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Scion tC
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Comments
I went for a test drive, & was surprised by the TC's difficulties I had shifting (ie. getting into gear), partic. downshifting in an emergency stop. As well there's a high-pitched hissing sound while accelerating to the next gear. The 2nd issue was merging into traffic due to the obstructed left window view (do drivers no longer worry about blind spots?).
I think I know how to drive a manual, considering the age of my clutch. I heard there is a big transition in going from a Honda to a Toyota manual. Therefore I do not know if my difficulties driving the Scion were due to this transition/myself, or due to the Scion’s transmission design.
Can someone answer these questions, and provide the correct way to drive a Toyota manual and how to avoid damaging the engine via revving as well as the clutch due to the learning curve.
I am certain there is someone out there who can get me on the right foot with the Scion. I would hate to cross her off the list bc I drove her incorrectly.
Tx so much for your help!
I too found this test driving a couple of manual tc's. Until I found one out of the 4 that I tested work properly.
You do know how to drive manual (you're not losing your mind), since the integra (honda) is one of the smoothest shifting out there. I have driven the integra so I know what you've been experiencing. Personally I wouldn't take waste my time on the tc with a manual. They have had many many problems since it came out and the owners continue to have problems with the manual transmission model. And yes I believe it's a faulty design and cheap parts.
About the hissing noise. I discovered that Toyota made the intake manifold have this sound on purpose. Guess it's supposed to sound like a turbo injected car. They all make this hissing noise when accelerating. That's part of the design.
So I'm sorry that I'm the bearer of bad news about the transmission, but at least it's the truth.
as far as shifting between gears. That's usually called double clutching, and it's needed to meet the speed of the gearing. This is what synchronizers are for. So normally, you just accelerate, shift gears, accelerate some more. That's usually how it's done. No big mystery, so no need to worry, you're shifting the right way.
I didn't get a manual tC. With that many issues, I walked away from the manual tC. The rsx might be a good choice, but I've heard they have a very hard ride. You might want to test drive one before you go to the trouble of getting one. the civics would usually be a good choice, but the trouble this year is first year production while they iron out the glitches. So I'd steer clear of that.
I think you're going to find that as trouble free as your integra was. the majority of companies, including Honda aren't making them like they used to. 1991 was a great year for Honda. But with cost-cutting, things aren't as bulletproof as what you have. Unfortunate, I know.
I just cannot recommend the tc based on what i've experienced and what others have had happen. Plus Toyota isn't really stepping up to fix the glitches, acting more like GM used to act, and hoping the people with their issues just go away. Not too cool.
If you can hang on to the Integra, and it's not dying yet. You could think of a Saturn.. Later this year Saturn is supposed to bring over the Opel Astra from Europe. It's a sporty hatchback, you can do a search for Opel Astra online and take a look at it. That should be here later this year, and it's NOT first year production either. That might be a good alternative. I know SATURN!! Crazy to think that!! But seriously, i think it might be a good alternative.
I just couldn't see paying $21,995 for it. That's what the Scion dealer was asking for it. I actually preferred the test drive in the 2006 Scion xA with 5-speed manual transmission that I took. The shifter seemed good and smooth to row through in the xA as well. No problemo's gentlemen. Can't wait to see the two new rigs Scion is working on as I type this post out, eh?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
They are not even on Scion.com.
Does anyone know anything else about this?
Scion Spec tC's are a great deal if they're actually available to dealers to sell for $15,000 (manual tranny).
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Secondly, I want to put an indash Pioneer GPS system, I know it fits perfectly, but im wondering if I can still use the controls on the steering wheel or once I put the Navigation System it will stop working.
Thirdly, between the new Nissan Sentra and the Scion Tc which one is better. I would love if at least One of my questions could be answer. :confuse:
Gley
Curious about your failure, was it a half moon shaped hole, centered over the car and starting from the front?">
I just can't see how the NHSTA and Toyota feel that the failure rate of the moonroof is consistent with other vehicles and keep blaming it on road debris.
2005 tC's
12 Incidents reported
2006 tC's
11 Incidents reported
No incidents have been reported on 07 tC's as of yet. Keep in mind these are only reported cases to the government site, who knows how many other occured and haven't been report here.
The fact that irk's me is the Toyota had a recall on the Wind Deflector with far fewer complaints, but this issue is chalked up to "Failure consistent with other vehicles". Now how many "other" vehicle's roof's are made entirely of glass? I've owned a moonroof in every one of my car's for the last 25 years and have never had an issue (or heard of one) up until this car.
Im new to manual in general, and I have only had my 07 scion tc for 2 days now.
I want to know if its better to fully let the clutch out when going from first to 2nd or since i notice that the clutch is usually 3/4 the way out and its already time to switch to 2nd should i just push the clutch back and shift?
Obviously, my main concern is my clutch life and since I have already had 2 incidents where i missed 4th and down shifted into 2nd I am trying to 100% make sure during the break in period i dont make any further mistakes.
