Test drove the Scion TC... [Archive] - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

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07-11-2005, 10:51 AM

Well as my car is out for a while, I went to look at some new cars. I heard lots of good reviews about the Scion TC so I went to the dealer to test drive one.

At first glance it looks good, kinda has a G35 look with some BMW 5 series eyebrow headlights and a big R34 Skyline looking center grill, 17" wheels, 100% manufactured in Japan, full glass roof (pretty cool actually), reclinable rear seats etc. The sales guy came out and we took the 5 speed one out for a test drive. At first I'm thinking .. 160hp with 165ft/lb torque should move pretty good. Normal driving mid range response is ok. But flooring it and going to redline the car feels really slow. I'm waiting for the power to come on but it never happens, the engine just revs but no kick. No VTEC rush, no boost, no nothing. Just redline, shift, redline shift... Also the car feels really heavy. Its over 3000 lbs! I threw it into a corner faster than normal and was rewarded with gross understeer and tires squealing. (the sales person was kinda unhappy about that)

Ok, so what's good? Interior quality is pretty top notch. Plastics don't feel cheap, very little noise and no squeaks or rattles at all. The car feels like a bank vault, really solid. The Pioneer MP3 CD player was ok. Very Euro feeling interior and some of the interior styling reminded me of VW. The glass roof is pretty cool. The front seats recline flat with the rear seats so you can make a big "social" space inside the car and stare out the glass roof. (haha, also good for "activities" on your date maybe...)

I dunno, car is worth the money but I feel its more a everyday driver/weekend touring car than anything sporty. I was looking for something with more power and better handling. But for the price $16.5K, its a good deal.

slappythehomelessclown

07-11-2005, 11:02 AM

i did'nt like that car at first, but now it's starting to grow on me a bit, i would'nt mind driving that while i drift and work on my 240 on the weekend's.

Yoshi

07-11-2005, 11:09 AM

Weren't they coming out with a supercharged version next year?
Hopefully it doesn't turn out like the Ion Redline.. .heheee.

justinhustle

07-11-2005, 11:09 AM

i took my gf to drive one, i wasnt that impressed

the celica is better imo

07-11-2005, 11:34 AM

Here's one that's just lowered with stock wheels... looks ok.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/atisbe/Full02.jpg

cheez80

07-11-2005, 11:38 AM

trd is introducing a supercharger kit for the car, which will supposedly bump hp to 200. it's made by vortech. they're scrambling around the clock to get orders for that supercharger filled, haha

Giant Robot

07-11-2005, 02:33 PM

it's a decent buy for the money.. My gf just bought a 2006 model. It's plenty for her to drive. It's certainly not a sporty enough car, but its better than a Hyundai or Corolla. The Mazda 3, which is in its same class, is extremely similar in terms of power/price, but she chose the Scion TC over the Mazda 3 because of the looks. The Mazda 3 looked a little less appealing and felt a little bit more solid. The rear backseat room is very large, but C Pillar may be way too low for anyone over 5'10". Overal its a decent car for average everyday driving.

zenkiDori

07-11-2005, 03:59 PM

I saw a black tC driving around that was dropped and i believe had a lip, it looked pretty snazzy.

if the tC was RWD i would buy one.

TurDz

07-11-2005, 04:18 PM

If they made another small-car RWD car I bet many people would buy one ;)

btw, can anyone compare the handling of the tC to the Mada 3?

IGSDann

07-11-2005, 06:53 PM

If they made another small-car RWD car I bet many people would buy one ;)

btw, can anyone compare the handling of the tC to the Mada 3?

The Pontiac Solstice, coming 2007 I believe, peppy 170 hp I4, 2800 lbs, RWD. Under 20k. I cannot wait to see this car.

http://fast-autos.net/pontiac/solstice14.html

ThatGuy

07-11-2005, 06:57 PM

The Pontiac Solstice, coming 2007 I believe, peppy 170 hp I4, 2800 lbs, RWD. Under 20k. I cannot wait to see this car.

http://fast-autos.net/pontiac/solstice14.html

Some better shots.
http://www.fast-autos.net/pontiac/solstice.jpg
http://www.fast-autos.net/pontiac/solstice23.jpg
http://www.fast-autos.net/pontiac/solstice3.jpg
http://www.fast-autos.net/pontiac/solstice16.jpg

/Thread Jack with Pictures :D

theicecreamdan

07-11-2005, 07:56 PM

saturn has a roadster coming out soon as well.

