Used 2012 Scion iQ Consumer Reviews
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Impulse buy. I'm very happy with it.
Like A Rock, 08/12/2016
updated 02/12/2018
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
59 of 61 people found this review helpful
UPDATE 12 FEB 2018 -- I sold my iQ. I miss it. I bought a pre-owned Toyota Yaris for more backseat and cargo room. Yaris is great but not as refined. The iQ was solid, mostly quiet. Cost of ownership and tires for a Yaris is less. // OLD iQ REVIEW: I bought a pre-owned base model, silver color. The base model still comes nicely equipped with stability and traction control, pw. pdl, great ac, great stereo and speakers, 1 usb, 1 aux, and 1 power port. My base model has hubcaps but I like the way they look over the alloy wheels I've seen on other IQ's. There are pros and cons about this car so I will start with the pros: It is one of the safest cars on the road, has 11 airbags, and drives and handles great. Steering is quick and precise, and it can turn around in a very small space making easy driving in traffic or lots. I don't have any trouble getting to speed on highway on-ramps, or passing vehicles when I need to. The engine is a 1.3L which is plenty big. I'm not going to knock other cars in this class because I have not driven them, but one car that's in the same class, but only has two seats, is sporting an engine almost half the size of the IQ, basically motorcycle size, and I don't think that's viable option for a long term vehicle. The 1.3L engine size has been commonly used around the World and has no issues. I actually belong to a Ford Festiva club in my area and those were made with 1.3L engines back in the 80s and 90s that were less refined than the Toyota IQ engine, and anyone that knows about Festivas they are one of the best basic utility cars ever made and many are still on the road today running like champs (including mine); some with 300k plus on the odo. The Scion IQ doesn't fall short in performance in my opinion. You won't be winning any races up the freeway ramp against bigger engine sports cars but it performs very well and will get you to proper speed...and don't worry nobody is going to blow your doors off it can make those other drivers sweat while they try to pass you. On the highway it doesn't want to cruise 55mph...it wants to go 85mph smooth and quiet so watch your speed it has plenty of juice. The automatic CVT transmission performs great, revs low, is easy to use, and has a power option for climbing steep roads. In town it also drives great and gets a lot of attention. They are not that common and people tend to gather around them when parked. The interior is designed cool, and controls are easy to use. The computer readout on the left side of the dash can give the driver all sorts of data including average mileage, a couple of trip odometers, eco on, clock, etc. Gas mileage for me has been better than the advertised 37 hwy and 37 city. I reset my trip odometer at every fill up and calculate my mileage mostly for fun, and in many cases I get a little over 40mpg which is a mix of city and city freeway. The CVT mentioned earlier is what makes this car perform so well. The one time I got less than 37mpg was a road trip to San Diego in which I drove a steady 75-80mph, steep hills, ac on, and averaged about 33mpg...still not bad. Cargo room is okay considering the size and length of this car. I mostly drive alone in it and just keep the backseats folded down to pick up packages, groceries, etc. The backseats are divided so you can fold one down if you have cargo and a back seat passenger. The car is really made for 3 adults, and one small child or cargo. The front dash on the interior is offset to allow the front passenger to sit forward a little more if needed so an adult can ride in back. I have seen video reviews of 4 adults in the car, and actually you could get a total of 5 in the car, but it's really a 3+1 car to be comfortable. Still, it's one of the smallest and best made (Toyota ) 4 seat cars in the World. ---- Cons: I really have no complaints, but here are a few cons to consider. Cargo room is limited if you haul large items other than mail packages and groceries. It doesn't have a spare tire, but it does have the commonly used electric air pump that plugs in the dash and the slime to pump into the tire. I have not used this on my car but did help a lady in a new model Hyundai who had a flat and it worked fine and got air back in her tire so she could seek out a tire repair or purchase. I honestly prefer to have a spare tire though. The tires are wide and perform very well, but it's an odd size P175/60R16 that only a couple manufacturers make (Goodyear is the recommended tire). The cost is about $153 each at the time I wrote this. Lastly, idiot drivers on the road that only use mirrors to change lanes might not see you. On one occasion I’ve had someone change lanes into my lane at night right next to me. They just don’t see you in their mirror because of the length. --- Overall, I love this car and I’m glad I bought it. The Toyota quality also gives me confidence in it. So far I’ve had one routine maintenance service at the Toyota dealer and it was fast and cheap.