Thanks
Yes, it is better to get fully off the clutch ASAP. What RPM are you shifting to 2nd? I think you are riding the clutch a little because you are a newbie to stick, but as long as you know this and are trying to improve, your clutch will be OK.
The mis-shift into 2nd instead of 4th can be solved by just pulling straight back from third. Do this shift with just a few fingers (don't wrap your hand around the shifter)
Realize that when in neutral, there are springs that move the lever into the 3rd/4th line, so just push straight back or forward. Just make sure that you never mis-shift into 2 when going from 5 to 4, because that could be a major problem $$$.
Is there anyone you know that can ride with you for a while to help and make sure you are using the clutch properly?
I even do well on my drive way which is pretty steep, and i am able to use my e-break to adjust and re-park if necessary. I will be needing that skill in a few wks when i visit San Fran.
I am shifting into 2nd between 2-3k rpms... although i prefer to shift right around 2500 inless im in a hurry.
Edmunds has an article... Its confusing to find because they grouped it with the xB. I FOUND IT!!
Heres the tC. Its toward the bottom.
If you look at the pictures, don't worry. You're not getting old. They ARE blurry.
-Cj
Also, on cardomain, I saw one guy modded his tC so that the "Brow" was a turning indicator/ signal light. It was very cool.
Its been a while since I saw it but if I remember correctly, He got them from crystalclearlenses.com or something.
My point is that Toyota should make it standard on the tC. It looks SUPER EXTRA ULTRA GREAT!
-Cj :P
Tc
Tiberon
Impreza
???
What are the real world milage figures on the Tc? How is the handling in the rain? Snow? etc? Thanks for the input.
-mike
My current gas mileage average 28 mpg (Combined.) I increase mileage due to having Cold Air Intake. At the pump if prices are 2.89; I pay 30.00 bucks (tapping off to next dollar) at quarter of tank.
Handling is unbelievable for the car is price...I can make “35 mph” sharp turn at 45 mph quite well and doesn’t slide.
Acceleration is good; even better with CAI. I am safely able to out-speed semi truck when getting on the interstate if he/she can't lane change into middle lane. I almost got into serious (Could of died) accident due to this situation while owning the xA...that is why I sold it.
I traded ‘06 Scion xA with negative equity so I can have more power, more style, and still have the name. I feel it was the best choice I made in a long run.
If you haven't found it already, there's plenty of discussion about the tC's MPG in the Scion MPG-Real World Mileage topic too.
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I've heard 2007 will be the last year for the Tc. Is this true?
I've also read quite a few complaints for things like rattley interiors, leaky moon roofs, poor shifting manual trannies, thin paint, and several other things that would fall under poor quality control...which is something I'm not accustomed to hearing about from Toyotas. Normally, Toyotas are well built vehicles. I know my Corolla is. Were these problems mainly restricted to the first model year? I know a lot of times new models tend to have a lot of bugs, but they usually get worked out by the second or third model year. Is this the case with the Tc, or have the problems been so few and far between that they shouldn't even be a concern? While I like to looks, I also want a car that's well built (like my Corolla).
My tC has four rattles; one under steering wheel caused by fog light wires that were too long for the switch. I keep fixing it but it always get loose. Second; is in the trunk area. I think it's caused by having too much stuff in the trunk and something is rubbing against the plastic molding when I go over bumps. Third; is in the windshield area caused by having radar detector rub against it. Cause my old xA had the same rattle in the same spot. Fourth; is near my rear view mirror and that's caused by hanging too much stuff on it like Scion key chain for show and Chicago Cubs sun visor.
I have automatic and no problems there. No leaks in the roof but I always play safe and have the curtain close during snow & rain storms and car washes.
Personally; just keep it in good shape and it will stay in good shape. I'm starting to notice that statement is true with my tC.
I think '08 is the last year cause they are changing the headlight design.
Both are pretty bad tires. But the Bridgestone is very very bad! Many people have spun out, crashed their car with the Bridgestones on them. Why? Not because of youth as some may think. The Bridgestone's are terrible when it gets wet outside. Imagine driving on ice, that's the sort of traction. The yokohama's are slightly better, but still nothing exciting.
Most of us have ditched the original tires and have bought other tires. I would recommend the Toyo Proxes4 tire. Very smooth, ride very comfortable, excellent traction dry and wet. Not to mention quiet, and not that expensive. Plus they're rated for all-season. Very good in winter, not like a snow tire, but I didn't have a problem getting around in 3-4" of snow.
Sure most will say that's ridiculous to replace original tires, but Toyota saved money on this car and it shows on the tires! Most of us don't care, since it's an easy fix, plus tires are cheaper than a crashed car!
Just wait for the color you want, should take 3-5 weeks usually. And then slap some Toyo Proxes4 on there. They're usually $81 at edgeracing.com local tire shop around me charged $117 a tire.
But I heard a rumor that Toyota wants Scion to have economical convertible coupe in the future.
I'm interested in a diesel tC! A 2.2l 120hp 220lb ft of torque, 27mpg city and 44mpg highway. That would be PERFECT!!
