Scion tC

jsvh

"Anyway, I got to test drive a black a/t tC a few minutes ago, am very impressed. "

Where, what dealership?

mackabee

tuffy, my e-mail is in my profile. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have on the car.
 
Pzev, the cars will come only one way. Customers can add any accessories they choose and this can be done at the port or at the dealer.

jsvh, I doubt you drove one this weekend as most are still on the boat from Japan.,unless you got to drive one of the cars that was used for press conferences.
                        
                     Mackabee

stickguy

I checked my local (NJ) dealer today, and the sales manager said they were expecting them "later this month". Also said the first three were pre-sold, but he took my number and said he would call when one hits the ground so I can do a test sit, if not a drive.

From the reviews, sounds like it should drive nice, but there is a much better chance that there won't be enough room inside. I suppose they can just move you up to a 4 cyl Solara if you need to "jumbo size".

mackabee

I talked to our regional manager and he told me every Scion dealer should have at least one tC before the July 4th weekend. Ours is projected to be at the port on 6/21/04 all they have to do is slip the cd player in it and send it here. My oldest son is buying it to replace his 94 Sentra SE-R. I will probably be buying one myself later in the year. I got the approval from the MRS. last night.
                   : )
                   Mackabee (young at heart!)

stickguy

This option is starting to look real attractive, given the price, if it has enough room inside. That glass roof looks like the closest thing you can get to a convertible without getting a real one.

Mack: since it is the same basic drivetrain, have you driven a camry or Solara 5 speed, and if so, how is the quality of the clutch and shifter? Hopefully the clutch is smooth w/o being too heavy, and the shifter reasonably precise.

mackabee

Stickguy, I've driven a 5spd Camry as we have yet to see a 5spd Solara at my dealership since the new generation came out. The 5spd in the Camry was a little sloppy as far as the gearshift is concerned but they have always felt that way in the Camry. The clutch was very smooth and not heavy at all. The car was VERY quick and I had the revs going and the limiter kicked in believe or not which disappointed me a bit. If the shifter feels anything like the current Celica or MR2 I'll be quite happy. The roof itself looks like the one on the C class Mercedes. What's not to like on this car?
                 : )
                  Mackabee

jsvh

"jsvh, I doubt you drove one this weekend as most are still on the boat from Japan.,unless you got to drive one of the cars that was used for press conferences."

mackabee, I did not drive a tC. zero260 said he had in post #307 and I was asking him where he drove it.

zero260

I really did test drive the tC... It was actually a black m/t, sorry about that. This car is quick, and the shifter is as smooth as edmunds says! It was bone stock, but, the dealer says all Scions come in this way. I was first planning to get an a/t but then after that test drive,im getting the m/t. The dealer where I test drove is here in Guam. Toyotas, Scions, and Lexii usually come in earlier here than in the US mainland. Nissans and Infinitis come in even earlier than do Toyotas, Lexii, and Scions. My guess is that Guam dealerships gets its cars earlier because of its close location to Japan, where the Scions and the Lexus ES330's are built. The Solara that I special ordered wouldve taken 120 days because its a rare bird here and, its built at the KY plant, compared to special ordering a Scion which I could pick up just a month after its manufacture date. Some people who can't wait for such a long period of time due to high demand of the Prius, order from Guam.(Some say the waiting lists for the Prius at other locations are up to a year) Aside from that, my tC should be arriving next month. Although, I plan to get my tC with all my dealer-installed options early August, so much for being the first one to have it here!

zero260

stickguy

Hopefully the shifter is better in the tC than the Camry then. If not, it is likely that an aftermarket shifter will eventually show up.

Have to imagine it will have shorter throws than my Maxima, but I guess the feel of my Miata is too much to hope for.

stickguy

picked up the Scion brochure today. Pretty skimpy on details and pictures (particularly the interior), but it does list basic standard equipment, and has a color chart. basically same stuff that is on the scion web site.

Not a spectacular color palate, but should be soemthing for everyone, unless you are an exhibitionist.

Dual auto up and down front windows, nice feature.