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2012 IQ will need $5K in engine work
Randy Johnson, 08/13/2017
updated 02/15/2019
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
59 of 62 people found this review helpful
All 2012 Scion IQ up to 2013 JTNJJXB0#DJ025093 were built with defective pistons. If you are thinking of buying one, unless a seller can prove they have had this work done, be prepared to spend $4.5K to have the pistons replaced. See service bulletin S-SB-0032-13. Toyota made me make a "good will" gesture of $1900 toward this repair. All of these cars should have been recalled. There's about 11,500 2012 - 2013 IQs involved. Outrageously dishonest of Toyota. I tried to apply the $1900 "good will" gesture toward purchasing the parts (I am capable of installing them myself) but Toyota would not agree. Even Toyota's mechanic thought they should have recalled the 11,500 cars in question and tried to help me get the repairs paid for by Toyota. Finally, I had Toyota replace the pistons. Toyota did pay the $1900. I paid the remaining $2000+. The car was using a quart of oil every 400 miles just before the repairs were made. Replacing the pistons corrected the problem. However, shortly thereafter the catalytic converter failed (plugged up from the high oil consumption). I bought the catalytic converter and replaced that myself for about $400. It would have been $1000 if I let Toyota do it. All these parts (pistons, catalytic converter, etc) are proprietary. You can only buy them from Toyota. You are at their mercy. Now, 30,000 miles later, the car is running strong and getting 35 - 37 MPG. I still like the car. Three months after the Toyota repair a Toyota representative called me up and gave me a verbal spanking for not paying the entire amount and waiting for Toyota to reimburse me the $1900. The Service Department had agreed to the way we handled it. I told the woman I would NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA new or used and that I am having a good time spreading the word on their terrible customer policies. I had a sign shop make a professional sign for the back window stating "Beware of 1,000's of Toyotas with Defective Pistons, Google it." I drive 100 miles a day in the Dallas, Metroplex. 1000's of people have seen that sign and dozens have asked me about it. I have all the paperwork and a nice picture of the car with the sign in front of their new headquarters building. You can see the picture on my FaceBook page. I guess after building that lavish new headquarters they can't stand the cost of standing behind their cars. You should Google Toyota defective pistons and see what comes up. It wasn't confined to just the Scion IQs. There are many, many more Toyota models with the problem. Review update 08-15-18: Car is running fine. Now at 171,000 miles, uses no oil. I still like the car but I will never buy another new or used Toyota because of the way I was treated. Five months after it was fixed a representative called me. They were not happy that the service manager allowed me to only pay the difference between the engine work cost and the $1900 "good will" gesture at the time the work was done. This made it easier for me to not come up with another $1900 and then have to wait to be reimbursed. I was shocked and it just reminded me how much I disliked how I was treated. I spent $75 and had a sign shop make a nice full rear widow sign that said "Beware of Toyotas with Defective Pistons." You can see it on my FaceBook page setting in front of the new Dallas Toyota Headquarters. I drive 100 miles a day through Dallas everyday. I know thousands of people saw that sign and it makes me feel much better. Screw 'um! Update 2-15-19: After replacing pistons at an out-of-pocket cost of about $2.5K, the car is running fine at 181,000. No other problems. I won't, however, be buying any more Toyotas.
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Great Little Car!
eddyiq, 03/31/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
31 of 32 people found this review helpful
I am a 37 Year old man 6'2" tall and weigh 235 lb. You would not think this car would suit me, but you would be wrong! I bought this car for work, I drive mostly in town and wanted some thing that got good gas mileage and was easy to park. This fit the bill for me exactly. I looked at many new cars before I chose this one. At first, I thought it would just be too small after driving my Lexus ES300 for years. But was amazed at just how roomy it really is! Very easy to get in and out of and the front seats adjust nicely. Keep in mind that I normally drive alone so I cant not complain about "no room for others". But if you need to haul around more than two adults, look else where.Love this car!