OptionZero

07-11-2005, 08:08 PM

the saturn better will probably be cheaper and get the turbo engine first

sub 20k...not many real sports cars any more, except maybe the SRT-4

only a few new cars are worth a damn, starting with the brand spankin' new Z06, down to the EVO/STI, along the way the Lotus Elise, maybe some of the new BMW M's, s2000

otherwise...meh...get used and find much better deal

You guys see the Cayman S?

chlatboy

07-11-2005, 08:11 PM

I hate the breaks on the tC!!! :spank:

TurDz

07-11-2005, 10:06 PM

Wow, the Solstice front grille looks to be very functional.

91CRXsiR

07-11-2005, 10:15 PM

i dont think there are too many ppl that are dissing the looks of the car.. but its just that its slow as shiet

FastBack 240

07-11-2005, 11:35 PM

The Pontiac Solstice, coming 2007 I believe, peppy 170 hp I4, 2800 lbs, RWD. Under 20k. I cannot wait to see this car.

http://fast-autos.net/pontiac/solstice14.html

It's already out here in MI. Nothing special I might add.

WanganRunner

07-12-2005, 08:28 AM

Meh, Tc is too much of a compromise IMO. Get a used MR2 Spyder or EP3 Civic Si Hatch for $6k less, it'll hold up just as well.

Personally, I want an xB or Nissan Cube as a daily driver. Hell, get it in automatic even. Tiny work wheels w/low offset, lots of gratuituous interior goodies, all the stupid stuff I can't do to my S14 and still respect myself. I love these little microvans, I hope they keep selling them here.

240trainee

07-12-2005, 08:35 AM

It's already out here in MI. Nothing special I might add.

Are you sure you're not thinking the Lotus Elise?

MakotoS13

07-12-2005, 08:39 AM

sub 20k...not many real sports cars any more, except maybe the SRT-4

FWD sports car = oxymoron.

SochBAT

07-12-2005, 08:43 AM

Scion TCs look pretty cool, but not my style. I like how Scion markets customization on each, and every car. They are becoming like clothing, mix and match, custom this, fab that. Too bad nissan doesn't have that cool a tuning base. Then again, all those customized parts are jsut aeros or something.

+1 for Scion/Toyota

FinSX

07-12-2005, 09:16 AM

i think the front end looks a bit the same than a new Volvo S40.
http://www.volvocars.us/Showroom/newS40/Gallery/Exterior/

exitspeed

07-12-2005, 09:28 AM

The new Solstice and Saturn version are awsome looking cars. ESPECAILLY the Saturn one...Saturn has some great styled cars coming out actually.

SimpleS14

07-12-2005, 10:00 AM

The new Solstice and Saturn version are awsome looking cars. ESPECAILLY the Saturn one...Saturn has some great styled cars coming out actually.

Yea, the Saturn Sky looks awesome...and it will cost more than the Solstice (atleast 24K+)...

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_cockpit.jpg

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_guages.jpg

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_scenic.jpg

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_beauty.jpg

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_profile2.jpg

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/showroom/future_vehicles/SKY_scenic2.jpg

[/thread hijack]

chlatboy

07-12-2005, 10:18 AM

reminds me of an s2k!

07-12-2005, 10:31 AM

I think I'm going to go check out the 350Z. I hear lots of crap about how heavy it is, underpowered for its size and the styling is like-it or hate-it. Convertibles aren't my thing.

TurDz

07-12-2005, 11:39 AM

I think I'm going to go check out the 350Z. I hear lots of crap about how heavy it is, underpowered for its size and the styling is like-it or hate-it. Convertibles aren't my thing.

Underpowered, relatively speaking. I think you'll love it...let us know how it goes.

cfrost

07-12-2005, 03:14 PM

blah blah blah....look at the cars that go in the price range of the TC ...the one that I drove had the CAI, Catback, and all the audio goodies. It was a pleasant drive, especially compared to something liek a corolla, and I definately prefer it over the celica GT, which I would consider havin ga comparable motor to this one, because it doesn't have the crazy lift that the 2zz powered GTS has.

The motor is torquey and usable, and it's something to work with, but keep in midn what Scion is doing with this car. They're introducing an inexpensive car to a youthful demographic that wants something that looks good and has some pep to it. If you're waiting in the high RPMs for boost-like VVTLi to kick in, buy a 2zz. If I were to choose between a TC and a celica GTS for autocross, I would pick the TC, it felt like to me it had more usable torque across the tach. I personally don't like explosive power in a FWD car, it's not as managable or fun as smooth usable torque.