I assume the rear windows are fixed, since there isn't any reference to them popping open. One issue to consider for traveling with passengers ( I hate using AC).

trini2debone

Did anyone else know that there is a ground effects kit available for the tC? I saw it listed as one of the accessories on my local scion dealer's website.

stickguy

the brochure says n/a for the tC and xA, and available for the xB.

trini2debone

Well, I don't know if the dealer is wrong or not, but go to palmbeachscion.com, and then go to accessories for tC and it says on there tC Ground effects kit $995.

mackabee

trini2debone is correct. The kit lists for $995.00 Option code is G1.
                 Mackabee

stickguy

Mack: Tell Scion to update the brochure. It says n/a for the tC.

FYI, it seems to be a hit with dealership people. The first one at the dealer I went to has been spoken for by the service manager. At least it wil lbe available for test sitting (if not driving)>

Maybe after all the sales manager, internet managers and service managers get theirs, a few outside customers might get lucky.

mackabee

Amazingly I have not received any internet requests for the car at all! And I have offered it as an alternative to the Corolla or Celica. In my neck of the woods most people don't know the car is about to come out. Heck, most don't even know what Scion is. I guess I'm in the enviable position to be in the "right place at the right time". Or should I say my son is. Who knows I may just get the second one.
              ; )
              Mackabee

mackabee

There is another publication available to dealers called the Scion PPO (post production) which has the list of all available accessories which are port or dealer installed. The parts departments usually have them for their own use but that's where you can find this information. It's not available to the general public as it lists MSRP and dealer cost.
                  : )
             Mackabee

stickguy

are the side airbags supposed to be late availability? And, do Scions arrive from the port w/o extraneous options, just what was specificially requested?

Just wondering if this will a typical situation of a popular new car with an attractive sticker, but you can only find it with thousands of $ of crap added (think Mini). For something like this, I would personally spec it out exactly like I wanted and wait (as opposed to expecting one in stock), just wondering if it will be possible.

jrct9454

...all of the cars arrive at the port without any of the add-on options listed as "PPO". The whole point behind the way Scion is being marketed is to offer all of this stuff as "post-sale-installed"...each customer is supposed to pick the options before the car is put on the truck...right, Mack?

This has great advantages for someone [like me] who doesn't want any of the add-ons, and at the same time, doesn't get in the way of those who want these things. I think it's a great approach, comparable to Honda's long-standing philosophy to keep the factory options to a minimum. Simplifies dealer life, and still allows the customer to do anything reasonable to "customize" the car.

stickguy

I know they add stuff at the port, but what about dealer inventory? Will they load up anything sent through for dealer stock, or let the dealer do it post-sale?

mackabee

jrct9454, you are correct.

Stickguy, you may see a few vehicles that the dealer has "loaded" up just to have some on display to show prospective customers so they can "visualize" if you may, what their dream Scion may look like. We have done that to an xB, added a rear spoiler, 18 inch wheels, strut bar, cold air intake, bazooka subwoofer, cup illumination, and graphics. This little pup has a sticker of close to $18k. It will probably sit in the showroom until the 2010 comes out or hopefully some kid will show up with lots of cash and buy it.
                    : )
                     Mackabee

andys120

it stickered out @ $23k, altho I don't recall anything it had that your $18k example didn't have.

stickguy

Hopefully it is a little roomier in the back than the RS-X. I don't think I could get away with that as my only car with 2 kids, unless my son (just turning 13) promises to stay 4'10" for the next 5 years.

The Civic SI might be goofy looking, but it does have a real nice back seat.

mackabee

Well, the wheelbase is almost the same as the Camry's. That should give you an idea about the interior room.
                  
               Mackabee

stickguy

I was hoping this was more like a slightly smaller Solara, so it sonds like might be getting my wish.

tabish

I'm not sure if this has been discussed previously, but sorry if it has (I did a keyword search)....

