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Scion tC

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Comments

  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    I'll take a 9 to 11 year accord please (requires sunroof, cd, automatic, ac and alloys) thanks :) !! lol my dad said he'll help me get 1 but he prefers me to have a v6. I said "If you buy, I'll keep". But when i mentioned tC his head went thru the roof :cry: !! O well i'm 16 in 9/06 :shades:
  • jabberwokeejabberwokee Member Posts: 5
    Hi all, I'm getting ready to buy my first new car (finally getting rid of my clunker '93 Escort) and I'm looking at one of three cars. I'm particularly interested in the Scion tC because of the overall look of the car and all of the features that are included with the price. I am also looking at the Chevy Cobalt and the Saturn Ion. After having to pay for constant repairs on my Escort I want something that isn't really high maintenance and is a reliable car. I do realize that most people are quicker to report problems than they are with compliments and that there are at least some problems with every kind of car, but the list of problems with the Scion tC is kind of daunting. My main question is this: are there still consistent problems with the Scion? I'm reading all of these problems and wondering what percentage of owners experience these problems (from the forum it seems like many). Also, does anyone out there have any opinions regarding the "best buy" out of these three cars?
  • axiomowneraxiomowner Member Posts: 76
    My tC is very well made and have had no real problems. The build quality is great. You will notice a difference in materials between the cars. Notice all of the cheap/flimsy plastic and crappy seats in the chevy + saturn..... The tC comes with 3 free oil changes and has a MUCH better resale value.

    Ions and Cobalts are heavily discounted whereas the tC has never needed them.... ;)
  • jabberwokeejabberwokee Member Posts: 5
    Thanks a lot for the info and comparison, I was so psyched about the Scion when I found it and will look further into it!
  • tonylexustonylexus Member Posts: 94
    I think you will find that most of the problem posts you refer to deal with just a handful of the same problems and even at that, alot of those are based more on personal preference. I have had my tC for 1 1/2 years, have over 25k miles on it and other than a shattered wind deflector, have had absolutely zero problems or complaints. Maybe I'm just lucky. However I do feel that I stood a better chance of being "lucky" with a Toyota vs a Chevy.

    The other 2 vehicles you're looking at may have their merits, but my extensive shopping in this class of car determined that the tC could not be beat as the best value and now it is proving itself to be the best vehicle as well. (My opinion)

    Base your decision on your personal priorities and preferences. Safety, comfort, power, handling, standard equipment, styling, resale, reliability history, utility, etc. Then choose the best fit.
  • gtwgtw Member Posts: 46
    My daughter's White tC was bought in July 04 and has had nothing wrong with it at all except 2 Stereo's replaced under warranty. Car has over 25k on it and is being driven by teenager. Highly recommended.
  • jabberwokeejabberwokee Member Posts: 5
    Thanks! I really do like the tC overall and thought the price was incredible considering all the features that come standard.
  • riposteriposte Member Posts: 160
    Use Edmunds' TCO (True Cost to Own) calculator for the cars you're considering. I think you might be amazed at the results.
  • lgtclgtc Member Posts: 1
    I've had my tC since feb of this year, and so far its been great to me. It has a little bit of everything. Although only 160hp w/o S/C, it still has some pull, even for the auto. The gas mileage isn't that bad for what it is. I haven't gone under 26mpg so far.. well, i guess it could be better :P . The ride is smooth and except for maybe the road noise being a little loud at highway speeds. The car comes with a appealing and long list of standard features i think most will enjoy. I was reassured of its rigidly when one of my friends flipped his, but the frame held up well and everyone was fine. :D
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    A national news magazine is looking to interview college students who has “pimped” out his/her ride Have you tricked out your car with big rims, outrageous stereos, wild paint jobs, spoilers, ground effects, neon lights, nitrous, the works . Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Friday, June 9, 2006 by 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET containing your daytime contact information and the make and model of the car you’ve “pimped” out.

    Thanks,
    Chintan Talati
  • shom1shom1 Member Posts: 5
    Do any tC owners think the lack of a rear wiper is a big problem? Anyone know if the 2007 models might have them?
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    i highly doubt it. Its possible. For the time being, i recemend you use 2 coats of RAINX so the water will just bead up and roll off the window as you drive. The only way you'll see a rear wiper added is most likely during a mid life freshening.

