Hello All,

I'm considering buying a new super-white 2007 Spec. tC.

I do know the differences between the standard tC and the spec. edition(no 17" alloys, panaramic moonroof does not retract back/its fixed, no CC , no key tumbler on the passanger side door). I believe that is the only differences.

It is a $1500 difference in price ...... in which that money can be used towards something worth wild down the road(different wheels, ground effects kit, etc.).

Your opionion is welcomed.

 

its not worth it, even if you are going to be paying cash its not worth it..

i was in teh same boat as you and i dont regret for a single second going with the regular model, even if it did cost 2k more after taxes

 

IMO Its a good way to save money, but I wouldn't buy it if I had the choice. I love how the moonroof retracts.

 

Those aren't the only differences, but they are the big ones. Also, there is no engine immobilizer.

You have to decide if the difference in monthly payments is worth it to you. Don't think about it in terms of $1500 so much as $25/month. For me, it really doesn't matter if the sunroof opens or not. I just like having the glass there. Rims are pretty important for me, so I would definitely have to replace those. And if rims+tires costs $1000...you might as well just get the base model instead of the Spec. Personally, I really think the base model is a better buy, especially when you factor in resale value. $25/month for that? Sure.

If you plan on keeping the Spec. totally stock, it might be worth it. If you plan on getting rims, etc....just go ahead and get the base model. You won't regret it.

 

I got the spec only because I hate sunroofs that open. Everyone I know has had problems with theirs Plus, if it don't open, it don't rattle. Also with the tires. Not quite following your modo. If you get the Spec or the Base and you plan on changing your rims you'll wind up paying 1000+ for rims and tires regardless of the package you get. Might be reading it wrong tho, had a long day. I don't care about the immobilizer, i don't care about the cruise control, i don't care about stock rims and tires since I'm gona change them anyway, I don't care about a cover on my engine. In my case. The Spec was a plus because i prefered the way the roof was made. But hey. That's just me. If theres nothing that you like better in the spec then the base then go with the base its a better value. If it wasn't for the whole glass roof i woulda gotten the base too.

 

Thanks for everyones responses.

I've been contemplating a few cars right now(tC, IS300 5-speed, or a Fit 5-speed- good on gas is the main thing with that car).

I'd really like to stick with Toyota since I've had so many good experiences with To-jo The IS300 might be decent, but even used ones 2002-05 fetch really good $$ .. even with 60+K miles.

I'm going to go check this white spec. 5-speed out in a few days when it comes in, test drive it.. and see. I think I'd be alright with the less features it offers(esp. the wheels, engine immoblizer) ... just not too sure on the retracting moonroof/ and CC. If I wait 2-3 months, techniclly I could offset the extra cost of going for a standard tC that is $1500 more , since I'd be saving a chunk of money in monthly payments + insurance costs. OR..... potentially go for the RS3 , IF I can justify the added $2700 cost over a standard tC ??!!!

Decisions.. decisions... but I guess only time will tell.
Thanks again.

 

Wait a sec...normal tc's sunroofs do not move?

 

If i read it right the spec tc sunroof isnt a sunroof, just a moonroof. doesnt open but flips up...maybe i read it wrong.

 

Well guy go with the one with the sunroof that thing works miracles.

 

spec has a fixed glass roof.... no moving...

regular tC... it moves... it opens.

 

That is beyond the lamest thing I have ever heard....don't sunroofs cost like 1200 bucks...they should like...break even after all that stuff.

 

That has actualyl made me not want to get the spec. lol

 

It should...

 

I went with the super white spec tc (07) and love it.

Money was definitely an issue and since I got the spec, I was able to spend a bit more on my stereo system and window tinting.

As far as the wheels go, I'm fine with the wheel covers because: 1)they're some of the nicest, non-cheesy-looking wheel covers I've seen, and 2)I sometimes have to park my car in areas where I'd worry about someone trying to steal a decent set of rims.

 

Good choice, I have an 07 Spec too. One of the best ways to improve performance/handling is to have a lighter stiffer vehicle; that was part of the appeal for me. I also wanted to have two sets of wheels, one for winter and one for summer, so the current steel wheels will be used for winter.

P.S. What are "payments" (I paid cash).

 

^^^ your car isnt that much lighter, and I doubt its stiffer... my glass doesnt flex, its not like a convertible vs. hardtop..
FWIW: fixed glass weighs in the same as glass that moves, your talking what, a FEW lbs for the mechanics that make the roof retract?? - you could ALWAYS skip the supersize on your combo meal to make that weight difference.

Aside from guessing, where are numbers/sources to prove facts? how much lighter is it? 30lbs? If you paid cash, you couldnt come up with the little extra? I paid cash too, but only did a few dealer options, as I am waiting to go F/I all the way.

 

imo the spec should be cheaper than it is for what it's missing.

 

The dual sunroofs affect structural rigidity (from the reports here on warped sunroof panels, it's severe in this car). I wish it was a true coupe (i.e. had a standard trunk instead of a hatch-back), that too affects rigidity. And I'm referring to the whole car not just the roof.

 

It is cheaper.... by approx. $1500.

Not so sure on the structural rigidity thing, but that lady on here that made her rig a convertible really jacked her structural rigidity

Also, not so sure how "structural rigid" the car *should be* , but it did well in the crash tests. A local tech also totaled one(flipped it) , and made it out alive.

To me, I'm leaning on either going with the Spec.(saves $, plus there is only 500 being produced per color- only 4 color options) , or I'm going RS3 baby ;-) Just not so sure I want to dish out another $4K + on the RS model. In the end, it is about what your getting for your $$

 

i heard they stopped making them too. Is this true? I was gona get a super white originally but i couldn't. I called up a dealership and they said that they only had somthing like 13-15 left in the tri state area that they could see. Then again they also didn't see the 3 CSM specs at the dealership from where I bought mine. Most of the ones in the tristate area were CSM, so I kinda settled for that since I heard that they don't make them anymore from multiple places. I always gets Sunroof and Moonroof mixed up