Just another tC review.
FINALLY got one.
SSM, 5spd. No options.
1st off..let me thank everyone here @ Scionlife and some of my friends that advised me about the tC (one that browses the forums and drives a '02 Si..his SN is k20 something :-P).
Plus..I want to thank Sports City Scion off of LBJ here in Dallas..AWESOME service. NO pressure whatsoever..and they really took care of me.
This is what..my 5th car I've owned?
1st was a 97 Civic Ex (auto, rice mobile)
2nd..90 CRX Dx (VERY clean..had some nice 16's, nice paint job, etc etc..slow though)
3rd..built 90 Civic hatch (b18b swap, i/h/e, cams)
4th..98 Civic Sedan (auto, paid off and gave to my mom)
..now coming from a Honda family I didn't know I would be comfy purchasing a Toyota. My cousin actually owns a '94 Camry with a good 180,xxx miles..and it runs great..so I told myself "Why not?"
I test drove a tC about a month ago and pretty much fell in love. lol coming from a guy that drove a 108 hp Civic with 90 or so lbs of torque for a good 2 years..this car just amazes me. For a roughly 3000 lb car..the car PULLS. Imagine if the car weighed as much as a Civic(2100 lbs or so)? This thing would be a hoss!
The tranny is actually very notchy and I feel the shifter going into gear everytime I shift. It doesn't have that buttery shift ala Honda's..but of course the tranny isn't as weak either. Clutch is nice..but kinda hard to get used to. I think once I hit a couple of more miles on it..everything will break in and I'll be ok. No worries (Only has 90 miles on it)
The car feels so freakin' sporty when I jump in it. I really feel as if I'm driving a 20-25k car. No creaks/noises (yet)..and everything feels so firm and nice. Suspension is actually good for a 17k car..and steers like a dream.
The radio is actually very good for stock..I disagree with the shield blocking the radio (lol the damn thing locks up sometimes and I literally have to punch it to open it)..otherwise it's nice 'n loud..has some bass to it too. It's also XM ready..and plays MP3 CDs..PERFECT for road trips.
I've gotten TONS of looks and plenty of cars revvin' at me..I can't wait to get a CAI..hell I just can't wait to break it in lol. I've been reading that the tC beats/hangs with stock 5spd GTi 1.8t's..so I'm content speed-wise
Is this car worth buying? YES.
I really think this car is worth 20k+..and for 17k? Thats CHEAP. You get TONS of options..a reliable motor..and a great looking car. I couldn't be happier..plus aftermarket for this car is going to blow up QUICK
Injen needs to hurry the hell up and make the CAI for the tC though =/
SSM, 5spd. No options.
1st off..let me thank everyone here @ Scionlife and some of my friends that advised me about the tC (one that browses the forums and drives a '02 Si..his SN is k20 something :-P).
Plus..I want to thank Sports City Scion off of LBJ here in Dallas..AWESOME service. NO pressure whatsoever..and they really took care of me.
This is what..my 5th car I've owned?
1st was a 97 Civic Ex (auto, rice mobile)
2nd..90 CRX Dx (VERY clean..had some nice 16's, nice paint job, etc etc..slow though)
3rd..built 90 Civic hatch (b18b swap, i/h/e, cams)
4th..98 Civic Sedan (auto, paid off and gave to my mom)
..now coming from a Honda family I didn't know I would be comfy purchasing a Toyota. My cousin actually owns a '94 Camry with a good 180,xxx miles..and it runs great..so I told myself "Why not?"
I test drove a tC about a month ago and pretty much fell in love. lol coming from a guy that drove a 108 hp Civic with 90 or so lbs of torque for a good 2 years..this car just amazes me. For a roughly 3000 lb car..the car PULLS. Imagine if the car weighed as much as a Civic(2100 lbs or so)? This thing would be a hoss!