    The down side to adding a rear wiper will be where the water will go when activated. If positioned like an 06 eclipse, the water will roll onto the "trunk" and into the cargo when opened or onto the hatch side to roll into the trunk when opened. Adding a rear wiper will be practical but will cause to many problems. Ask eclipse, tiburon or rsx owners. If not standard, it should be a $362 option. :)

    btw, its not on the 2007 tC as they're already out.
  • kylakylakylakyla Member Posts: 1
    When will the 2007 tc be in the showroom. Does anyone know what the changes are for 07.
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    There is now 2 trim levels!! The trem levels are spec and base. Spec is the cheaper model. The tc now has a msrp of $15k for a manual and $15,800 for the auto (still a 4speed). On spec models, there are only 4 exterior colors (black, classic silver, flint, and white) and a 16in steel is standard on spec models. There is no cruise control for the spec models and the steering wheel audio controls are gone. otherwise, not much else has changed :) .

    I almost 4got, $100 has been added to the msrp :( .
  • m1miatam1miata Member Posts: 4,551
    The Tiburon is a lemon? What supports that claim?
    Here is the manufacturers initial quality data:
    JD
    and I may add the Tiburon was one of three in its class for rated tops for initial quality. Would not say the 2003 model year went smooth, but other than that, see no other bum year for the New Tib. The Scion has more road feel? More power? For road tracking, and Acura RSX or a Celica comes to mind. Scion and Tiburon are good GT or Touring Class cars. For power, I assume you are not comparing the tC to the Tiburon GT.

    Which is a better car? I guess they are different enough that there may be no clear winner. For everyday runs to the store, I guess perhaps the Scion. If you like a sunroof, Scion has it. I don't car for a sun roof. Wonder if the sunroof is gone on the Spec tC ? Extra high up weight and possible leak or rattle area, when not desired in the first place, would be a welcomed delete in my case.
    -Loren
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    and it has got me looking at the Scion tC again. I always love to dream about what I might want next and these Spec tC's have everything I would want for around $15,000. That's a great price. I would get the 5-speed manual tranny, of course! And I would get the Flint Mica color.

    The audio controls on the Scion steering wheels are OK but I noticed on the 2006 Scion xA in Polar White and 5-speeds that I drove that the audio controls were more annoying to me than helpful. I wouldn't mind the Scion tC Spec's regular stereo controls, actually.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    Loren, that was in march when i said that!!! When i used the term lemon, what i ment was that it needs to be remodeled out of the old hyundai styling and molded to fit the new hyundai image.... Probably have a bigger v6 to compete with the supercharged tc, civic si, and pontiac 2007 g5/saturn ion redline/ chevrolet cobalt ss and offer a more comfortable rear seat.

    The sunroof is on the spec model. :)
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    I think it will be cool to have toyota offer a tC for the heat. What i mean is a topless tC. Convertibles are becoming popular and i think toyota will become very profitable from it. Coupes are becoming unfavorable to their topless counterpartss.

    The tC is like a celica replacement and toyota had a convertible celica in the 1990s and i think it will sell much better now. In fact toyota had 2 small convertibles, the Paseo which might sell well as a topless yaris and the celica. The problem with that celica and paseo was that they were stingy with the interior and the paseo was stingy with the HP. Seriously, if you were 6'2, would you but a cramped convertible with only 90hp and about 100lb feet of torque?

    It'll grab more attention than the BIG solara!!
  • m1miatam1miata Member Posts: 4,551
    Well Tiburon is an awesome looking car, so I don't know what they need to change. Yes, the 3.3 V6 at 233HP would be cool, if it fits in the engine bay.

    The Spec tC looks like a good value. Will keep watching the figures on reliability / initial quality figures. Seems like side air bags, which is now standard on many cars, should be standard.
    As far as engines go, the tC seems to have enough HP, but if they want to tweak things, I say let's see if they can get it to 175HP + without a blower. A 180# torque engine would be cool. What it has now, of course is plenty for a quick car. Now fast, when needed comes with a blower, for those that feel the need for speed.
    -Loren
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    Thats good especially for it being so pudgy. I *think* Side airbags are standard on the Blitz Blue Special Edition Model. You'll love those alticara* seats ;) but you gotta get 1 while you can or you'll be stalking those repo centers...

