Used 2005 Scion tC Consumer Reviews
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best low-medium budget car out there!
I absoultely love this car! It's practical, functional, economical, and looks good, too. It has high reviews across the board because it is built to Toyota quality and standards, yet retains the Scion brand price tag. The interior is designed with the driver in mind - nothing, is out of reach. There are multiple little cubby spaces for the storage of personal effects.
Love it, hate the wait for delivery
I have had my TC for about a month. I went to the dealership and they had none available for immediate delivery (automatic transmission). I had to wait but it was worth it! Everyone asks about it and I would recommend this car to anyone interested in a great value that does not look cheap! The car is excellent and a smooth ride!
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $7,499644 mi away
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,499650 mi away
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,000759 mi away
Thunder
this car is awesome.. but it needs better interior functions... (A/C controls looks lame)... they need to have a convertable version of tC. and more horse-power/ torch-power... the exterior looks good except the back lights... thats all for NOW!!
Awsome car for the price.
I have now had my tC for about a month and I love everything about it. I am beyond happy with my purchase. The car is nice to look at, quality is excellent, and it is comfortable. Recently took a 2000 miles roadtrip and I was happy with the comfort, and I am tall at 6'4" and have no issues. Performance is excellent with this car, it is quick, handles well, and has a nice ride. It could stand to be lowered, and that will be one of the first things I do. Feature wise, it is awsome, it has everything I could want, and I love the roof, I have it open all the time almost. As for accessories, I got none, their all too expensive, I mean come on $700 for a XM sat tuner?
The best coupe ever
I have been a long time admirer of this car for a long time and this car is just the best car that you can find for the money hands down. I mean if you are looking for a sexy, stylish and sporty coupe, this is it.
Great value but needs some tweaking
Was having my 1985 toyota corolla SR5 serviced at 180k and saw the silver tc. Love at first sight. Purchased immediately with all the bells and whistles. A beautiful little jewel, quick as mercury and has got 'the' look. People are still trying to figure out what make/model it is. Had passerby's ask if it was European. Ha! It's a Toyota, baby...eat my dust.
Finally a car worth every penny and more
I went from a 95 BMW 325IS to this Scion and I have not looked back. The build quality and the value of this car cannot be beaten. Not only is it a blast to drive but the standard features make it in a class of it's own. I would tell anyone in the market for a new car to really take a hard look at this car.
Best Value
Started looking for a good gas mileage car (I drive 23k a year) but decided on the Scion. Looked at Elanta (didn't like dash) Corolla S (small hard plastic armrest and dash seem old fashioned) and Mazda 3 (too high price). While at Toyota dealership test drove the tC and couldn't resist getting it. It just ran great and had such a solid/quality feel to it. What I really liked was there were no options I had to buy. It already had 4wheel disc brakes, ABS, sunroof, cruise control and alloy wheels. Got 27mpg with first tank and 29 with second one. Overall, you just can't beat the value and quality and to me it was worth the extra $7 a week for gas.
unbeatable for the price
I was drawn to this car since the first time I saw it. The level of standard features offered is unmatched in the price/class segment. It provides the perfect balance of performance/economical value. Was considering a Mazda 3, but to obtain the same level of features would have had to spend $2000 grand more.
Most Unreliable New Car I've Owned
It took around 7 weeks to get this car not the week Toyota had as a target. The car was fine until the cold weather set in. The hatch latch refused to latch in sub 20 degree temperatures. It took two trips to the dealer to get this fixed. I had to drive 70 miles on the expressway with an open hatch because the dealer didn't believe me the first time.The other day my wife was stranded at work 35 miles from home due to a dead battery.She was able to jump start it and get to the dealer.The alternator failed at 11,000 miles.I've never owned a car with this many electrical problems in my life.I was looking for an inexpensive,relable, sportycar for my wife.I sure didn't get it in the tC.
Awesome Vehicle
I have driven many vehiclies in my short time driving. However this is the most fun to drive and has so many amazing features for the price. No hassle at the dealership, and great buying experience. I will be looking into adding the optional super-charger later.
Bazooka Problems
I like almost everything about the car minus the Bazooka speaker installed in the rear. Discovered a problem on one rainy Guam night. The spare tire and accessories are impossible to reach unless you disassemble the bazooka and remove it. Remove the speaker grill, take six screws out around the speaker, search for two bolts in the interior of the box and remove, disconnect the wiring harness. I reinstalled mine loose with a cargo strap over it. Ugly but effective. Duhhhh Bazooka, Quick Disconnects maybe?
