I'm sorry but don't even bother thinking about exclusivity under 80,000 dollars. There simply isn't any mass production car under at least 80,000 dollars that you can't call "mainstream." The only cars for this price range that is "unique" is that way only because no one wants it. See many Insights driving around? Want one?

If you want to differentiate yourself from everyone else at this price range you're going to have to shell out extra money and make it unique. And if you prefer to stick to manufacturer accessories then I wish you the best of luck in becoming unique. Look up Scion_jon's tC; there's a one of a kind tC for ya. If you don't like his style, then check out these cars.

So I feel I've been a bit vitriolic. I'm sorry. But the main thing is, get a car for you. You drove a tC and liked it? Thought it was a good value? Then who the hell cares if you're "downgrading?" Friend goes from an E350 to a Civic EX. Is that a downgrade? Says who? Smaller car, better mileage, better reliability, lacks the unecessary and excessive and for her, unused, accessories from the Benz...

So yea, I'm sorry. I have little patience with people wanting so much to be different for the benefits of others. If you want to be different than you have to be different and get that 2 million dollars a year pay; then you'd have a right to get an exclusive car.

 

How many RS3's will Scion put out 2500? There's exclusivity for less than $20,000.

 

OK...former VW owner weighing in here. Get the tC.

I had the sweetest 2002 New Beetle. It was the first Color Concept. Snap Orange. Orange trimmed leather seats, Orange inserts in the alloys. And the TURBO....I miss that little noise. Tho the CIA gives me a bit of it.

HOWEVER....my bug had over 60K miles and it had been in the shop so often under warranty, I didn't want to be paying what it would cost the next time something went wrong.

Also, I traded a special edition Trek Golf for the NB.

But still, I'm more happy with my Scion than I could have imagined.

 

I must say I made a big mistake by closing early on my lease to get a Scion...



But then I thought closing early on this lease was the right thing too?!



I miss them both now!

 

Hah, yea. Very true. Got me there. But my point remains: who the hell cares? Resellers care and one might care to say, "I got this and only 2499 other people will have a car built from the factory like mine." But if your main goal is to say that then why don't you do something truly unique? Unless you want to be unique like 2499 other people then by all means, go ahead. I just hate that people build their identities around cars and expect not to have to go all out to get the all out.

Don't get me wrong, it'd be awesome to get something cheap and at a limited run. But its ridiculous to put so much value in relative differentiation. And consider this: the release series are only exclusive because there's a limited number made which means that if someone who just happens to be in the market for a tC happens upon a lot with an RS3, he or she could just say, "I like this car's color, I think I want to buy it" and he or she will have little problem buying it. Just how exclusive is that? The premium for exclusivity boils down a little bit more money and the right timing. The difference between an SL55 AMG and an SL65 AMG is the right circumstance in your career.

But hey, I'm an idealist and I think too much. Don't let me rain on anyone's parade. If the limited nature of the RS is enough to do it for you and make you happy, go for it. If you won't feel special after buying an RS, then yea, the RS3 is beneath you. Whatever floats your boat; be happy; have a ball. I already have mine.

 

GTI front end swap and get some BBS wheels. I don't know, thats what I would do with a Jetta.

 

It sounds to me like the I.C.E. is a very important factor in your purchasing decision. In that respect, the tC is a great choice. The audio system is very easy to mod. The double-din with radio door lends itself well to a DVD player or NAV system. The speakers are easy to get to. There are various options for mounting amps and subs. And wiring is very easy. In addition, there is quite a few individuals on ScionLife who will help you customize your guages and center console with LED mods if you're not already inclined to do so yourself. If it's a custom system you want, the tC is a great choice for you.

 

Well sir i don't mind adding a radio. The speakers to me don't sound too bad especially if you get a nice equalizer on your new radio to help them out. I was going to pop something like this in there.




The only real interior stuff i would like to do to the RS3.0 is maybe change the led's in the dash and stuff. Other than that i don't really wanna change too much. I think that everything is pretty nice as it is. I mean I'm just looking at my true favorite machine with is the GTI 5-door. I really have made friends with my fast, haha. It's up there in price and questionable reliability too. runs almost 26k. I was looking at the rs with a few parts to be in the ballpark of around 21.5k. Better gas mileage and a better dealership service experience too of course, can't forget those.

 

Honestly... comparing the tC to the Jetta... I would say you're getting an *upgrade*. Seriously, you're getting a MUCH higher quality product with many more standard features and a nicer ride (IMO) in the package. I'd say if the Jetta was new-ish it'd be a lateral movement for a stock tC at best. Plus, you're shooting for the RS3... how many RS series tC's does anyone see regularly on the roads (HONESTLY)?

I think, from what you've told us about style and preferences, you'll be much happier with a tC.

BTW... as far as the exclusivity arguement. Of course you can get a unique car for under 80k... Just look at the Lotus Elise. Do you EVER see one of those around? They can be had for mid 40s. If you're looking for a status symbol, there it is. Sure you can get a lexus or bmw for that price, but no one really cares unless you buy the 100k versions... but a lotus... that's one hot and sexy compensation-mobile!

 

I hardly ever see RS tCs, but every now and then one pops up.

I saw an Elise on the road once....and I almost wrecked trying to get a better look.

 

I dont think someone with a ton of dough running out and buying an elise or benz, or anything like that "exclusive". That is simply having money. Exclusivity is for yuppies with nothing better to do.

I would love to have an elise simply for the performance part of it.. but would hardly call myself "exclusive". And other than the little badge on it and a paint job, the RS cars are not "exclusive". As far as anyone else on the road is concerned.. it is a tC with a paint job and some aftermarket looking parts.. so nothing different than anyone else has. When people think exclusive on a sports car, for example, they think lambo.. you know what I think when I see one? Some rich guy who didnt know enough to spend the money on a real sports car (a ferrari) that is built around function rather than form wanted to impress people.

So dont worry about being exclusive.. it is all relative. If you get your tC, drop some sound deadening, a decent system, some customized lighting inside if you like, etc and build your exclusive car yourself. Make it different with the money you saved by not buying a more expensive car. Or, if you like, just buy it and drive it. Like we mentioned, get what makes you happy. Even if you want to put a big nasty body kit and table sized spoiler on it, it is your ride man, enjoy it!

 

engifineer speaks truth, follow his wisdom :D


Personally I haven't done much with my tC, just fog lamps, lip spoiler, front strut bar and rear sway bar. That's the beauty of the tC, you can make it into whatever you want it to be.

 

I would go with manual, i wanted a manual tC and i ended up getting an auto. because i was one of the first tC owners in my city, i am not dissapointed, but you can only go so far with HP upgrades, cause the auto can only handle 260 HP...but do what your gut feeling is.

 

But if i was only going to get the trd parts with no supercharger then I think i'm ok with the auto. Is the auto still pretty lively though?

 

It's decent. I bet the 5-speed's a tad quicker than the triptronic 1.8t.

 

I'd say dump the VW before the warranty goes. I've known of 4 late model VW's going to the dumps after the powertrain warranty went. From a wiring harness to a valve body on a 02 Jetta. Get a Toyota, and stick with it.