Great vehicle
Chuck, 10/14/2020
updated 10/18/2021
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2012 with only 13,000 miles for $7700.00 I thought it was a fantastic deal getting such a low mileage car for less than half the sticker price. In my 3 years of ownership, I have had zero problems which was important to me as I lived in very rural area where getting serviced would be very difficult. Although it is best suited for urban settings, I've taken mine on a couple of trips that were over 1700 miles one way and it was perfectly fine. What really annoys me, is all these professional reviews making idiotic comparisons, it is not as quiet as this car, it is not as fast as that car, it doesn't have the storage space of something bigger...imagine that! So far as as storage goes, I bought a hitch and a 5X8 trailer and I've hauled hundreds of pounds worth of furniture through mountainous regions of Arizona and had no problem...just use some common sense. We looked at numerous small cars before selecting the IQ including the Honda Fit, Mini and Nissan Versa. One readily discernible difference was the quality of the material in the interior-the IQ was far superior and did not smack of cheapness like the other others. Another design feature I really like is the simplicity of the controls. I can readily adjust the heat without looking at it. I hate all that touch screens with constant smudged surfaces. The quality of the audio is fine also. When it comes to driving, the thing that brought the biggest possible smile to our faces when doing the test drive was the turning radius. We stopped in a parking lot, cranked the wheel all the way and spun it around. It really has to be experienced to be believed. When it came time to change tires, we followed the recommendation of Tire Rack and dropped down to 14 inch tires, that makes the radius even shorter without adversely affecting anything. It also saves you a fair amount of money and gives you a much greater selection of tires. You can also save a couple of hundred dollars by not getting the tire sensors if you choose. Just keep a tire gauge with you. Finally, I have owned over 40 cars including numerous Mustangs from the 60's and this IQ has garnered more comments and questions than all my other cars combined. My only regret is that Toyota did not stay the course with Scion. I wish that they would have come out with a convertible and a 6 speed and then perhaps a turbo. It could have been a real Mini fighter, but, alas, they did not. In conclusion, I remain very happy with my IQ and if you are reasonable in your expectations given the design of the car, and bear in mind that everything is some sort of a compromise, I think you will be too.
Smarter than Smart.
deansmith, 01/09/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
76 of 82 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 2008 Smart car on this 2012 IQ. A very smart move. This car is faster, more comfortable, more storage space, and seemingly better built. That last statement is based on hearing a "solid" sound when closing the doors. I also paid $18,800, because of the premium stereo, Sirius XM, fog lights, premium paint, fancy wheels, etc. This is NOT a stripped down econo-box...it rides, drives, and feels just like a "real" car.
I love my lil iQ
amadcow2, 09/06/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
31 of 33 people found this review helpful
I was attracted to the iQ for the gas mileage at the onset, but quickly grew to admire the little car. The final decision to buy my iQ was made when my wife asked my children; 'What car do you see your dad driving?' The answer made my choice clear; 'The iQ' So I'm now driving a nice purple iQ with the following at time of purchase: Lowering Springs, Anti Sway Bar, Fog lights, Spoiler I put in the following aftermarket: Pioneer AVIC Z140BH, Injen Cold Air Intake I love my little iQ. It's peppy and handles very very well. I'm mostly happy with the gas mileage, knowing that it will get better as I break in the engine.
Love this car!!
supersk8, 10/22/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
We drove this car from NJ to Oregon and it only cost $344!! We use this car mostly to get around town,food shopping,movies,and short commute to work...we put about $20 worth of gas in it every 2 weeks! Great car for getting around in and also handled well on a cross country trip. Has just enough space for us and the little dog. I love this little car! Turning radius is great. If I had the money I'd have it painted to look like a rollerskate! We love the superskate. I laughed the first few weeks when I'd open the front door and see it. Now I laugh at how little we pay for gas. Only problem..I wish the put the clock where both people could see it.
Great little car
Tim Hedglin, 05/12/2016
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
These car are really strong my kid was hit by a Chevy Colbalt @ 35 MPH and it held great the Chevy look like it hit a pole and the IQ only had minor damage to the right front. I would recommend this car totally.