Overall fit and finish of the car is great, somewhat better than the celica but I wouldn't consider it a HUGE step up. Feels like it sits higher, but I like that...I'm the kind of guy who feels cramped driving in a 350z cabin, for those of you who have driven one.

The look of the car? Conservative but attractice, basically it's a blank canvas, which I like..and I believe this is why the civic was originally so popular for exterior modifications is because it was so plain from the get-go....it was asking for something to be done to it, unlike cars that can be attractive from the factory, like the celica.

:w00t:

OptionZero

07-12-2005, 03:23 PM

Don't even joke, the TC is something like 500 lbs heavier than the Celica. Engine wise the TC probably has far more potential, as it is a 2.4L v a 1.8L.

neither car is a true sports car. Both are FWD, the Tc is just too heavy and watered down to drive hard, and the Celica's engine has little potential.

*IF* you were getting a brand new FWD sports car, you'd get the SRT-4 or the Acura RSX Type-S

07-12-2005, 03:34 PM

OptionZero

07-12-2005, 04:36 PM

07-12-2005, 05:12 PM

Phil, what are you trying to buy? Daily driver to *complement* your s13, or a replacement car that you can daily drive AND track/auto-X?

The Tc is probably fine as a non-sports car transport, because you like the interior and it's toyota jdm quality, but if you were thinkin performance vehicle, look used.

I'm debating because ideally I'd like one good car that does everything but seeing as how that doesn't seem possible at this point, I am looking for a daily and keep the 240SX as a weekend car but would like something affordable, fun and good looking. The TC is actually not that cheap because 16.5K + tax and fees is close to 19K.

Otherwise I am going to sell the S13 and get some serious track power like an Evo or STI. But I'd be losing so much money by selling my car, it wouldn't even be funny. Can't decide at this point.

wingsnthangs

07-12-2005, 09:15 PM

The tC is a nice looking car, good job by Scion/Toyota; I honestly think they set a pretty good standard. I didnt really like the plasticky console, but I guess it's a simplicity trend we're gonna see in more and more cars. The car is pretty solid, like the original poster mentioned (like a bank vault haha), but maybe I'm just comparing to my 15 year old car that isnt so stiff like new cars are. The reclinable rear seats were a nice touch, but what disappointed me was the front seats (nonleather). They just felt really cheap and spongy to me compared to other comparable cars today (i.e. 02 Civic Si hatchback).

I don't think i'd ever seriously consider purchasing one though. I'd probably conisder the Mazda 3 before it. That car is so zippy, good handling too. But before any of these, I'd probably get the Si hatchback. I know a lot of people would disagree with me, but I just think that car is awesome (styling, cargo space, mpg, interior, etc). I dont dig the shifter, but I can deal with that. Of course I wouldnt have the same car enthusiasm for any of these FWD commuters as I do with my 240, but I think the Si would just fit my daily needs a whole lot better.

Wei240

07-12-2005, 09:46 PM

tc is decent,
the other scions are crap

SRT Motorsports

07-19-2005, 12:35 PM

Wow, interesting views on this car!!

I tend to like more "explosive" high rpm power in cars... VTEC, turbo etc.

Actually looking at the Toyota line-up, there's the Corolla XRS also in the line up. A Celica GT-S 2ZZ 8000rpm powered 170hp Corolla with beefed up suspension, faster steering rack, bigger alloy wheels and "sport" accessories. The upside is that it is an fast sleeper Corolla.. the downside is that it is a COROLLA. Still way better than the MATRIX (hahahaha) but you will get no respect in that car. Still, I think the 2ZZ in that car will make it a more fun ride than a TC.

Now I feel more confused than when I started this thread.

2zz is no doubt a fun motor, but I've driven a few different variants of it ....It was interesting having been familiarized with the 2zz in the Matrix XRS and the Celica GTS and then moving to the Corolla GTS adn expecting the usual violent VVTLi. The 2zz in the Corolla XRS is a lot smoother all around the tach, and is a fun drive, but not as stomach-tickling as the celica GTS or the Torque-Steer-Monster Matrix XRS. It seemed like in the last 500 or so RPM's before redline it gave you a real kick in the pants though!

Fun motor.....I could see it as a modern day 4AG :) just not as fun ;)