The tranny is actually very notchy and I feel the shifter going into gear everytime I shift. It doesn't have that buttery shift ala Honda's..but of course the tranny isn't as weak either. Clutch is nice..but kinda hard to get used to. I think once I hit a couple of more miles on it..everything will break in and I'll be ok. No worries (Only has 90 miles on it)
The car feels so freakin' sporty when I jump in it. I really feel as if I'm driving a 20-25k car. No creaks/noises (yet)..and everything feels so firm and nice. Suspension is actually good for a 17k car..and steers like a dream.
The radio is actually very good for stock..I disagree with the shield blocking the radio (lol the damn thing locks up sometimes and I literally have to punch it to open it)..otherwise it's nice 'n loud..has some bass to it too. It's also XM ready..and plays MP3 CDs..PERFECT for road trips.
I've gotten TONS of looks and plenty of cars revvin' at me..I can't wait to get a CAI..hell I just can't wait to break it in lol. I've been reading that the tC beats/hangs with stock 5spd GTi 1.8t's..so I'm content speed-wise

Is this car worth buying? YES.
I really think this car is worth 20k+..and for 17k? Thats CHEAP. You get TONS of options..a reliable motor..and a great looking car. I couldn't be happier..plus aftermarket for this car is going to blow up QUICK

Injen needs to hurry the hell up and make the CAI for the tC though =/
yes. tq delivery on it is very convenient. I'm very impressed with the tC myself. I'm not the typical honda fan-boy eventhough 99% of the owners do not reflect that. haha.
fac3 took me for a quick spin and I really noticed the firm but very comfy suspension on it. Even on the crappier roads you never felt the car dip or jolt.
The strong partial throttle to only 3500ish gave me a good enough indication that once broken in, the car will be a very good competitor for my own and I can't wait to see what it can do.
I believe the aftermarket for the tC is going to absolutely explode like it did for the rsx-s. Expect tons more parts and new things for it for at least 2-3 more years at sema and other manufacturer sactioned events.
I love my 02 si, but I'm also not in denial. The tC is easily matches if not exceeds every other car in it's class that comes comparably equipped....but the price tag is much easier on the pockets. Compared with what my si came with....this car is a steal. I'm the first to give props when credit is due, and toyota stepped up and built a competent sport coupe, albeit a little hefty, but with more than enough tq to haul it.
2 thumbs up from the honda owner. I see good things in the future for this platform.
fac3 took me for a quick spin and I really noticed the firm but very comfy suspension on it. Even on the crappier roads you never felt the car dip or jolt.
The strong partial throttle to only 3500ish gave me a good enough indication that once broken in, the car will be a very good competitor for my own and I can't wait to see what it can do.
I believe the aftermarket for the tC is going to absolutely explode like it did for the rsx-s. Expect tons more parts and new things for it for at least 2-3 more years at sema and other manufacturer sactioned events.
I love my 02 si, but I'm also not in denial. The tC is easily matches if not exceeds every other car in it's class that comes comparably equipped....but the price tag is much easier on the pockets. Compared with what my si came with....this car is a steal. I'm the first to give props when credit is due, and toyota stepped up and built a competent sport coupe, albeit a little hefty, but with more than enough tq to haul it.
2 thumbs up from the honda owner. I see good things in the future for this platform.
Originally Posted by k20a3epsi
yes. tq delivery on it is very convenient. I'm very impressed with the tC myself. I'm not the typical honda fan-boy eventhough 99% of the owners do not reflect that. haha.
fac3 took me for a quick spin and I really noticed the firm but very comfy suspension on it. Even on the crappier roads you never felt the car dip or jolt.
The strong partial throttle to only 3500ish gave me a good enough indication that once broken in, the car will be a very good competitor for my own and I can't wait to see what it can do.
I believe the aftermarket for the tC is going to absolutely explode like it did for the rsx-s. Expect tons more parts and new things for it for at least 2-3 more years at sema and other manufacturer sactioned events.
I love my 02 si, but I'm also not in denial. The tC is easily matches if not exceeds every other car in it's class that comes comparably equipped....but the price tag is much easier on the pockets. Compared with what my si came with....this car is a steal. I'm the first to give props when credit is due, and toyota stepped up and built a competent sport coupe, albeit a little hefty, but with more than enough tq to haul it.
