1) What's the deal with pricing? Is there zero negotiation possible on these cars? Pay sticker or continue using ankle express?

2) What is the difference between the Spec and non Spec? As far as I can tell it is only the tires/wheels. If so, great.

3) "if" I decide to get some TRD stuff like the struts/shocks/springs, surely they let you keep the original parts? (Yes I know there are cheaper alternatives, but none that can be financed with the car).

4) Can the TRD parts be haggled? I have found invoice pricing for them, it seems possible.

Thanks in advance.

 

1) pure pricing means no dickering on the price. I HAVE seen a dealer go below invoice on xA's to clear out--but you will get no deal on a tC as far as I would see.

2)I believe the spec edition has a solid metal roof and not the glass as well as no add ons. Read this: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=120847

3) Parts are not part of the pure pricing. You can shop around for those--but that would defeat the purpose of financing with purchase.

 

not sure for the 08 but when the spec first came out it didn't have a moveable sunroof (roof is still all glass though, it just can't move), no engine immobilizer and came with steelies. those are the main differences.

 

Well that's too bad about the no haggle...as I never pay sticker price, let alone extra like they're asking locally.

The link Yeller provided had the older TC vs Spec differences, much more than I thought. The non-sliding roof is pretty much the deal breaker though.

Thanks for the info.

 

The pure pricing actually makes buying easier. The dealerships do not make a lot of money on these cars so its not like you are getting ripped off. When I bought mine I told them I wanted the spoiler and fogs, picked the color and signed the contract. I was in and out in about 30 min. With all the features and options you get with these cars the price isn't bad at all.

 

If you don't pay sticker you wont get the car, learned that when I went to dealer number 1 looking for a little something not beliving the no haggle. I did the "walk away" approach and one year later never got a call back lol, needless to say I couldn't return to that dealer but it all worked out and I went to a different dealer and got the car I wanted.

 

^ nice learning process there, thats funny! Were you shocked at first?

 

I believe it, I just normally don't participate in it. If that is the way it is, then there is no choice I guess. However, the difference between invoice and MSRP isn't that much either, as someone pointed out. It would only be a few hundred more than I payed over invoice on my last cars(usually $200-400).

Now then, next problem...finding a dealer to install the TRD suspension(struts/shocks/springs/rear sway) for a realistic price. I've read some people had it done for free, others for well under $300, and some at $6-900 just for labor! I have the utmost confidence that every single dealer in Houston will be the latter on labor raping.

Final problem, is this car + suspension upgrade worth trading a 2003 RSX Type-S in for?
My '00 Civic Si felt infinitely more stable above 100mph than the RSX's floaty stock suspension. Having not driven a Tc yet I am hoping it will be a nicer, firmer "ride" than I currently have, albeit slower. I do more rolling acceleration nowadays anyway and I hear this car is pretty good at that.

Why not just buy a new suspension for the RSX? Well, I think the Scion looks nicer, especially when slightly lowered. I never liked the front of my car(rear is awesome), while the Tc looks good all around. Larger glass up top too...and it's new. A little more speed or a lot more style?

 

fyi "sticker" is a relative amount/term. These cars are priced to be of a certain 'value' for a purchase price, which is why if one compares cars with comparable features the tc in many cases is a lower price. They could have gone out with an MSRP in the 18-19 range and turned around and offered a rebate or incentive right off the bat ( ie most domestics ), but instead it is priced to be at a competitive price point.
No, i'm not a Toyota samesman; but have purchased a fair share of vehicles over the years ( and sold in the 90's ) so have what i'd consider a decent perception of the process. These cars are set up to get the younger buyer into the Toyota fold, so as they grow financially they can also grow within the Toyota marque.
As for accessories--if $$ is tighter then pay the bit more from dealer and finance in car ( for many the few bucks a month is easier then writing out that check later ); but if you are able to handle accessory purchases later then there are a few dealers online that will discount the Toyota/TRD accessories.