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Baby speedster
Amazingrace83, 01/14/2018
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
Excellent for travel for 2 adults. Comfortable and roomy. I travel with my pitbull and my husband. Once this little baby hits the freeway it's free sailing. Not a super charged take off like a V6, but has some surprising get up and go if you need to hit the freeway quickly, climbs average for what you'd expect, but flying over 80 is a breeze! Maneuvering in between the larger vehicles and getting through traffic is easy. Made it to Laughlin from Surprise AZ and back on $12. Don't be fooled, this little car is great if you're not looking for all the bells and whistles. I would describe it as a roll cage with airbags. Never failed me yet. Cons: NO spare tire, only a patch kit!? Which is why I purchased Run Flat tires. Allows me up to 50 miles to the nearest place with a nail in my tire . . . unless I get a blow out from the side. Worth every penny. When the price of gas keeps going up and down, it cost me a max of $14 to fill up! Con: Of course its going to have a small gas tank, but with the size of the car it is expected. Built lightweight, you feel the road a little more when driving this car, and the steering is touchy, but easy to get used to. Very happy with this car and passing smog inspection was effortless! Took my 8 year old grandson to Disneyland in this car, with my husband.
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Poor gas milage
rgutzler, 07/10/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
23 of 25 people found this review helpful
I have about 2000 miles on my Scion IQ. The car has yet to get over 29 mpg. My last tank ran 27.5 mpg and the low fuel light started flashing at 175 miles on the tank of gas. My IQ is running almost 25% less milage than the stated 36/37 on the window sticker. I am 65 years old and drive slow with no Jackrabbit starts. When I contacted my dealer, Billion Motors, in Sioux Falls, S.D. the service manager was defensive and indifferent. I purchased the car because I expected good milage and now feel like a fool for having a small car that gets substandard milage.
Good little car for the money
Doug, 02/06/2016
updated 08/11/2021
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I didn't go out to buy this model, but dealer had one - low mileage, low cost. I enjoy my driving experience, no problems so far. 38 - 40 mpg, easy to get around. I like mine! Feb 2019 - 3 years on and 80,000 miles down I still haven’t had any problems. Regular oil changes and a new set of tires at 60,000 miles have been my only expenses. Aug 2021 - 132,000 miles and still running great. I had to replace the serpentine belt at 110,000 miles and just recently did brakes. I love it!
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iQ: innovative Quality in a Small Package
iqruzn, 03/31/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
21 of 23 people found this review helpful
I picked up my Scion iQ 3 weeks ago and absolutely love it. I paid $17K including taxes and fees. While it might seem expensive to some, think of it as buying a premium little car with Toyota reliability and Scion style. With the passenger seat pushed forward you can accommodate a 3rd adult passenger in the back seat, but it is in essence a comfortable 2 seater. With the 50/50 split rear seats down the cargo volume is significantly increased. The exterior is stylish and striking, and thanks to my Hot Lava paint job I'm turning heads. This is the most fun I have ever had owning a vehicle. If you're looking for a fun, fuel efficient, reliable, stylish, premium 2 seater, then the iQ is for you.
Awesome little car
Brad, 04/18/2016
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Great car for the money. I have had it almost 2 months now. I wanted a small gas getter car that is dependable. It's a toyota that gets around 37mpg. It's comfortable and fun to drive. Comes loaded with options. I spent 5 hours waxing and detailing it and tinted the windows. It looks real nice. You don't see too many of them. I was driving a full size truck that got around 14mpg before I got this car. Gas prices aren't too bad right now (around $2 gallon in OH). It is nice filling the gas tank up for $13 and driving it for over a week.
