to add the options you want. If the tC pricing tracks the same as the xA and xB, the side airbags and foglamps are options.

1davao

howard2dot0

my first time, here.
anyway, I've been planning to buy a mazda6 until i came upon the tc. i just spoke with a local scion dealer and he said no haggling!!! $500 deposit and the car could be here on July 4.
does anyone have a guess as to the crash-worthiness based on its chassis, toyota's past track record? another thing: i really like mazda6's metallic blue exterior paint. has anyone seen the blue tc in car show circuits? thanks in advance.

alpha01

Thanks for posting! The Scion does look to be an awesome vehicle. Its interesting that you were looking at a 6, and instead are thinking of the Scion, as the Mazda 3 is more of competitor, as far as 4 door models would go.

Toyota does pretty well for crash tests in most models, judging by IIHS and NHTSA testing- certainly at least as well as the 6 does.

I have not seen the Indigo Ink tC in person, but this is a color that is available on other Toyotas, and I'm pretty sure its the same one. You may want to go to a Toy dealership and try to find a Toyota (or Scion xA) in that color.

Good luck!
~alpha

howard2dot0

thanks very much for both the link to the photo and the suggestion to go see another blue toyota/scion. i have never ordered a car w/o seeing/driving it first, but i'm really excited about the tc and will be ordering one sometime this week.

howard2dot0

btw, does anyone have any suggestions for a scion dealer in houston, tx to order my tc from?

1davao

Go to scion.com and click on availablity then input your home zip code for nearest dealership.

All prices should be the same except for dealer processing fee. Could just be a 100-200 + dollar difference.

1davao

bigdaddycoats

Make sure your deposit is refundable if you chose for any reason not to buy the car. My Scion dealer only requires a $100 deposit and is refundable for any or no reason.

shlickrick

was wondering that the deal is with the 'knee airbag' that is in the standard features list on the scion website. i would think side airbags would provide a little more protection, and only cost a little more to provide. anyway, i can't wait till summer time to get this car! i have a 2000 MR2 now, and although it is a fun little car, i have had nothing but problems with it. i'm ready to trade it in for something else...and even a little weary about another toyota. i'm hoping that since it's a camry engine and a chassis/frame that's been out for a few months, it shouldn't have the problems in the first year that i had with the mister.

-R

ateixeira

Kia had one in the Sportage and that model still didn't do so hot in crash tests. Maybe Toyota can execute them better.

-juice

alpha01

Toyota's knee airbag is very different from the one in the Sportage, which basically forced forward a stiff panel into the driver's knees.

Aside from the Scion tC, Toyota's knee airbag is standard on the current RX330 and revised 2004 Lexus LS430.

Pictures of deployment of the airbag can be seen here:

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0322.htm

I agree, though, I would have rather seen side SRS standard, with curtains optional, as in the Solara. (Ideally, both would be standard, but Im trying to be realistic in terms of keeping the tC's price as low as it is).

~alpha

ateixeira

Check out that wagon...

-juice

carlisimo

When I was in Spain I got the impression that the Avensis is what Europe gets instead of our Camry. Really nice car, kind of on the big and expensive side for the town I was in. Not tC territory, though I suppose "midsized" there "compact" here.

pzev

The price is very reasonable. I think in a couple of years the Mazda3 can be had cheaper than the tC (invoice + rebates) but the tC pricing is ok. I still wish they offered the car with no sunroof (adds weight, possible rattles/problems in future, headroom, etc.) but in the end more Americans pay up for the sunroof over things like side airbags so can't blame Toyota for that.

I have seen some people mention side curtains is an option but I have not seen any official Toyota press release whether this is the case or not. Is side curtains a factory option or not?

Also the all important headroom specs seem to be missing. Any official specs on the headroom of this car?

I may actually consider this car if the headroom is reasonable, the sunroof doesn't have any rattles/problems, and the overall exterior look and interior quality is decent. In other words, a test drive will decide whether this car is what I'm looking for.

It seems the car is being built in Japan in the same factory (I think) as the Lexus ES330 and other Toyota cars. Makes the price seem even more amazing. I'm curious to see where the cost-cutting comes into play because for what you get at the price there might be some serious cost-cutting going on, whether it be in interior quality, soundproofing, or whatever.

bigdaddycoats

I think headroom is 37.2in.