    I ment that the tiburon is slow for a pudgy v6 model and the tC is quick for a pudgy I4 model. :D And i dont think it is fair to compare the 4cy tibby to anything other than the standard civic? both also need to go on a gas diet. better?

    *How is that said/ spelled???
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    had all the power I would want which is why I think the 2007 Scion tC Spec would suit me just fine straight from the factory. I might change out the wheels for some hand-picked ones. I am starting to like the Flint Mica color-it has that earth tone look but still looks really sporty at the same time. That's the one I'd pick.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    If you like having the same color as EVERYBODY eles. THAT iS THE MOST COMMON COLOR. I used to like it but now the black cherry pearl is growing on me... It reminds me of my dads 1992 Acura Legend, powerwise #of doors and the whole 9 yards. The only thing missing would be the leather seats.

    In the area where I live, the dearships are offering tCs with black leather. I haven't gottten to try it yet because when i get there, they're all sold out :cry:. IMO, tc's last on the lot maybe 4days before they are sold
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    I'm including the Classic Silver or Silver Streak Mica or whatever Scion is calling the 2007 Scion tC Spec's variety of Silver on my short list. A car like the tC is just right for the silver color. It just fits the corners, angles and curves of the tC well.

    I might entertain chrome wheels with the silver.

    How are everyone's Bridgestone Potenza's holding up? Well? Are they only lasting you 20,000 miles? That's what research is saying so far. If that's the case I'll just go order a brand new tire and wheel set off the net for my tC Spec that will hold up beyond 20,000 miles. Is it rainy weather that wears them prematurely? Why are decent tires like Bridgestone Potenza's only lasting 20,000 miles? Or are they not decent tires at all. I think Yokohama makes a great tire as does Toyo. These Potenza's may not be very well made, huh?

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    tC again. Something about a flat $15,000 for a 2007 Scion tC Spec in either Classic Silver Metallic or Flint Mica and 5-speeds did it to me. Did I mention a flat fee of $15,000? I don't need any extra so that is what I'll pay.

    Notice I typed that is what I'll pay, not that is what I would pay. Oh yeah, I've got it dug into my mind now that I want a tC.

    image

    Have y'all noticed that the Scion tC's value doesn't drop after you buy it, either? No kidding! I just did a Kelley Blue Book valuation on the 2005 Scion tC and it listed it's book price at $19,490! That must be a typo! Why would a year old Scion tC sell for more than my 2007 Scion tC Spec in 5-speeds and Flint Mica or Classic Silver Metallic?

    I think Toyota is on to something big here. :surprise:

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    :) because you pay more for a regular old tC and much less for Spec... :shades:

    Any1 like th light blue: :(:D :P
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    light blue emoticons, actually. They sort of grow on you.

    Why would a Scion tC gain value, though? Yikes.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    As i know of the only tCs to gain value is the special edition ones.

    emoticons
    u mean emotorcons? Heck i dont blame you time to ditch these emo cars for some newer ones perhaps animated...
  • waydewayde Member Posts: 198
    Super White / Auto! My perfect combo, no options installed from the factory so now I get to add the exact ones that I want :) (They had another white one there but it was loaded with options - 21,3xx - and I didn't want everything that was on it.) I saw that one last w/end and was scouring the Mpls area Scion dealerships for another incoming white tC with no luck.... Well, I drive tru the same dealer that I saw the loaded white one at last week and they had just got a big batch of new Toyotas and Scions - including a white/auto tC! WOOHOO lucky me.
    I am adding: fog lights, rear lip spoiler, iPod radio, door sill plates, blue LED interior lighting, wheel locks, bumper protecter thingy... can't wait!
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    cpngratulations! Post back here and let us know how you like it, OK? Have fun!

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • tonylexustonylexus Member Posts: 94
    Nearly replaced the Bridgestones immediately on my tC based on all that I had read in/re their poor status. Decided to save the expense and get what I could out of them. Found the performance to be so-so but a little better than my very low expectations. A hole in the side wall at 23k miles (tread still looked deccent)provided the opportunity to switch to P Zero Nero's.

    Here again, expectations governed by what I had read were not quite met. The P's are louder than I expected, wet roads are marginaly better as far as I can tell as of yet, no snow experience yet, but I can say there is a huge difference in handling (for the better) and at a much lower cost.

