2005 Scion tC Consumer Reviews

Scion TCs rear handle hatch molding broke

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Our 05 Toyota Scion TCs rear handle hatch molding broke of a few years ago, shortly after the hydraulic shocks went out that hold the hatch (after 3 years/20,000mile). The dealer wanted $800 to replace them but suggested we buy after market, which we did but the after markets aren’t hydraulic so the hatch needs more strength to open/lift. Consequently, the trunk handle broke off and trunk release just hangs there. We keep taping it over and over with packing tape but now we have all this layers of ghetto tape. We have noticed a lot of taped Scion tcs and xbs on the road! We’d like to sell the car but would have to invest over $1500 to make it right. Scion won’t take responsibility for the cheap inferior design and plastic parts. We have spoke to them on the phone many times but they wont help us. We will NEVER buy another Toyota! We found a Facebook PAGE with helpful info and class action suit. [HTML removed]
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Pros far outweigh the cons

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought mine as a demo with 2900 miles on it, and we'll be celebrating our 7 year anniversary in February. I've put 155k (not easy miles either - I beat on my cars pretty soundly) and I have to say it has withstood everything I put it through with class and style. It's like the little Scion that could. Most problems have been wear and tear, otherwise VERY minimal maintenance and still runs like a top. Overall a solid investment, fun to tune (have TRD exhaust, K&N Typhoon intake, B&M short throw), easy to work on/troubleshoot, respectably quick. I bought a 350Z this past February and kept the tC for winter and shopping trips - she's still got a lot of life left in her :)
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safety

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

My daughter was in a major accident, involving the following scenario. Person merged into the car sending into a spin, then hit again and was airborn for a full 360 landing on driver's side, sliding into the back of a flat bed big rig, righting back onto wheels and sending across 4 lanes of freeway. This occured at 65 mph. Both driver and passenger walked out of car. The car is a complete total but occupants okay, other than severe whiplash. Amazing!
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JUNK JUNK JUNK!

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Let's see here, I've owned the car since 2007 and I've had nothing but a hard time. Scion is of no help either. They can only say they have made a note but have no pending open recalls or other complaints about the car. I have no working radio, a sunroof that squeals, breaks that pop and make noises, a front bumper that looks like it is holding on by floss, the rear hatch plastic is about to break off (I've seen other Scions with tape holding up the part), over all I've found the car to be sub-par with what Toyota has made in the past.
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Good, reliable, toyota product, but a little boring

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Great car overall, reliable, cost effective, minimal maintenence costs.
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My first baby

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Bought the car in Nov 04. Mechanically I've never had a single issue with it, just like other tC's Ive seen the rear hatch lever broke off, I took it to Scion to see if it was covered under warranty and it isn't I was always hoping I'd get a letter in the mail saying it was a defect :| Since buying this car I had a daughter, it's a pain getting a car seat in and out of, but most 2 door cars are. She also cant see out the windows, which she hated. Last week my husband rolled it down a hill. He sustained no injuries and the car survived with a couple of broken windows and dents. The car easily made it to 98,000 miles with no trips to a mechanic, just basic oil changes and what not. Great buy!
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Some really obvious design oversights

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

A "cool" looking car, however I have had numerous issues with it. The most recent being the poor construction of the rear hatch handle. It snapped off after regular use (not excessive force) and I've had it epoxied back on twice. It is only held in place by plastic screws and it is the only way to lift open the heavy hatch. The tires are also expensive (low profile racing-type tires).
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Stop Looking Right Here

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I was out to find a used car in the $10,000-$12,000 range, and found quite a variety awaiting me. I was considering a 2007 Honda Civic, a 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK, and a 2008 Toyota Corolla. After driving all of them, none offered the kind of driving experience that the Scion offers. With a more-than-enough 2.4 liter engine that delivers surprising fuel economy, as well as plenty of power for such a small car, this Scion easily blows away anything else in its class. The interior is also class-leading, with a long list of standard features that other car companies charge much more for. My advice: Get the manual. It's so much fun to drive! I couldn't ask for anything more in a small car!
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Excellent Sporty Ride

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car is so much fun to drive around. It turns on a dime and handles great. Bucket seats in front and back are comfortable, even for road trips. I have always got better than 30 mpg, with the AC on, (over 40 with the wind at my back). AC doesn't feel as cold or powerful as some other vehicles, and has a hard time cooling off in hotter weather but it works fine when I'm by myself. My car does have a lot of road noise though, don't think that's a default on all makes though. I've put 40K miles on in 2 years and my biggest replacement was new tires when I got it.
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I like it. Been good to me

Vehicle

2005 Scion tC 2dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I read about this car and waited its arrival. When they became available I bought one. It's comfortable and reasonably sporty driving wise. I have fit so much stuff in this car at once it's astounding. Flip all the seats down including the passenger by taking the head rest off and you'll be amazed. It does hold the road and corner well and once you get used to the shifter it accelerates with more than enough oomph. I have changed the oil replaced the tires and that is it. I plan on driving it till the wheels fall off and given its performance to date I think that will be a long time coming.
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