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Awesome car ---- I've owned it for a year now
MtnRoad, 03/29/2017
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I was in the market for one of these since the day I saw a dark purple one in a parking lot one day. I never knew the car existed. I had been overseas for a almost a decade and fell in love with these micro cars. They are pretty common in Japan where I have spent some time. There's a big following for micro cars there. The iQ does exactly what it's supposed to do. For starters, it has something like 12 airbags including the first rear one behind the rear passengers, and the safety rating is among the highest. It will seat four in a pinch, five actually if you're left with no choice and don't mind hearing the back seaters laugh and complain the whole time. Recommended seating is really 3+1 (the one being a small child if the drivers seat is set into a comfortable position). The front dash is cantilever with no glove box (they put the glove box under the front passenger seat) so the front passenger can slide up further if there's a third passenger. Front leg room is still good and safe with plenty of room for a passenger in back. The front seat slid back to a comfortable position kind of prevents a full size passenger behind...but it does have four seats and that's 2x more than the Smart Car. PERFORMANCE: I have zero complaints. This car wants to go 80-85 down the freeway if I'm not careful, and still has plenty of power. It really wants to go. I haven't done it, but I think this car would easily break 100+ mph. In stop and go traffic this car is peppy and will give you no trouble getting to speed. The CVT automatic transmission is awesome. It does have a more powerful gear but I rarely have used that. The engine is a 1.3L and is probably too big in my honest opinion. 99 percent of the time I drive alone and without cargo so they could have just given the US market the same 1.0L they use in Europe. That 1.0L gets 60mpg!!! If sold in the US market, a 1.0L. It would have made this the most popular car in the country. But, since thew MSRP was only around $16,000 I think they knew it would have killed sales for the Corolla and Prius which is 2x that price. HANDLING: The iQ has traction control, and really quiet electronic power steering. The tires are wide so you don't tossed around on uneven roads CARGO: The split rear seats fold down individually. There is quite a bit of room, but be advised there is no room behind those seats when they're up. There is a hidden compartment back there to hide a small items. I drive my car with both back seats down. The floor space in the cargo area will hold a grocery cart full of groceries in one layer. You could easuly fit two or three carts full but they'd be stacked. I have put medium sized boxes back there. Large boxes have to go in the front passenger seat. There's plenty of room for a large box but you can't get it through the hatchback door. Headroom and front seating is comfortable. I have never sat in back but it doesn't look too bad back there. Excellent visibility all around out the windows. There are two cup holders in back, one in the middle front, and one in each door. ACCESSORIES: The AC is quiet and blows cold. Heat works just a good. My stereo is the base model so I don't have navigation. It works great, sounds awesome, and the hands free controls on the steering wheel are nice. Even the base model stereo has the hands free option for cell phones. The mic is up near the speedo. The window motors are fast and strong. power mirrors are nice. Only one airplane style overhead omni-directional interior lamp. There are accessory, MP3, and USB outlets. EXTERIOR: Paint is good. I live in Arizona and the sun beats cars up here but the paint is holding up well (I have the silver color). The car has an aggressive look in the front with the swept back headlights. PROS: This car is fun to drive, peppy, and has no trouble going up the freeway ramp. A lot of people love it. If you're worried about how you'll look driving this, be advised this is not a Smart Car or some other lame looking micro car. This car is pretty stout looking. Toyota Service Dept is honest and fair, no probs w/ my Platinum Warranty. CONS: Rarely do I get the advertised 37mpg. I log my miles and calculate at fill ups and I average about 35. I try to watch my speed and I don't race around either. Recent trip to San Diego at normal speed was the same. That is disappointing. Tire size is expensive ($150 ea). No spare tire. Stay alert because lazy drivers that only use mirrors to change lanes might not see you. I've had a few ppl change lanes into me and almost cause a crash. I use a dash cam everywhere I go.
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Cute, Roomy, Gas-Efficient & Technologically Friendly!
nikegal, 05/18/2013
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I'm 5' 11, this gives me plenty of head/leg room! I work out of my car, so that is a important. 37 mpg both city & highway driving. That in itself is a reason to jump on in! Turns on a dime so you can get out of even the tightest spots easily. My view in all directions is phenomenal, unlike my Mini that had blindspots. I get a lifetime plan which includes free oil changes regular maintenance, plus, I also get roadside assistance. It has a 3 year/36k warranty. There is a nice pull-out drawer under the passenger seat for your laptop. The power windows go completely down with 1 touch, & I also have radio controls on my steering wheel. My iPod sounds great and the bluetooth is clear & easy!
