What is the down side to the tC? It sounds too good to be true. From what I have heard so far it sounds like Toyota could get away with rebadging the tC as a Lexus and selling it for $30k.

The only down sides to the tC I have been able to come up with is:

-Possible quality flaws http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14905
-Not enough head room http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15016

But I dont care that much if the CD player skips, and the gas will not fill right. The major parts come from time tested cars. The Camry engine should last decades. As for the head room, I will have to wait for a test drive. Though it is not much worse then a Civics head room.

Can anyone else think of anything wrong with the tC?

Pretty much nothing....

The "catch" as you say is that their strategy is to sell us a cheap car for 16K instead of 25+ and then hope that when we buy all their 40 options on it, by that time, it will be at least 18 and change... so that's why

-Emo

Toyota is trying to catch the under 20 crowd. If they sold the tC for $30,000 then they would not be selling any to this demographic. As the other poster noted, Scion is hoping over time, the young folks will buy accessories (which are definitely overpriced).

Kevin

Does it come with cruise control?

If not, that would be the flaw...

Yep, the tC comes with cruise control standard. Guess it is perfect.

Limited Interior Choice

With the only choice being black for the interior, some people might feel limited in choice. Also, there is no option for leather...

True, I guess you cannot get leather as of now. However I don't want leather (too expensive, harder to maintain, not as durable). And I like the silver/black theme on the interior. But I suppose it is possible another color could look better. So I guess the tC is not perfect. :D

the "catch" is all the added accessories that you don't need and that people add. they have obviously took in account what the profit margin is with the set price.

If you want leather, you can have a local shop do it. My friend got his Sequoia done for $1500. Not bad for a full sized SUV. :lol:

The catch is it's a FWD coupe econobox. Wtf you do expect for around 17k? This isn't anything new. Lexus' are RWD luxury cars. It's not even a comparision. God...

so vicious...u need a girl tiberian?

so vicious...u need a girl tiberian?

As long as she knows the difference between a Lexus and a <20k car.

Besides RWD, the badgeing, and maybe leather what makes the tC unlike a Lexus?

eh hem....There is a lexus with FWD. the ES 330. Just FYI.

there is a huge jump... which $30k car are you comparing too...

Subaru WRX STi / Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII... approx $30k... also 300hp... but they both have cheapo interiors, nothing like the interior of a luxury car...

BMW 3series... 180ish hp, inline 6... smoothest engine in the world... great trasmissions, great track record... 0-60 is slower than the tC... plush interior, great handling... RWD...

Cadilac CTS??

things aren't done for free, this is not a Lexus, I keep hearing that, but face it... they are cutting corners, they AREN'T giving the car away for free... this is not a $25k car for $17k... I guarantee that you will see that when it comes down to it... dont' confuse a new body style with some sort of magical tranformation that transcends the rules of cost and quality... the $25k Solara is not "close" to a 3 series... two reasons = #1-the Solara is a $20k car (see #2 for explanation)... #2 - they only make a handul as compared to the mass produced Accord... check the numbers, you pay for this unwanted exclusitivity...

so this is how they plan on keeping costs low... #1... make a ____ load of them... #2... cut corners in places you aren't thinking to check...

is this gonna be a great car... YES!!
is it gonna be competition for $30k sports cars... NO!!

they are also saving money by making them monospec.

My ugrade budget will hopefully get it on par with an evo but we'll see.

Scion is trying to get us to buy from them for two reasons

1. they make a ton of money on each trd part & option.

2. Once we grow up they hope we'll graduate to buyying a camry for our family car or even a lexus because we had good experiances with our scion vehicals.

Why make $1000 today from a customer when you can build brand loyalty & end up making $30,000 down the line?

Yes, FWD is the main diminishing factor.

While throughout the nineties I did fix up a lot of imports, I'm kinda past that. These days, trying to make a FWD go fast is stupid with so many decent AWD and FWD offerings.

I like to fix up cars, but if I'm not going to make it fast I'd want to go for looks. However, putting wheels, kit, etc on this car will just make you a ricer.