I LOVE IT
I do have to say, this is the best car I have ever purchased. I looked at about 7-8 other cars of similar price and I have to say I don't think I could have made a better decision. It rides so nice, and has all the features that I was looking for. It is worth the wait if you have to order one.
Very NIce
A very nice interior and exterior. It is a great drive. Smooth clutch. Very powerful and very cheap. The looks great and comes with a load of features.
I like it alot but...
my review about my scion tc is... My thougts on the scion tc are very skattered. If i could have control of the car i would first off put more horsepower. This car needs to have at least 220-230 horsepower, it would attract more people, because people love speed. Affordable is another thing even if the car comes out with 230 horsepower and its now $18,000-$19,000 (starting) its worth it. So my review of the car is basicly all i need is horsepower everything else about the car i like alot but always end up bein left behind the crowd in traffic.....
My 1st Real Big Purchase!
I couldn't be happier w/ this car. Everything that i had ask for. The stock rims,moonroofs,keyless entry..everything. i was comparing this car to the honda accord coupe and boy do they charge you for every option you put on. But w/ the scion tc~its all stock. I love the fact that i have only seen 1 so far on the road, and everywhere i go,i get comments on my car. its a great feeling. Also, another added plus to this car is the fact that it is a camry motor, so it is reliable!!!
Worth It
Good value for the money. Reliable, stylish, and good fuel economy.
Awesome Azure tc
Best overall fun car to drive! Didn't like the revvy,low torque engine of Toyota Matrix XR, XRS, but it had great cargo space & was comfortable. Mazda 3s sedan and Hatch lost acceleration feeling after a certain RPM compared to tc, & Mazda has poor resale value w/ questionable engine quality. So, I purchased the tc. Love the "oomph", smooth acceleration sensation matching a V6 engine. Great ride & handling, nice looks!
tC-mama
One of the first to own one in St Louis, feels really good to have people looking and ask what it is. The Flint Mica is awesome! It has suprising response although a little slower than I'd like changing from first to second when getting on the highway, but makes up for it when it does shift. (Still learning how to play with my metallic baby!) Put over 500 hundred miles on it the first week! Really fun to drive, GOOD PRICE!!! GREAT PACKAGE!!!
Scion TC: Best Value For a car period
I did not believe the car was going to be so well put together. I heard about all the features and looked at the car and wondered why the price was so low. What the catch was. Well,I bought it and I love it. I still don't understand why it is so under priced but I'm not complaining. Bottom line, if you want a car with the same looks and features as the TC, it will set you back at least 22K. Everyone that has seen my car and driven in it thinks I paid Lexus prices for it. I don't blame them. It truly feels like a luxury car.
Scion Is Superb
Scion TC is superb. Handles great, drives nice and looks awesome.I have a flint mica TC with extra air bags added...that's all! Only $17,400. I use it to go to work and around town. I tried for a month to find a better car for the money and could not find one. Acura...no, Volvo...no, Audi...no, VW...yeah right. I even looked at Mercedes but decided to save the cash and put it in my daughters' college fund. Scion supposedly markets to generation Y. Silly Scion... Believe me, this car is not just for kids.(I am 38). If you want a fancy car buy a mercedes, but be prepared to spend a lot more. The only drawback is once word gets out, expect these cars to be everywhere.
Best Investment yet.
I've had this car for a month now and I still can't believe the quality and features that went into this car. The engine has plenty of power and the suspension is terrific as long as your not trying to go canyon carving. All in all an ecxellent car at a great price!!
Sweet Bang for Buyers of ALL KINDS Bucks
The Scion tC comes from the highly reputable Lexus and Toyota Family, which makes it the entry level line for the newer aggressive driving generation that expects butt loads of goodies for as little money as possible. How can you go wrong with Scion's new approach of pure pricing and no corners cut with butt loads of standard features. The car is absoultely amazing on the road and screams to be taken to the race track. 15.8 on regular octance is pretty damn sweet for a four banger that comes from the company that makes the cars your parent's and grandparent's drive. For the quality and reliablity you purchase the tC is hands down the best buy of the Year.
tC
With all the standard features and low price, a consumer cannot go wrong when purchasing this car. As you know, this car comes with quality standard features such as a large sunroof with rear moonroof, 17in. alloy wheels, CD/MP3 player, 160 hp engine, cruise control, power everything, and rear seats that fold up or down (and can recline). The tC gets great mileage and offers the most power than any car in its class. This car is very stylish inside and out and is great for young and ever older buyers. The Scion tC offers a lot for any crowd at an affordable price!