-Cj
Other than the ridiculous gearing, this car is a gem. Nice looks, a beautifully laid out interior, comfortable seats, smooth shifting gear box, plenty of options for me, firm handling for spirited driving, yet smooth enough riding not to be annoying, and that wonderful, smooth and powerful baby Camry engine. Now if I can just get something done about that gearing......
Totally agree on this. I was dying to get the 5spd but after driving it and knowing 95% of my driving is at 75MPH, I ended up getting the Automatic. At 75-80 is turns about 3200RPM vs the 5spd that was well over 3500RPM at the same speed. Another comparison is my 03 Camry (4cyl, 4spd Auto), at the same speed about and it's right on 3000RPM. When I drive this car, my MPG is 32 vs 28 in the tC, but I do like the increased acceleration of the tC.
That plus the tC's MIA:
rear wiper*
6speed manual
Good MPG
*I think the tC's missing wiper ended up on the front of the FJ cruiser! j/k.
Toyota has the technology so why not implement it? Even the celica (for at least 15years) have had rear wipers! I hope toyota fixes this!!
-Cj
do you wish you chose a different color?
pro's and con's?
i'm curious cause i had the chance to get a silver one today but they had also mentioned they were expecting a flint mica in the next week from the port. so i left but wondering how all of your tc's and the color you chose are working out for you in your everyday life.
thank you.
I ended up buying a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS in Rally Red and it's an awesome red, my favorite new world order Lancer color AAMOF.
But on the tC silver looks great.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
One thought has crossed my mind though. Considering how Toyota likes to use as many interchangeable components from car to car, and considering the tC does use the Camry 2.4 liter engine, I'm wondering if the 5 speed manual tranny used in these cars is the same one. If so, my guess is the only thing that's different between the two to get the different gearing of the two cars is the pinion gear(s). If this is the case, I should be able to order a pinion gear (or geat set) from Toyota parts for the Camry tranny and install it in the tC tranny to get the gearing I'm looking for.
That should explain why the tC hasn't got the Camry's 6speed auto and 6 speed manual.
I starting to hope that the next tC uses the Camry SE platform. That way it could get the camry's 3.5l v6 as an option as well as a firm suspension, bigger transmissions, ect.
Dont like the idea of the tC using the 3.5l v6? Well the longterm Toyota Camry v6 just got 31MPG highway on a few recent road trips. Also that makes a tC hybrid possible...
-Cj
Also, i wouldn't get a spec tC, a manual tC, or supercharged tC. Toyota should give this car an optional v6. The old 3.3, the new 3.5, or even just to turbocharge this engine. Those interior lights and stuff, I'd pass on to.
If i still wanted the tC (Why buy a tC when i can get an Acura TL or TSX for the same price?), I'd get an automatic flint mica tC with lip spoiler, fog lights, window tints, and maybe leather seats. Dont forget the rain-x!
-Cj
I wish it came in a Metallic Black, instead of the pearl variety. That would really be a trip! Maybe for '08, eventhough I doubt it.
Peace!<- :shades: -
Is it possible that VSC (vehicle stability control) will also featured as an option with the '08 tC as well? :confuse:
Peace!<- :shades: -
ClaireS, Host
Coupes & Convertibles | Auto News & Views
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For 2008, Scion gave the the tC projector headlamps, new tail lamps(similar to the ones they offered at the dealership)and a price increase. Still, no rear wiper, other interior color, or 5-6AT. The good news is that they have added a lot of interior accents like the door handles and door grabs. They are silver instead of grey.
Scion changed the colors a bit also. Black cherry pearl is now called Crimson, and yes, Flint Mica is still there. When will toyota offer more exciting colors? I've seen better colors on the lexus ES. As of lately, I think that the tC would look good in a gold color with a beige cloth interior. In fact, a gold would be much appreciated from me as black is growing old really, really fast.
If we get lucky, toyota may introduce the scion navigation system from the xB(gen2) into the tC. The tC increased msrp by $600. But to my understanding, they made the side airbags, dual auto windows, and the optional subwoofer standard equipment.
The bad news is that because of the 2008mpg recalculations, the 4AT tC goes from 23city 30highway to 21city 29highway. The 5MT went from 23city and 31highway to 20city and 27highway.
For more information, checkout www.scion.com for details(wow that sounds like a commercial or mini insideline review )
Here is a link for comparison information between the 2007 and 2008 tC. Didn't I do this for the 2006 to 2007tC?
-Cj Oh well! I just love doing this!! :shades:
I'm actually selling my Scion tc, if you're interested. Feel free to email me at jules@thejavingroup.com. I'm in California.
It is a different color not a name change.
It's darker than the black cherry. The auto windows were standard before. The nav system is optional but not backward compatible. The mileage is still the same, only the numbers changed. Sort of when the ASE decided to change the way they measure horsepower. Your car still puts out the same power as before but now it's stated as a lower number.
I am getting ready to buy a Tc and was wondering if people had problems seeing out the rear window with a pedestal spoiler. I have been in accord that has that problem, but I sat much lower in that car. Is it more expensive to add later?