Basically, I'm just waiting to check it out in person next month and see how good of a value it is. If it's not all it's made out to be I'll just buy a 350Z or BMW.

and I will sell you my '01 BMW... I'm tired of sinking major bucks into a car that is depreciating at the same rate as any other car... it still breaks down... it isn't perfect...

my solution... swap my $650/month for BMW for much smaller payment... better gas mileage and cheaper fuel... spend the savings on my '75 914... which has basically gone ignored for the past few years... I will still own my 914 when I die... but my 3 series will of course be long gone...

and I will sell you my '01 BMW... I'm tired of sinking major bucks into a car that is depreciating at the same rate as any other car... it still breaks down... it isn't perfect...

my solution... swap my $650/month for BMW for much smaller payment... better gas mileage and cheaper fuel... spend the savings on my '75 914... which has basically gone ignored for the past few years... I will still own my 914 when I die... but my 3 series will of course be long gone...

Well, I can lease a BMW for $299-499 a month and they cover all maintenance up to 50k miles/4 years. I would never "buy" a BMW, but the lease + free maintenance is a good deal (considering the regular price of BMW maintenance!).

The Z I will buy.

Anyway, I'm just like you. I can get a car I really like, or I can get a car that's pretty good for a lot less money. I just have to wait and see if the tC is "pretty good". The only thing I don't like so far is the FWD and the front wheel well sits in too far (kind of a goofy stance), but I can probably get over that for $16k. :P

you absolutely cannot lease a $299 BMW... that is a sales gimmick... they do not bring the stripped down version over here... there might be 5 examples of a stripped e46 since '00... I talked to my saleman about it...

I'd rather pay $400 for 36 months and have equity in a Toyota, than to pay $650 for 5 years... :lol:

and I guess I am at a crossroads of my life, where I'd rather have a bigger house... I did the flashy red car... now I want a little bit of ZIP for a whole lot less ZAP....

Well, I can lease a BMW for $299-499 a month and they cover all maintenance up to 50k miles/4 years. I would never "buy" a BMW, but the lease + free maintenance is a good deal (considering the regular price of BMW maintenance!).


okay, I just called him... $299 / month is possible.. here's what you have to do... '04 BMW 325i Automatic, Moonroof and heated seats... you HAVE to get this option set... color = white, black or red... interior = tan leatherette... these are also required... now for the cash'ola... $5000 DOWN... 10k miles / year... and you'll also have to pay the TTL (about $2500 for the full purchase price, so figure about $1250 or so)...

here's what most people get... MSRP $35,500 '01 BMW 325i w/ leather and sport package (or parts of it)... automatic... $0 down... 15k miles / year... $580 / month...

sounds like a bad deal...

Go to the BMW website, it'll be $2500-$3500 down and $299-$399 a month for any 3 series w/options. A hot deal when you consider that ALL maintenance (even wear items like oil, brakes, clutch, etc.) is included in that price.

well, I promise that you cannot lease a 330i auto leather xenons sport package w/ MSRP of $43k for that price... $580 gets you $35,5k with TTL included... and no down... and 15k...

$299 isn't possible, because the most base car that they make will be $299 and that doesn't include charges and TTL... you might could find a model that would get out for $350, but that gets you 10k miles / year and you would have to put down every bit of that maximum... don't trust the ad, go talk to a saleman...

oh yeah, and you'll need flawless credit to match... minimum score I think is in the upper 700s.... so you'll need a long credit history, 4 or 5 active account, zero bad marks, and extremely low balances of existing loans...

it doesn't cost money, they can give you a good estimate in under an hour... let me know what you find out...

the last i checked with this thread it was about if there was a catch about the tC and the price and not comparing the tC to a luxury car. :idea:

the last i checked with this thread it was about if there was a catch about the tC and the price and not comparing the tC to a luxury car. :idea:

Thanks for checking buddy, have a pop tart.

The catch is that even with what it offers, it's not the standout in its price range.

There's a good crop of contenders under $20k, and some absolute madness (WRX, SRT-4) just over $20k. I'm curious to see how the tC does in some head-to-head tests against its rivals.

-Justin

"just over" is obviously a relative term considering the base WRX msrp is $24,795..the only catch i can see is the horrendous communication Scion is displaying with it's dealerships and customers.