Very Fun Car
Fun, be careful with it's expensive tires. They are costly to replace. Around $200 a piece. Other than that, a great car.
i love this car
Very fun car to drive. The power is good. This car is way way way better then my nissan sentra 1992. The space inside the car is HUGE. The inside is well designed. I got a different shift knob and silver pedals and the sub. i plan to get tinted windows and black rims.
Impressed by the Value
I was introduced to the Scion tC while shopping for a new Toyota. At first I wasn't interested in the tC having never heard of the car, but all that changed after I test drove one. The performance was very impressive. It accelerated and handled more like an expensive sports car than like an inexpensive sports coup. The exterior styling impressed me as well. It is clean and subtle with an elegant front end. Following my test drive I was introduced to a very long and impressive list of features that came standard with the $16,500 base price. I added a few additional accessories and purchased a car that I believe to be the best value in a small car in today's market.
Great Car!!
Bought my Scion about 6 months ago. It's been the best decision I could've ever made. The only thing that was a concern was the 50,000 miles already put on the engine. With the miles already on engine, it runs great with its powerful 2.4 engine but wouldn't hurt to go a little faster. The car looks great stock! Bought mine slammed about 5 inches off the ground and takes corners like a champ! Great on gas, especially when I drive from PHX to LA about every month. AC comes in handy with the 120 degree weather in the AZ.
so far so good
Great car, best investment i have made in a automobile in years. This car costs less than half of what i normally pay for a car & it is twice the fun. So far the build quality is typical toyota which is fine with me. The standard features in this car can not be touched in this price class. I hope the long term experience with this car is just as enjoyable as the short term[350 miles].
Great Car!
As soon as I walked on the lot and saw this car, I knew I wanted it. When I sat in it to test drive, it just felt right, and it goes wonderfully! Mine is a 5-speed, and it handles turns great, has a lot of power, comfortable, great design, it's all I've ever wanted in a car for this price.
Great Quality at an AFFORDABLE price!
I bought this car a month ago. It's the best buy you can get that comes standard with everything and is affordable as well. The interior is great, the exterior looks sharp, and it is WAY fun to drive. I was looking at the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3, but if I went with those I would have been settling for something I didn't love. This car is perfect!!!
Fantastic vehicle, recommend to all
I bought this vehicle for an every day driver car to go to work every day. I never expected to enjoy the drive the way I do. It seems that may people are quickly turning there heads in the direction I am heading to see and figure out what king of vehicle I am driving. It is very comfortable, very powerful (for its size) and its a great looking car...
A great buy , i'm so happy
I got my TC as a birthday gift for myself. This auto is so comfortable, so unique. I get looks everywhere I go. The best feature is the sunroof an the awesome steering & control it has.
New buyer potential
I narrowed down to Base RSX(no leather and 5sp) and TC(5sp). I have hard time to chose which car is more fun. I hold back the tC due to resale value of car because of low version of Toyota. Is there anyone give me some comparision between them beside the number on specification?
great car!
I am more happy than Lexus RX330 I had for a year. Lexus is a great car but it was just too pampering that I felt old in that car. This little tC has some stuff young people will enjoy and the design that even snobby architects (my coworkers) will love.
Blast to Drive
This is a world leader car in its class. It can compete with $30,000 cars in ride, handling, looks and personality. It is loaded with amenities and has the highest crash rating. The back seat is huge for a sports coupe. The Yokohama tires and 17 inch alloy wheels that are standard. Extremely underpriced.
Scion
I got my scion about 9 days ago and so far so good. I just wish it had better fuel efficiency. It has good standard features for this price, difficult to find in other cars. It has turned few heads :) Excellent room for the passengers in the back, easy to get in and get out. Nice interior and exterior design.
Hot Car!!!
I love my car! I just got a week ago and I'm happy that I picked it over a Mazda 3. It has so many features, automatic windows, mirrors, doorlocks and sunroof! I like the way the windshield washer spray, they spray the entire windshield not just little streams of cleaner. The performance is pretty good and I like the interior! My sister's says its like a Lexus. Everywhere I go I get stares from people in other vehicles. They turn around all the way in their seat just to see what it is!! I love all the attention!
Amazing Car
By far the best car in it's class. When combined with the manual transmission the car feels a lot more exciting. You'll find it hard to believe you payed less than 20 grand.