Does anyone know if the tC will have a turbo/supercharger option? The stock 160hp sounds a lil weak to me.

jsvh

Yes, you can get a supercharger from Scion that will boost power to over 200 hp. It should be out in November or so, and pricing is suppose to "reasonable", expect about $3000. Some review have also mentioned a 300 hp package in the works. That sounds crazy!

immovable

that sounds crazy. i saw that review as well. it seems to me that boosting the power up that high would require major changes to the transmission and other parts of the car as well, wouldn't it?

tabish

Thanks for the reply. I read somewhere that it's possible to buy the car now, and add the supercharger later from the dealer. Is that true? If not, then I'll just have to wait until November to buy it.

stickguy

The supercharger will be added after the car is produced in anycase (dealer or port), so it really shouldn't matter if you do it now or later.

Biggest differerence for some people is being able to roll it into the financing, and I think having it covered under the B2B warranty (it would be if added when you buy, but not if you do it later).

machaan

is sheer lunacy

scootertrash

I think that's the point.

mackabee

According to an independent website started by Scion fans, some tC's have already been sold and on the road. I doubt this very seriously. However, if there are any sightings out there please report them here with your impressions.
                      ; )
                    Mackabee

stickguy

What's happening with presales in your area? Do you have some orders in the bank, and when do you anticipate the real supply showing up?

I'm thinking about putting a deposit down today, and am curious what to expect for delivery time for a 5 speed in a particular color. I know that *some* dealers tell you what you want to hear, so an unbiased opinion would be nice. I'm in NJ BTW.

Also, do you know what the medium (Indigo Ink pearl) looks like in person? Is it darkish (like navy), or brighter? I saw a brightish medium blue 4 runner in the showroom, is it like that color?

I might just get silver to be safe if the blue is too "shiney" for my middle aged self. I kinda like the burg, but it looks to purpleish somtimes, and I think the flint might be too dark.

Now just have to hope there is enough headroom for me.

rcatiggay

While going home last night one came along side me at a stop light. Silver with the black roof top looked nice. Couldn't tell if it was new purchase or a dealer car.

rjohnstone

Melody Toyota in San Bruno, CA had a TC in their showroom last night. Dark gray (almost black) with relatively few options (AT, six-disc, pillar applique). I didn't test drive but was offered the opportunity. No headroom problems (I'm 6'0") in either the front or rear. The rear was surprisingly roomy, even with the front seats all the way back. Cheapish tension system sun/moonroof covers, but otherwise the interior fit/finish was first rate. Much has been made of the Japanese rice paper dash but had I not been looking for it, I wouldn't have noticed anything out of the ordinary. Wheels/tires are gorgeous. The dealer had a price sheet with MSRP; no evidence of any markup.

carguy79

The company I work for also owns Southeast Toyota Distrubuting. We were told in a meeting yesterday that the first shipment of tC's are suppose to arrive to the Jacksonville port on Friday.

stickguy

The one you saw I assume was the Flint Mica (dark grey). How did that look with the bright wheels and black glass roof)? Was it sharp, or kinda dark? Looks like it should be a nice combo, but I really don't want black or something really close. I assume it is a metallic, so it should be brighter than black. Doesn't look like any of the other models come in that color.

stickguy

stopped in tonight at the local dealer (in NJ) to see what other info they had. Decided form the brochures, posters, and what I've read/heard to give it a shot. Turns out they had one unclaimed car in their 1st allocation that was a five speed, so I put a deposit down. So, if everything goes according to plan, I can be the first (or one of the first) in the region to have one on the road. Hope there is enough headroom inside, but it sounds like there is front and rear.

Incoming unit is flint mica (dark gray) from what they said. SM is going to try to swap for a blue, but isn't optomistic (Indigo ink was wifees first choice). Actually, after looking on the lot and online, I think the Flint might be a better choice (I don't want the blue if it is too bright, and our other car is silver so want a change from that).

Not sure when it is to arrive, but they hope before the end of the month. Supposed to get all the details tomorrow AM when the SM gets the updates to the allocation in his computer.

Anyone who gets a chance to sit in or drive on the west coast, please report!

Hard to argue with the amount of car yo uget for the money ($16,661 IIRC incuding wheel locks and floor mat set). Decided not to go with the 6 disk head unit, since $395 seemed a bit pricy just for the changer piece, and I think I can live without 10 color options for the faceplate.