"just over" is obviously a relative term considering the base WRX msrp is $24,795..the only catch i can see is the horrendous communication Scion is displaying with it's dealerships and customers.

You can still get out the door in an SRT4 for less than $20k, and now that the WRX hype has calmed, I would bet it doesn't take much argument to walk one of those out the door for very close to $20k.

But under 20 you still have some serious contenders like the Sentra SER and SER Spec V, Civic Si, Mazdaspeed Protege.

-Justin

It's not the fastest car it's class (that's the SRT-4, easily). Of course, it's several grand cheaper than the SRT-4.

There is no catch, as far as I can tell. The quality problems mentioned both don't apply (AT ALL) to the tC, but to the xA and xB only, and mostly AREN'T actually quality problems but design problems (lack of power in something that has an ECHO engine is NOT a quality problem). Lack of headroom may be a problem, but I honestly think the Detriot News guy is full of ____ on that and other things-I'll see for sure after a test drive. This is a car that is quick (not fast) for 18 grand (and it can be made quicker for a couple grand more if you get the supercharger). Other than leather and a nav system, the car is loaded as is, too. What other car, starting for $16,500, comes with:

A/C
Power windows (with one touch up and down)/door locks (with keyless entry)/mirrors
Panorama moonroof
Rear window defogger
Digital clock
Outside temperture guage
Tilt steering wheel
Cruise control
Turn signals on the mirrors
6 speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo
Driver knee airbag
Side airbags ($650 option)
ABS
160 horsepower/163 lb ft torque 2.4 liter DOHC engine

It is front wheel drive, as is every other car currently sold under 20 grand or so.

Toyota is probably NOT making a lot of money off of any of the Scions, although I'm sure they are making some. Plus everybody has established the accessories are overpriced, so there's some significant profit there. The goal is for everybody who buys one of these to consider, five to ten years from now, when they are married and have kids and/or fat wallets, to consider a Camry or Sienna or Land Cruiser or Lexus or whatever.

From a dealer standpoint. I can tell you what the catch is exactly. People are creatures of habit. Whether it be a tool, a stereo part, a phone, food, TV, etc., people buy what they have bought in the past 80% of the time if they have no problems with it.

Big deal, right?

Well the average age for the new toyota purchaser has been creeping upwards for the past twenty years. Today its age 47. Thats getting up there in terms of repeat buyer potential. Toyota has been focusing on the core competency that they have excelled at for so long, the camry. They know that when you buy the Scion, that you may be looking at cool/cost/whatever now, but in 10-15 years you'll be back to get another Toyota.

So thats the catch. They'll get you now with what is quite frankly a bargain, very low-profit car that is going to be for the most part very trouble free and reliable, have a good resale value, and is safe. You can bet that 80% of you will be back to get another some time in the future.

Mike

Well, I am 47 and buying a tC mainly due to my past Toyotas (Camry, Corolla, and Highlander) being very reliable cars. I had looked at the Mazda 3 but Mazda cannot compare to the Toyota reputation (even with the JD Power ratings on the Scion).

Kevin

You are correct, and not alone, and a real-world example of the catch in action. About half of the Scions I have sold thus far are savvy repeat customers that recognize that they are getting a corolla for $4000 less. The target demographic however, is the people under age 30 that haven't necessarily bought a toyota in the past. Those of us outside the demographic are really winning with this car, as we already know what to expect from the brand. Its been a fun deal too. Now if we could only get more delivered we'd all be happy.

Mike

Let's not make it out as if Toyota is giving away these cars or selling at a loss.

They are sticker priced lower than some competitors, but there is also a good amount of wiggle room in the other manufacturer's prices while the Scion actually sells at te sticker price.

SE-R Spec V carries a sticker price of $17,300 and is a serious little vehicle as far as performance goes, and the Mazda 3 S is priced at $16,400. Tiburon is $16,249.

The tC is certainly a nice looking car that should provide good performance and will certainly be a good value, but it's not so far from its competitors to make it a no contest decision for buyers. Subtract $3000 or drop a 200hp motor in it and it becomes the clear choice, though. :)

-Justin

How wise is it to buy a first run of a new car? I have been told many times that I should wait for a 2nd or 3rd gen..but I want this TC so bad :twisted:

I may end up waiting a year because of money. But if money was not a problem then I would probably buy it in August or September, After I have test driven it, read many reviews, and the bugs are known.