Scion did it again...
mistergib, 04/29/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
I'm 65, and have been a Toyota fan like forever, I appreciate quality and dependability. I knew I would like the Scion iQ, I just didn't realize how much! It's has a very solid feel with nice quiet ride, ample power with a great cvt tranny... and the gas mileage is way up there at 37 mpg combined! I traded in a loaded 2010 Kia Soul Sport that actually never gave me any problems, but its a/t shifted funky from day one, the interior material scratched if you breathed wrong, and I was constantly hunting down rattles....so, I was never quite happy with it. It had only 10,600 miles on it when I traded it in. My first Kia and probably my last. Bottom line, buy a Scion iQ....A+A+A+
Smart vs Iq
Bob Moon, 04/08/2017
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have had 3 Smarts before, I like small cars. I was motivated to buy an IQ because of the japanese techchnology. Havinga Smart is like having a Mercedes dressed as a Smart. Expensive repairs, it is a good car but when you come to service all you haved saved in gasoline goes down the drain. When I tested the IQ I could not beleived I was on a such a small car. The ride is far better than Smart cars. The confort, suspension, and better yet the IQ has 4 seats. Where I live in Puerto Rico a Smart will cost aroumd $20,000 and so the IQ. (With taxes, and all hidden costs). I know I dont have a racing car, so I dont expect a fast one. It moves ok in stereets and in expressways, good ac and music. I am really pleased with my car. I sold my motorcycle to be on a safer ride. I am a Mustang 6cyl driver and I like to use my IQ a lot do to economy and parking space. I really recommend this one.
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Long term owner
SoyBombPDX, 04/24/2021
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
My 2012 Scion iQ is by far my favorite car I've owned. For perspective, I've owned or shared with my partner the following manufacturers: Toyota, Buick, Ford, Mazda, and Subaru. This car isn't for everyone, but if you live in the city where parking is a premium, want cheap, reliable transportation and enjoy thoughtful design...this mini is for you. Take this vehicle for what it is, a 2-person mini made for the city. While it has 4 seats, it really is a 2 seater that can accommodate a second passenger in a pinch. This leads me to my point on thoughtful design, this vehicle was designed for the driver and front passenger. Scion's design team did a great job making a mini feel like a normal car for the driver and front passenger. It's as wide as a normal car, you almost forget that it's so small. It has a great stock sound system and the CVT doesn't feel elastic, at least not to me and this is my first CVT. I'm a big believer that you should love your car only as much as it's reliable. And this vehicle has cost me the least to operate. It's not a 40 mpg sipper, but it's frugal enough. I take it in for oil changes regularly and have changed the battery and tires...that's it. It's never been in for anything else. Zero, zilch. It's coming up on it's 10th birthday and operates like it's brand new, I plan to celebrate by giving it some love and getting it detailed. Given it's track record, as long as there are parts available, I'm confident it will go for another 10 years. When was the last time you could say that about a vehicle you owned?
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It's not for everybody and that's a good thing.
David Minnrsota, 09/08/2019
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 14 people found this review helpful
Cons.....sensitive steering and choppy ride (super short wheelbase) cannot haul giant egos or toxic masculinity. Pros...Mileage...High safety rating...parking...cabin room....ease of maintenance...reliability (Toyota)....turning radius of a skid-steer. More...I owned a Smart for a few years and enjoyed it but the IQ is a better car in every way. The biggest downfalls with the Smart is an owner has to bring it to a dealer to have simple repairs and maintenance done. The engine compartment is a tuna can. The transmission was quirky and the engine required premium fuel with anemic performance. More. Right now I believe the IQ to be the best buy on the used car market. Americans have been massaged to waste money on vehicles that make automobile companies the greatest profit. (Trucks)
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I can't stop smiling"
883, 05/10/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 15 people found this review helpful
"I can't stop smiling since I've had it" was my response when a lady who practically ran across the parking lot asked how I liked it. I've had others taking pictures of it on their phones, people missing their "green light" at intersections because they were staring at it, another fella in a cammed up Corvette laugh with me when I motioned that I'd race him off the light. I never would have thought that this little commuter car would be such a blast to drive. It's smooth, quiet, roomy, solid and quick off the light. I drive alone, so I folded the back seats down, bought the cargo carpet and use it as a hatchback.