    Hoping that the tread wear is satisfactory, time will tell. All things considered, the Zero's are the far better choice - better performance (how much is subjective) at a more reasonable cost.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    thanks for that information. I'll keep it in mind if I go with a Scion tC and probably switch out from the stock tires ASAP.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • bpraxisbpraxis Member Posts: 292
    Hello everyone and I was wondering if the new Spec Tc which has 16 inch steel wheels as opposed to the 17s on the regular Tc has the same tires? I was hoping that they would give better wear if they are a different brand or specification????

    With appreciation
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    Does the tC with the standard 17" use the same tires as the optional 18" enkai rims? Not really. Just expect it to be around an average profile tire instead of low. The ride may in fact get better. But i'd rather pay the extra pay the $2k for the regular model. I wouldn't want any options on it other than the automatic, pioneer radio with the knobs, and fog lights. Adding that to the spec would be more, plus i like the standard rims better.

    -Cj :)
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    Why still no 5-speed automatic?
    That's why the car is noisy for freeway cruising and gets lower highway gas mileage than many larger V6 cars.
    Annoying!

    The only good things about it are that this old transmission probably makes the MSRP a little lower, people who do 90% in town city driving won't miss the extra gear and maybe it will have fewer typical Toyota automatic transmission problems Toyota has been having the last several years on Camrys and other Toyotas.
  • jce32jce32 Member Posts: 3
    I'm wondering if TC drivers miss not having a rear wiper especially if you drive in a climate that has frequent rain or snow. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    image

    -Cj :shades:
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    what do you mean miss? There never was a rear wiper. I guess the reason why the tC has no rear wiper is because none of toyotas wipers would work properly;

    Prius: too small
    Matrix: too small
    Celica: not made anymore but that wiper could have worked
    4runner/gx470: to big
    highlander: May fit
    rav4/rx: to small
    sequoia/lx470: too big
    xa/xb: to small

    And because of this, toyota couldn't afford to just make one since the ones in the parts bin aren't the right size. Toyota should have put the one from the celica on the tC but its to late now.

    Some rani-x should help out with this problem alot. Go to your nearest auto parts store, Cvs, wallgreens, wal*mart, ect and spend that little $3 on this little bottle. image

    It may not be the perfect alternative to a rear wiper but it does take away from most of that frustration. Hope it helps!!

    -Cj :shades:
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    did you buy a 2007 Scion tC Spec, per chance? If so, how is it working out?

    That white one looks awesome, I just made it my background picture on my Windows background. Very nice shade, and the Metallic Silver also looks great on the Scion tC.

    I like the $15,000 price and find it comical that one Internet report(a passing blog)says that Scion doesn't want to sell these Spec tC's for 2007 for just $15,000 to anybody. I mean, the report read like they are encouraging the salesmen to discourage anyone from buying just a 2007 Scion tC Spec in their favorite color. Humm...say that ain't so, Joe.

    Like they (Scion salesmen) are going to go overboard trying to sell you options and care packages of all sorts, like you or not. Yikes. :surprise:

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    well no i didn't buy a tC. That picture came straight from edmunds :blush: . Heres are 2 important facts to note:

    1, The spec tC has a panorama moonroof but it doesn't open.

    2, Toyota is actually considering dropping the tC in the mid 2008 model year :cry: . I lost the link when my history was deleted but will post where i found that when i find that. Thats a dumb move for toyota because the tC is one of the best selling toyota models. Hopefully they will just do a freshening of it.

    Also take note that toyota may freshen the tC next year and if enough people recommend toyota add a rear wiper to the tC, they may do it. I mean hey, even the prius has one and it is sooo tiny. How many people actually use their rear wipers often? My dad stopped after using rain-x on his 4runner.

    -Cj :)
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    Consumer guide says the tC will be dropped. Read the news paragraph.