I may end up waiting a year because of money. But if money was not a problem then I would probably buy it in August or September, After I have test driven it, read many reviews, and the bugs are known.

That's why they have the warranty. Right? or nah :?

Better not be any major problems!! If so, they better fix it for FREE! :lol:

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a first model year product from a Japanese manufacturer.

-Justin

Isn't it true that Scion tC will be close to a $500 loser per copy in its base form to Toyota? One of the guys I know that works as a Scion field rep said something like that. They want it as inexpensive so you will want to add accessories and Love Toyota so you will keep buying them. Good for us. Heck the main comp is Civic,Mazda 3, and Focus ( Ugh!! :roll: ). The tC is by far the better deal. Heck a fully trimmed S Mazda 3 is around $20k, the civic is almost $18k and a focus is one of the worst production cars in human history. Yes you can play with it but dang it is poorly built.

tC all the way
:D

plus you get them buying your brand......

What happens when the Tc owner grows up & gets married & needs a family car? Had good experiance with a Toyota (Scion)? Might as well look at that Camry or 4 runner.

$50 says that the Tc will have less wide spread problems then the new Cobalt or V6 mustang. They are introducing in 2005. I also bet the resale value will be higher than those two down the road.

Isn't it true that Scion tC will be close to a $500 loser per copy in its base form to Toyota? One of the guys I know that works as a Scion field rep said something like that. They want it as inexpensive so you will want to add accessories and Love Toyota so you will keep buying them. Good for us. Heck the main comp is Civic,Mazda 3, and Focus ( Ugh!! :roll: ). The tC is by far the better deal. Heck a fully trimmed S Mazda 3 is around $20k, the civic is almost $18k and a focus is one of the worst production cars in human history. Yes you can play with it but dang it is poorly built.

tC all the way
:D

If they're losing money selling the tC at a similar price to what competing cars go for, it's they're own fault.

The person may have been speaking about 'invoice' price, which is just a sales tools of dealerships and often has very little to do with what the dealer actually pays the manufacturer for the car.

-Justin

The downside to the tC is that it is a "new" car in most respects (talking purely within the scion breand here).

Sure, it is a "franken-car" of proven toyota components- but will still have plenty of bugs in the first year of production. The xA and xB have had a rather high number of problems, especially considering that they've been in production for several years in Japan. But they are still pretty solid.

Other downsides I have heard of are crummy milage for a car this size, and lack of interioir / trunk space. I haven't sat in one yet (I am 5'11") , but I have a feeling that unless you like driving with your seat reclined "Vato" style- people 6' tall will feel cramped.

The person may have been speaking about 'invoice' price, which is just a sales tools of dealerships and often has very little to do with what the dealer actually pays the manufacturer for the car.

-Justin

Dealers don't pay manufacturers for their cars.

Well, its 5 inches longer than a celica, so it should do pretty well for those at least up to 6'2" its also an inch taller and the seat is probably in a similar position relative to the celica. I think it will fit Americans quite well, seeing as this is the country it was designed for.

On another point, the invoice price on the toyota is really the dealer cost. The fact that I as a sales person get zero dollars reduced on my purchase price of the vehicle compared to a bit depending on the model I choose in the rest of the toyota family should be an indicator. Its not like companys don't use "loss-leaders" everywhere, every day anyway. Think of the $99 installed brand-name CD player for your car that are ever-present. They may not be losing a lot on them, but they are banking on the customer coming back to get something else later. It usually works.

Scion isn't giving dealers "holdback" dollars based on sales volume. Scion isn't doing "co-op" advertising dollars. Those are both typical car dealer games that every brand including toyota play, so you can pay invoice or even actual dealer cost, but the rebates at the end of the year make a mythical top dealership that sells every car at their actual delivered cost profitable. You really have to look at the price that they would be paying if they did nothing. Everyone knows what happened to oldsmobile. They did something, only about twenty years too late.