Great concept but poor execution
sam214, 10/28/2013
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 15 people found this review helpful
For a small car it doesn't have the zip or the exceptional fuel economy expected. It does not have rear disc brake or any fancy features to justify its "premium" compact branding. The engine makes terrible noise and sounds like it has valves problems and only quiet down when warmed up, thus giving doubt to its long term reliability. The steering wheel makes scraping sounds, and brake pedal makes loud and annoying clicking sounds. Toyota technology and quality is missing in this car.
just love my little car.
theoldman69, 02/19/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
it run great, love the car, first time i seen it, the color is very cool. lot of people ask me about the little car. you will save a lot on gas to.
My favorite car I've owned, so far
jhw21, 08/26/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 15 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy and appreciate having a car that suits my needs. I no longer not feel I am driving around in 5 or 6 x as much car as is necessary. I love the way the iQ handles, I love the gas mileage, and I love the statement that it makes, which I see as something like, "Lets get real, people. the survival of our planet is more important than looking like a bigshot."
A Go Cart built like a Lexus.
ramrod7, 05/18/2012
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
21 of 40 people found this review helpful
I purchased my IQ on 1/3/12, just after it arrived at my local Toyota Dealer. I now have 3600 miles on the IQ. My previous car was a 2010 Challenger. The IQ is very nimble and easy to see out of. The Challenger had serious blind spots. A simple lane change required lots of mirror checking and head movement. I had the Scion Red rear stabilizer bar installed by the dealer. This part took about a week to arrived/be installed, so I had a chance to do a before/after comparison. The stabilizer bar is worth every penny it cost IMHO. Prior to installation the rear would lean quite a bit during spirited cornering. Now the IQ maintains a flat stance in corners w/very little lean.
Great little car
Rob, 07/23/2018
updated 01/23/2020
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Be prepared for others to make fun of you if you’re 6’4” and 250. Plenty roomy for one person to get back and forth to work. Also good for taking the dogs to the beach, but that is a short drive.
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Just what I needed!
Fearless Freddie, 07/25/2016
updated 07/25/2017
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Remember it is a very small car, good for 2 people and use the back seat area for shopping bags. You get Toyota reliability and an automatic that reminds me of the very old Dynaflow. It is easy to drive and provides a smooth ride on good roads and a transmission that is shiftlessly smooth. When two people are in the car you will think it is full sized. Quality is good and what ever you do, don't look for the transmission dipstick! Why? It is nonexistent. The transmission is sealed and supposedly good for 120,000 miles. Basically don't worry about it, forever! There is a dipstick for engine oil. Use 0 W 20 weight. Good radio! This is your chance to go green and save us all from global warming. By the way the car has been discontinued by Toyota so their are bargains out there on the used car market for a great little city car. I did take it out on the expressway and it did nicely at 65 mph. I suggest driving with 2 hands on the steering wheel! Enjoy and adjust if you buy one. I does give a rough ride on rough roads! It was a great car. I traded it for a 1948 Crosley, a 50 mpg economy car that was way ahead of its time.
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Good car.
iqbill, 02/20/2013
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
25 of 76 people found this review helpful
I've owned em all. Traded in a truck for this. I bought $25 bucks worth of gas on my way to work Thursday, went to work Friday, after work, the get gas light came on. I had IT!! I was near the Toyota dealer, went by and looked at the Scions, my daughter has one, looked at the IQ, learned it was the cheapest to maintain over 3 years, said fine, take this truck, give me this car. Off i went. (had to continue below)
Marvellous automobile
Marc, 05/14/2024
2012 Scion iQ 2dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Superb vehicle by Toyota. Oil consumption was a bit of a bother, buy, seafoam fixed that. Handles well, no buffetting from larger vehicles, thats the smart for two. Fuel economy is marvellous. Toyota needs to reissue these!
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