    -Cj :cry:
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    Not likely. It is a little too popular to be dropped in a year.
    I could see them dropping/replacing the xA.
  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    That website says the xA and xB will be around until 2009 with minor freshenings. The xa and xb are good cars, they just need more power like the 1.5l 4cyl from the yaris insted of the one from the ECHO. Hopefully they all get freshened together. Heres a list of what i think they need as a start:

    xA
    *A 1.8l 4cyl from corolla.
    *A instrument panel in front of the driver.
    *A a 5 speed auto
    *Better rear wiper
    *Better standard stereo system

    xB
    *same as xA
    *A more aerodynamic cubic body so mpg can further improve
    *A separate opening rear glass window (like 4runner or like highlander).
    *The tCs reclining rear seats
    *Rear ac vents
    *signal mirrors standard

    tC
    *a 5speed auto
    *a rear wiper (at least as an option; not prius sized)
    *losing some weight by changing some materials
    *the 2007 camrys 4cyl engine
    *a rear center armrest that allows for storage and skis pass-through

    I guess i'm just nit picking.
    -Cj :)
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    nitpicking is right, man!

    All three models are pretty awesome cars, viewed individually or as a whole.

    For example, if I were to go order a Polar White 2006 5-speed Scion xA tomorrow the only thing I'd probably want to add would be some of their EP-10 wheels. Either that or order some type of wheel from Tire Rack or Discount Tire. I'd do it right off the bat, too. The standard features on the Scion xA are plenty of car for this padre. I just love the look of the xA with nice wheels, though, and to see the car without nice wheels only gives me 78% of the car.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    i was nit picking. I like the tC but see i don't like the performance of the Xa or Xb at high speeds. I prefer the corolla and its good MPG to boot. Thats why i said 1.8. the Xb does need signal mirrors. Think RS 1.0 with all that yellow. they're all good cars and i only have suggestions
    (like the tC keeping the alticara seats even as an option.)

    -Cj :shades:
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    have you noticed that the xA has those turn signals on the side of the car, set back from the front a bit? They're on the side and they look like side markers, but they actually turn on and off with the regular turn signals. They're orange. Pretty cool, actually. I think they are put on there by Toyota/Scion to cover the obligations of the European market, where they are required to have them installed by the manufacturer.

    That brings up a question, though. Does the Scion xA have turn signals on top of it's mirrors like on the tC? I think it does but I'm not sure. I'll go to the Scion website later if I think of it or anybody just chime in that knows the answer to that one, K?

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    image

    Answer your question? Also scion added the steering wheel audio controls to the xA and xB. Wow, the tC started things... The signal mirrors (tC & xa), the panorama roof (tC & es350), steering wheel audio (tC, xA, xB, Fj cruiser)

    image

    The xB relese series 2.0 had them also but not like the tC or xA.

    -Cj :)
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    that answers my question. I'm gonna buy an 2006 Scion xA in 5-speed form with either Polar White or Classic Metallic Silver as the colors. I do like the Black Cherry Pearl color that you have shown above on the xA, too.

    Note that little orange side marker below the turnlight/headlamp cluster combo on the xA, there. That little orange marker is just a reflector. The little Japanese import carries lots of markers per square foot of automobile, doesn't it, when you add the simple reflectors to the actual lamps with operating bulbs inside them. Yikes. It's a well-lit machine!

    Remind me which Scion you're thinking of getting autoboy, if you are still interested, OK?

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    A flint mica regular tC with optional fog lights, lip spoiler and the audio with the knobs. My local toyota dealer offers tCs with a leather interior and a bunch of other stuff.

    The reason the spec isn't for me is because i often use my sunroof and i would love to have audio controls on my steeringwheel. Plus i like the standard 17" rims. My toyo.. I mean scion dealership has almost 42 tC in my preference so i'm in no rush. Good luck with the xA!! Are you going to wait a few weeks until the special edition xA comes out? I love the seats in the release tC but i'm not looking for a car now. Maybe in four years. I'd still get a used 2006/2007 tC as it gets about the same hp and mpg as my accord. My accord was worth about $5k and rose up to $7k so i'm loving the resale value (only paid $4500 because i got 1k off.)

    image

    -Cj :shades:
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    in a few weeks, eh? Worth a look but I'll probably just get a regular 5-speed xA in Polar White or Classic Metallic Silver and go to Pep Boys to get some cheap cool wheels put on after the purchase. I'll get what I'm after for cheaper that way.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • autoboy16autoboy16 Member Posts: 992
    Hey whatever floats your boat. I'd wait but its your call not mine. Im not much of an xA fan mainly because it offers no sunroof. I love sunroofs because of the open air feeling without the the convertible premium. Let me know what you decide.

    -Cj :)
This discussion has been closed.