Mike

they are also saving money by making them monospec.

My ugrade budget will hopefully get it on par with an evo but we'll see.

Scion is trying to get us to buy from them for two reasons

1. they make a ton of money on each trd part & option.

2. Once we grow up they hope we'll graduate to buyying a camry for our family car or even a lexus because we had good experiances with our scion vehicals.

Why make $1000 today from a customer when you can build brand loyalty & end up making $30,000 down the line?

I think you're on to them.

Since this is directly relevent I will post this in this thead too.

I asked the writer of the USA Today tC review about my concerns in a Q&A online earlier. Here is what was said:

"Atlanta, GA: I enjoyed your review of the Scion tC. I have two questions about the tC. First, How was the head room? I am tall at 6'3" and the tC's headroom is low, even for its class. Did you have any problems? Second, Did you notice any thing that would make you think this car has less-then-Toyota reliability?

James R. Healey: Headroom seemed OK for my 5'11" self. I didn't find I had to angle the backrest a lot to get some noggin space.

Nothing about the test car seemed sub-par -- fit, finish, quality of materials, general smoothness and behavior all seemed fine.

But...spend as much time driving one as you can before you write a check. It's you it has to fit and please. I can give hints, but not guarantees."

they are also saving money by making them monospec.

My ugrade budget will hopefully get it on par with an evo but we'll see.

Scion is trying to get us to buy from them for two reasons

1. they make a ton of money on each trd part & option.

2. Once we grow up they hope we'll graduate to buyying a camry for our family car or even a lexus because we had good experiances with our scion vehicals.

Why make $1000 today from a customer when you can build brand loyalty & end up making $30,000 down the line?

I think you're on to them.

Thanks BB, & your not just saying that because I'm a Sun Devil Alum right?

after reading the review in the USA today I can see where they are trying to build brand name & that Toyota thinks it is possible that the Scion Tc buyers might just one hop toyota & go straight for a Lexus, I have to admit I looked long & hard at the IS-300 & I'm thinking my next car will be something like a GS300 so I guess they know what they are talking about.

Back to business basics 101:

It is much easier to keep a custtomer then to get a new one.

If toyota gets new customers with scion it may very well help them down the line with toyota & lexus as well.

Newbie here, feel free to flame me if this sounds stupid :twisted: , but for me the biggest possible downside is the styling of the thing. It's not exactly subtle. People will take one look and either love it or hate it. I personally think the sheet metal is just perfect, but a lot of my friends don't see it the same. For me the exterior is a pretty big upside, but for a lot of people it will be a huge turn-off. Most of us on this board know a thing or two about nice cars :wink: , and so we can't imagine it would ever be a turn-off, but I think it'll be a bit much for the average shmuck just looking for a cheap box in which to sit in traffic. Again, this is only a downside if you want it to be, but it will be a big downside.

Those who worry about the Scion brand name/reputation have a good point, but I personally have a different theory--that the brand is just meant to separate the riskier, niche cars (and their buyers) from the Toyota name, and not confuse or scare any of the millions (literally) of Camry/Tundra/Highlander buyers. If we spend severe $$$ on accessories (I know I will), then great. :) If we become Toyota/Lexus buyers, that's just splendid. :D If we give the brand good cred and it becomes respected, all the better...but I like to think I'd still buy the thing if they called it a Toyota, and that it's really for the benefit of people like my parents, who are afraid of the xB. They're aiming it AT some people, but just as importantly they're aiming it AWAY from others. Toyota isn't seen as nearly as exciting here in the US as it is elsewhere, and in a country where conformity is quietly celebrated, that conservative reputation is a good thing. Sorry this is devolving into a rant, :evil: , its past my bedtime.

Thanks BB, & your not just saying that because I'm a Sun Devil Alum right?


Well... maybe. But I still think you're one the right track. A lot of people are still taking Scion as just another car. There's certainly much more going on here. Once they're out in all markets and dealers have had a chance to adjust (ie: overcome their inate desire to "try the customer on" on things like trade allowances, etc) Scion's either going to have to come with a minivan and a big SUV or Toyota dealers are going to be pressed to follow the Scion way. Either that or some other company will fill the need and Toyota will be remembered as the company that blazed the trail.