2 thumbs up from the honda owner. I see good things in the future for this platform.
fac3 took me for a quick spin and I really noticed the firm but very comfy suspension on it. Even on the crappier roads you never felt the car dip or jolt.
The strong partial throttle to only 3500ish gave me a good enough indication that once broken in, the car will be a very good competitor for my own and I can't wait to see what it can do.
I believe the aftermarket for the tC is going to absolutely explode like it did for the rsx-s. Expect tons more parts and new things for it for at least 2-3 more years at sema and other manufacturer sactioned events.
I love my 02 si, but I'm also not in denial. The tC is easily matches if not exceeds every other car in it's class that comes comparably equipped....but the price tag is much easier on the pockets. Compared with what my si came with....this car is a steal. I'm the first to give props when credit is due, and toyota stepped up and built a competent sport coupe, albeit a little hefty, but with more than enough tq to haul it.
2 thumbs up from the honda owner. I see good things in the future for this platform.
(I have an 02 Civic and an 01 Accord sitting with my tC in my driveway, keeping it company
Originally Posted by PunkInDrublic
Nothing but respect for you and your post. Open mindedness is something this board needs.
(I have an 02 Civic and an 01 Accord sitting with my tC in my driveway, keeping it company
also:
http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showpos...78&postcount=1
I added some more stuff that came to mind. Check my title over there. haha. <3 for the tC.
Another thing...I've driven an 04 spec v as well as fac3 and I can honestly say the fit and finish is MUCH better on the tC. Seats are better too as well as gauges.
Originally Posted by PunkInDrublic
Nothing but respect for you and your post. Open mindedness is something this board needs.
Originally Posted by fac3
Thank ya, thank ya 
Injen needs to hurry up and get the CAI out!

Injen needs to hurry up and get the CAI out!
The only performance mod I plan to make this spring is the CAI. This should be one I can install. Yahoo!
- Gerry
Originally Posted by k20a3epsi
yes. tq delivery on it is very convenient. I'm very impressed with the tC myself. I'm not the typical honda fan-boy eventhough 99% of the owners do not reflect that. haha.
fac3 took me for a quick spin and I really noticed the firm but very comfy suspension on it. Even on the crappier roads you never felt the car dip or jolt.
The strong partial throttle to only 3500ish gave me a good enough indication that once broken in, the car will be a very good competitor for my own and I can't wait to see what it can do.
I believe the aftermarket for the tC is going to absolutely explode like it did for the rsx-s. Expect tons more parts and new things for it for at least 2-3 more years at sema and other manufacturer sactioned events.
I love my 02 si, but I'm also not in denial. The tC is easily matches if not exceeds every other car in it's class that comes comparably equipped....but the price tag is much easier on the pockets. Compared with what my si came with....this car is a steal. I'm the first to give props when credit is due, and toyota stepped up and built a competent sport coupe, albeit a little hefty, but with more than enough tq to haul it.
2 thumbs up from the honda owner. I see good things in the future for this platform.
fac3 took me for a quick spin and I really noticed the firm but very comfy suspension on it. Even on the crappier roads you never felt the car dip or jolt.
The strong partial throttle to only 3500ish gave me a good enough indication that once broken in, the car will be a very good competitor for my own and I can't wait to see what it can do.
I believe the aftermarket for the tC is going to absolutely explode like it did for the rsx-s. Expect tons more parts and new things for it for at least 2-3 more years at sema and other manufacturer sactioned events.
I love my 02 si, but I'm also not in denial. The tC is easily matches if not exceeds every other car in it's class that comes comparably equipped....but the price tag is much easier on the pockets. Compared with what my si came with....this car is a steal. I'm the first to give props when credit is due, and toyota stepped up and built a competent sport coupe, albeit a little hefty, but with more than enough tq to haul it.
2 thumbs up from the honda owner. I see good things in the future for this platform.
We'll run 'em once I throw on a CAI ;)
Well..I got about 300+ miles on the tC so far..car is running even stronger then ever. I seriously don't regret purchasing the tC.
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