Hello,

I am currently pursuing a TC and have a few questions about the car and the optional dealer parts. I am coming from a Mazdaspeed Protege that has been pretty much a fiasco, mainly due to it's factory installed "performance" parts. The swaybar on my car leaves the bushings shredded about every 6k miles so that every little bump creates a sound as if there is a dead body in my trunk. So anyway, here's my concerns:

- I love the idea of OEM+ looks/handling, should I get the TRD springs/struts combo? Right now I have Tein springs on my MSP and I love the look and the handling is ok. I saw a post on here a little while ago with a RS TC that had the TRD kit and I loved the looks of it. I just don't want there to be any rattling or problems over time because it is stiffer than the factory suspension.

- Is the security system worth it?
I understand that if the security system is installed and the car is stolen, Scion replaces said car, correct? I may be way off but I could have sworn I heard that somewhere. If so, I would think that is a great deal, considering insurance would only give a prorated "market value" for a stolen car. I just am really leary of dealer "add-ons" if they aren't necessary.

- Does the upgraded Pioneer system have AUX inputs to plug in my MP3 player?
On the Scion website they are kind of vague in claiming to have the ability to connect an iPod or other device but they really don't say how.

Thanks for any answers, hopefully I will be rocking out in a brand new white TC any day now!

Mike

 

I don't know about the TRD suspension upgrades or the security system, but the iPod compatible upgraded stereo does have an AUX input right next to the iPod input.

 

stock HU also come standard (on the '06) with an AUX jack inside the center armrest which you can plug in any device that uses a headphone jack. There is also a 12V outlet in there to power the device. Not sure about the suspension or security system, just wanted to chime in about the aux jack.

 

Wow, thanks for the quick responses. Great to know about the AUX jack, about time these car companies know that we all have mp3 players, hahah. Anyone else about the security or more importantly suspension? Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

I have heard bad reviews regarding the Scion Security System. Doesnt do that great of protection and is way over-priced. If I were u I would visit a local audio shop and have a much better security system installled for about the same price as the Scion one.

 

Honestly, I really don't live in areas where the car would have a chance to be stolen but I usually just assume it is a good idea to get. Thanks for the tip though, maybe I'll just get a nice aftermarket one for the same price. I snooped around the suspension forum (about 10 pages deep) and found that most people were happy with their TRD suspension, although the dealer charges quite a bit for install. Thanks again for help.

Mike

 

Not to familiar on the TRD suspension, but u dont have to buy directly from ur dealer. I know authentic Toyota Vendors on this site like McGeorge and SparksToyota sells everything for like half the cost or damn near. Just a thought if u still wanted to go OEM and carry the warranty through Toyota without getting raped by the dealer itself.

 

yeah hes right.. the dealer where i bought my tc wanted $1500 installed for TRD shock/strut/spring package. They will charge up the wazu for stuff like that. You could probably do the whole setup separetly for less than 1000 installed. Save your $$ and just get the parts online and have a reputable shop put em in for ya if you decide on that. I have the whole setup up and its nice. TRD is respectable and its just right if you want tuned suspension but nothing too crazy

 

I like the TRD shock strut spring setup. As far as price, if you have the cash go elsewhere for them, but if you dont, and want to finance then get them at time of buy.

 

$1500 installed?!?!?!? Thats nuts. At our dealership total install price for TRD Shock/strut package+TRD Lowering Springs+TRD Strut Bar is only about $900 give or take. Some dealers markup everything to a ridiculous amount. We also just started offering TEIN suspensions as well as a few other reputable companies suspensions. Too bad you dont live near our place...

 

Here's the deal. First, I picked up the Scion security because I wanted the insurance break and liked the idea of keeping my security on the factory key as opposed to having a seperate fob to contend with. I'm not putting anything way expensive in there, and don't live in an area that has a lot of stolen vehicles.

Second, I love the subtle drop that the TRD springs/shocks give. I had them installed with the sways after having driven the stock set up for 2 months and there is a very noticable difference in handling. Which reminds me, I need to take some pictures of it since its been dropped...

I have had much, much better corner grip and haven't rubbed yet on speedbumps or road debris. IMO the TRDs give the tC just enough of a drop and give the car a 'balanced' look. I'm not into slamming a car as low as you can go for my own ride (but love seeing the ones that are at car shows!). Its just the right ratio of performance and looks.

Hope some of that helps.

 

Straight from a dealer:

1. TRD Shocks/Springs provide a very good balance of performance and handling -- and as for buying them at some place like McGeorge, which is a great source BTW, and having them installed at another shop, you should find out a couple of things first. Is the shop going to install them according to all the specs, including alignment? Will they back up their work? For how long? When a dealer installs TRD's at the time of purchase they are covered just like the basic warranty which is 3 years/36K miles.

2. Security System -- I believe you are confusing a couple products or coverages. First of all the Scion alarm itself has all the basic functions, but nothing fancy, like remote start or notification. Most important is the kill switch. If the alarm is activated, the car will not start without the key, and it can't be "hotwired" from the steering column because the air gap is not at the ignition. As for replacing a car that's stolen, with or without a security system, that's purely a matter of insurance coverage.

3. Aux input -- yes, one is standard, but you have to have the right adapter or connection.

All that being said, however, you need to find out how much your Protege is worth. That might be a major factor in your purchase decision.

 

Thanks very much guys (gals? maybe), and to the last poster my trade-in is what is killing me right now. I guess none of these places (including carmax) are even noticing that I have a TURBO and 17" wheels, upgraded suspension, Kenwood system all from factory. This isn't a normal 2003 Protege DX or something, but I am getting screwed, best offer has been 10k for trade, I owe 11,300. I'm considering Autotrader or a local newspaper for selling privately, I only really want to pay it off, not asking for anything too rediculous. This car was freakin' limited edition, I can't belive how much the value has dropped. Oh well, I WILL get a TC sooner than later, tax returns are coming so that might be all I need to justify it.

One more question about suspension: would it be stupid to get the TRD shocks/struts installed then get the Tein S-Techs installed afterwards? Can the TRD setup handle 2+inch drop? Thanks again, you all are great.

Mike