I've sold cars for over 7 years and this new biz model has me truly excited about my job for the first time in a long time. "Old-timers" tell me "it will pass" and, as I listen to them talk, all I see are oil wells. They're done, it's just a matter of time before they become something useful again.

Hey, while I got your attention, post your car on my site! It's free and (I think) better than the free image sites I see so many people using here.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!! GO DEVILS!!!

Newbie here, feel free to flame me if this sounds stupid :twisted: , but for me the biggest possible downside is the styling of the thing. It's not exactly subtle. People will take one look and either love it or hate it. I personally think the sheet metal is just perfect, but a lot of my friends don't see it the same. For me the exterior is a pretty big upside, but for a lot of people it will be a huge turn-off. Most of us on this board know a thing or two about nice cars :wink: , and so we can't imagine it would ever be a turn-off, but I think it'll be a bit much for the average shmuck just looking for a cheap box in which to sit in traffic. Again, this is only a downside if you want it to be, but it will be a big downside.

Those who worry about the Scion brand name/reputation have a good point, but I personally have a different theory--that the brand is just meant to separate the riskier, niche cars (and their buyers) from the Toyota name, and not confuse or scare any of the millions (literally) of Camry/Tundra/Highlander buyers. If we spend severe $$$ on accessories (I know I will), then great. :) If we become Toyota/Lexus buyers, that's just splendid. :D If we give the brand good cred and it becomes respected, all the better...but I like to think I'd still buy the thing if they called it a Toyota, and that it's really for the benefit of people like my parents, who are afraid of the xB. They're aiming it AT some people, but just as importantly they're aiming it AWAY from others. Toyota isn't seen as nearly as exciting here in the US as it is elsewhere, and in a country where conformity is quietly celebrated, that conservative reputation is a good thing. Sorry this is devolving into a rant, :evil: , its past my bedtime.

Well, I think you personally brought up a great point. No flaming from me, everything seems to be valid...if not sad because Toyota is not as "family" oriented in other parts of the world. Maybe we'll get a sports car "toyota" devision, like Scion is a "youth" oriented... 330 HP, RWD, 50/50 Weight Distribution, 2200 lbs... :twisted:

Newbie here, feel free to flame me if this sounds stupid :twisted: , but for me the biggest possible downside is the styling of the thing. It's not exactly subtle. People will take one look and either love it or hate it. I personally think the sheet metal is just perfect, but a lot of my friends don't see it the same. For me the exterior is a pretty big upside, but for a lot of people it will be a huge turn-off. Most of us on this board know a thing or two about nice cars :wink: , and so we can't imagine it would ever be a turn-off, but I think it'll be a bit much for the average shmuck just looking for a cheap box in which to sit in traffic. Again, this is only a downside if you want it to be, but it will be a big downside.

Those who worry about the Scion brand name/reputation have a good point, but I personally have a different theory--that the brand is just meant to separate the riskier, niche cars (and their buyers) from the Toyota name, and not confuse or scare any of the millions (literally) of Camry/Tundra/Highlander buyers. If we spend severe $$$ on accessories (I know I will), then great. :) If we become Toyota/Lexus buyers, that's just splendid. :D If we give the brand good cred and it becomes respected, all the better...but I like to think I'd still buy the thing if they called it a Toyota, and that it's really for the benefit of people like my parents, who are afraid of the xB. They're aiming it AT some people, but just as importantly they're aiming it AWAY from others. Toyota isn't seen as nearly as exciting here in the US as it is elsewhere, and in a country where conformity is quietly celebrated, that conservative reputation is a good thing. Sorry this is devolving into a rant, :evil: , its past my bedtime.

Well, I think you personally brought up a great point. No flaming from me, everything seems to be valid...if not sad because Toyota is not as "family" oriented in other parts of the world. Maybe we'll get a sports car "toyota" devision, like Scion is a "youth" oriented... 330 HP, RWD, 50/50 Weight Distribution, 2200 lbs... :twisted:

I'm 6'1 and my tC fits me better than any other car I've driven in. I just picked mine up yesterday. I didn't even have to wait. They had a new one in and I just happened upon it at the same time. My only problem was the value I got on my trade in, but that's more because of my bad negotiating skills than anything else. This car feels very high quality. I'd compare the interior styling to some mercedes I've been in or the mini cooper. That's just me though.