Tall driver is very pleased
I have nothing but good things to say about my Scion tC ownership experience, even though the CNN review said that tall drivers would be cramped, I heartily disagree, I am 6'5 and 200 lbs. and I am completely comfortable thanks to the ease of adjustment of the seat. It handles like a dream and even coped with the large amount of snow we had last winter very well, thanks to the front wheel drive I was able to move about even in icy conditions. The stock stereo system is quite nice and the upgrade im sure is better. The air conditioning and recirculating feature is very effective in keeping the car cool and smelling nicely, Ive had it for a little over a year now and it still smells new.
Scion is GREAT
This car is Fantastic! Not only is it a piece of art to look at, it's also a gem to own. You couldn't ask for more for your money. I recommend one to everyone.
The tC is da bomb!
This is one solid, sporty little head- turner! I can't count the favorable comments I've gotten on it - even from strangers. My main gripe is, I'm only 5'8" tall and I whack my head on the edge of the roof nearly every time I get in it. Of course, if it were an inch higher, the looks probably wouldn't be as sporty. And there's no place for maps, other than on the seats or in the optional $125 nylon carrier. The seat's extra firm and grips a bit too much, making long hauls a tad uncomfortable. I wish they were wider, and leather. The minuses are minor when compared with the quality and many little extra features you get for very little money. I LOVE IT!
I like this car a lot!
I test drove the Mazda 3, VW GTI and Scion tC all in the same day. All had great features about them - Mazda felt more nimble, had 4 doors, and I like the design & the VW was the sportiest and had leather seats - but the tC was without a doubt the best overall value. And factoring in Toyota's reliability record compared to Mazda and VW and the haggle free selling approach I just couldn't pass up on the tC. Its stylish, comfortable, has tons of standard features that usually cost extra on other cars in this price range, and offers a decent amount of performance. Unfortunately, at around 8,000 miles, I started getting the sunroof "pop" and now there's a rattle coming from somewhere in my hatch :-\
Affordable fun
This car was clearly designed to appeal to people with expensive taste and small pocket books. When I look at it and drive it I identify with all kinds of european cars that I can't afford to purchase, maintain, or insure. I wasn't really going to buy a car, but when I drove it for a family member who couldn't locate one in their town, I fell in love with it and bought it. This car has a little bit of everything that I want: great handling, low end torque, interior comfort/convenience, many safety features, and a rediculously low purchase price. This car makes every other car in it's price bracket look like a total joke because they spent the money in the right places.
the perfect car
For the price and features combination, the tC can't be beat. The interior build quality and the sleek exterior make this the best sport-coupe for Gen-Y drivers. Not only is the car affordable, but it has a ton of features you won't see on other cars in the price segment. I got mine with the ground effects kit and the spoiler, and it looks like an expensive sports car. The interior is designed with usability in mind. All of the controls are easy to reach and are intuitive. The engine (which, by the way, is the same 2.4L, 160HP power plant you'll find in a Camry) is smooth and powerful. Overall, you won't be able to find a car with this many features at this price.
loving my tC
I love my black cherry Scion tC. I get so many compliments on the way it looks people actually stop and ask me what kind of car it is. Obviously i tell them it's a Scion made by Toyota and how you get so much for the money. Mind you, I am 44 years old and out of the minivan stage. So I thought why not buy something that is young, fun and classy looking at the same time.
big bang for the buck
I just sold my 1998 1.8 Audi Quattro. Bought the car new and had an engine management chip put in. Though it was fun to drive, I had mucho problems, turbo, brakes, broken timing belt, and more. My Tc is as much fun, even with automatic, and my guess is the build quality will far exceed the Audi. Fit and finish is great. The standard features and solid feeling, can't be beat and a dealer that rally knew his product. I'm having a blast. At 66, who says the car is only for kids?
Best dollar value
Cannot find better dollar value in current market. Very rich of the standard features. Like the right price and no barging process.
Great
The price is good and you will not find a better buy for the price
Fun to Drive, but Lots of Problems
I see everyone loves this car, and I do too except for all of the problems! Rattles, rattles everywhere. My sunroof doesn't close, front brakes make a clicking noise constantly, hatch rattles, dashboard rattles and squeeks. it also doesn't help that my dealership is terrible. I probably have the most mileage of anyone I have talked to (24,000), but the car just doesn't seem to be holding up well. The paint is very cheap, the front of the car has so many scratches and chips you can't even see the color of the car (indigo ink). Overall I love the car, I just hate all the issues it has. I will be returning to Honda now that the new Civic is out.