BTW< supercharger will be available in the fall.

stickguy

Hope Toyota doesn't mind that I'm a bit older than their target demo (at 42). Maybe the Flint Mica will go better with my graying temples.

I actually think this car will appeal to an older crowd that doesn't really need 4 doors (I think my kids can manage without back doors) since it really isn't too "stylish" or radical, and seems to have plenty of practical value, with a decently roomy back seat, and the hatchback.

stickguy

saw the color on a Rav4. I actually like it (it's really not blackish at all). SHould look good with the shiny wheels and black glass roof.

Supposed to be in port to be released on 6/26, so hopefully will have it by the end of June.

mackabee

Way to go man! I think you will definitely like the Flint mica better than the Indigo ind blue. The blue is available on the Corolla so you can see it now. It's a dark navy blue similar to the Stratosphere blue on the 4runner. They should have the color samples on their Scion showroom. Lots of the salespeople don't know this but all the available colors are in the swatches provided to the dealerships. They are more like big 4x16 color strips and they are on the right hand side of the typical showroom. Like I said before, every dealer should have one by the end of next week and prior to the 4th of July. The onslaught begines next month. We have 2 due in this month and 8 due mid July. What I find interesting is 7 of them are 5 spd!
                 : )
                   Mackabee

rjohnstone, there shouldn't be any mark up to MSRP or ADM stickers. If someone happens to see one at any Scion dealer, call TMS and report it. That's a no-no.

moparbad

TC's arrived early this week and are in Chicago are Scion dealers. I looked at a blue one yesterday. I was impressed. It was a bit smaller from the outside than I expected, however, on the inside there was comfortable amount of room and the hatch area is sizable.
The fit and finish, amount of equipment for price, and overall value of this vehicle is incredible.

mackabee

Has anyone seen this color yet? IMHO this color makes the car look very classy, judging by the pictures that are on www.familycar.com it gives it a European look. This may be the color I get or the Flint mica, or the Super white, or the Silver streak, heck I can't make up my mind what color I want!
               
                Mackabee

moparbad

Yes, I've seen the blue, (see post #351). My comments on the color are that it is a nice color of blue. Not too light and not too dark. Would not want to own this color as keeping it clean and free of swirls would be too demanding.

tahlequah

Hey stickguy, I'll soon turn 40 and I ordered one, too! LOVE IT. (Who says you can't be 20 again?) Ordered a tc sight unseen. I insisted on black and it was looking like slim pickins' for about two weeks. No allocations or dealer trades in this region could come up with a black 5speed. Finally found one coming off the boat in Portland, Oregon so....it's just a matter of time now.

I've been reading a few posts on corolland as they have a new scion board. There's someone posting who insists that I got ripped off because of the no-haggle approach regardless of the scion practice. He made me paranoid so I'm ever so thankful to have found where the wise live! I'm feeling very excited again and counting the days.

stickguy

sounds like the type that thinks you got a better deal with a Grand Am and a 5K rebate. I don't know what invoice is on the Scion, but it sure the heck can't be significantly less than MSRP, so even if you got an invoice + $500 deal, doubt it would be much less than you are paying.

A 5 speed with mats is still only about $16,600. Given the apparent quality (from what I've heard so far) and the equipment level, seems like a heck of a deal. A comparable Civic Si stickers for about 20K, FWIW.

My guess, 3 years from now you will be able to resell for a healthy % of sticker, assuming you keep it pristine and don't pile on the miles.

machaan

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/628602/5

Not as good G35 though.

trini2debone

http://www.partznet.com/toyota/scion/accessories/TARGET%20PICS/TC- GROUNDEFFECTS.html
http://www.fowlerscionofnorman.com/Accessory.asp?AccessoryID=1881- 8&IsGlobal=0&RetPage=AccessorySearch&RetLbl=Search+Ac- cessories

those are pics of the ground effects kit on the tC

mraasch

We're getting 4 of them on 6/26. None are pre-sold. Going to go sit in one!