I would totally recommend this car to anyone thinking about getting it, as long as it fits you comfortably.

for all of yall who feel the tC isint priced extremely low...check out its competition. yes the spec v is cheap base...but that is base. slap on a sound system and a sun roof and add 1,500...not to mention its hard to get a new model at msrp since nissan has them in limited production ( i know, i tried). the ralliart...its a good buy, runs wit the spec, but some people have issues wit mitsubishi (its about the same price). the tibby...hyundai just dropped the price to compete with the tC....it slightly faster...but its got two extra cylinders, and you hafta pay for all your creature comforts. lets not even look at the civic si, or the rsx base....

price wise the tC is an amazing deal. you get alot of creature comforts for a set price...16,500 with a mt....NO other car you can get for 16,5 will be as nice as the tC unless you get crazy rebates....thats right....a comprably loaded 3 is gonna run you 18+....

i admitt the tC isisnt as fast as the wrx or the srt4. but the car isint about only speed...its about the total package. is the srt4 as nice as the tC? NO!!...not in my opinion. thats where dodge saved their money. to end my rant...the tC, is a good buy...it does what toyota meant it to do...get new customers...

peace

What is the down side to the tC? It sounds too good to be true. From what I have heard so far it sounds like Toyota could get away with rebadging the tC as a Lexus and selling it for $30k.



Even if people would buy the tC for $30k it is NOT worth that much. $17k sound like a good price for this car and it isn't cheap.

Limited Interior Choice

With the only choice being black for the interior, some people might feel limited in choice. Also, there is no option for leather...

oh, thats funny my dealer had asked me if i wanted to upgrade to leather for 1300 more

___________

" LIFES A _____, GET OVER IT! "

the catch -
not all that great paint (it scratches way too easily and i have some orange peal)
the other catch, i guess could be the tranny for 5 speed. but thats personal preference, 1st gear is so short and 5th still allows for high rpms, but thats the way the car is made.
you get what you pay for, and i think i got a great deal

Leather is a dealer option at some (not all) dealerships. It is not a scion product.

Sort of like window tinting...

tC is the best bang-for-the-buck car out there. Price compared to options, you can't beat it.

I have almost 17K miles on mine (last 5K with TRD Springs, Struts, Rear Sway) and I bought it in Aug 04. I drive it ALOT. My project miata is on hold with a turbo kit sitting on the shelf because I'd rather drive the tC. With the trd stuff it handles like a dream. With tons of go-fast-bits comming out (sans the supercharger, DAMN YOU TRD!!!) there is alot of customization available.

The styling is nice and understated. No weird s**t hanging off and clean lines. Personally I would have them make it a rwd but you can't have it all. The OEM wheels cost $500 a piece to replace because they aren't made by the same generic manufacturer that makes 75% of the OEM wheels out there. I know how much the wheels are because some d**k ran into me two weeks ago and the wheel needs replacing.

Go for what you like. I love driving and have 3 cars, the tC is my fav. When it warms up outside you'll see my tC at Summit Point carving corners and possibly with a turbo. pssssst!!! I have put my share of cars to shame off of the red light but let it be known, this is not the fastest car on the road, but pretty darn quick. A few more hp out of the 2.4 would be nice.

One last thing, I am 6ft 1in and 220 lbs. The car fits like a glove. Tons of room and the bolstering is just right. I bought mine with no options. 16,465 plus the floormats, wish I hadn't gotten the mats, they suck. Already warrentee replaced one set and on my way to another.

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/3205475-md.jpg
:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:

thats a sweet pic! I saved it. :D

so vicious...u need a girl tiberian?

As long as she knows the difference between a Lexus and a <20k car.

The main difference is the price.
Lexus, while fine cars, are in my opinion overpriced. Although, I agree you can't compare a tC to a Lexus.

thats a sweet pic! I saved it. :D

Thanks, I took it the day after I bought it. Gettysburg, PA.