Finally test drove the Scion tC this morning.

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Feb 10, 2000
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Originally posted by: MrScott81
I would wait at least a year for them to work any kinks out

I wouldn't be worried about that with a Toyota - their engineering is second to none, and I can't imagine any show-stopping problems with the Scions.

I would NOT, however, even consider buying a car based on one test drive in a floor model that appeared to have a significant mechanical problem (and a car that revs at 4100 rpm at 65 mph either has a mechanical problem or is deliberately geared in a way I'd find unacceptable).

I also would not consider buying a 4-cylinder car, under any circumstances, with an automatic. I imagine this is a fairly entertaining car to drive with a stick (I've had fun driving even sub-100 bhp cars over the years, as long as they had a smooth-shifting stick, which this thing is sure to), and completely lifeless and boring with an automatic. I've never driven a car with a 4-banger and automatic that didn't stink to drive.

The tC with an automatic will be like a reincarnation of the unloved Toyota Paseo - coupe styling, but about as fun to drive as a Toyota Echo.
 

halik

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
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Originally posted by: MrScott81
Originally posted by: flot
Originally posted by: dman
You don't even sound like you like the car, yet, you are going to get it anyway?

odd.

I agree. The review basically said mediocre, mediocre, medicore... so I'm going to buy it.

I think NFS4 may be a woman. :)

Seriously dude, just admit that it's an ok car but you're buying it for the looks. We'll understand.
winnar.


2nd on that.... NFS is her alternate identity on ATOT. I really dont see how any car enthusiast would spend 17g on that car AND automatic. There are so many options out there (WRX!!!!!!!) .... why buy the pseudo sport coupe with slushbox?
 

m2kewl

Diamond Member
Oct 7, 2001
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you drove a 4AT?? hahahaha.

tell your manhood to get back in the closet, now!!
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: m2kewl
you drove a 4AT?? hahahaha.

tell your manhood to get back in the closet, now!!

It was the only one they had available for test drives. I would have drove both if they had 'em.
 

DanJ

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
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People who base their manhood on the type of car they drive should look inside and check their own manhood.

Enjoy the new wheels NFS.
 

flot

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2000
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2nd on that.... NFS is her alternate identity on ATOT. I really dont see how any car enthusiast would spend 17g on that car AND automatic. There are so many options out there (WRX!!!!!!!) .... why buy the pseudo sport coupe with slushbox?

Now, I will say - I don't have any particular problems with automatic transmissions. I do think that it may be a little odd in buying a 4 banger "sporty car" with an automatic. Seems kind of like buying an automatic miata - just no reason to do it. However, depending on what kind of driving you do and where you are, it can be frustrating owning a manual transmission. (for instance, if you have to spend 45 mins in stop and go traffic every day)

I currently own one of each, and have owned sports cars in both flavors as well, it just depends on what you're looking for.

BUT - the rest of his review did sound negative. If that was just pointing out the flaws and everything else was great, then that's one case... but from the initial report, didn't sound like the car was anything to get too excited about...
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: flot
2nd on that.... NFS is her alternate identity on ATOT. I really dont see how any car enthusiast would spend 17g on that car AND automatic. There are so many options out there (WRX!!!!!!!) .... why buy the pseudo sport coupe with slushbox?

BUT - the rest of his review did sound negative. If that was just pointing out the flaws and everything else was great, then that's one case... but from the initial report, didn't sound like the car was anything to get too excited about...

I posted this up above:

(1) I said that the trannie was acting funny...that's something maybe specific to just that particular demo
(2) I said performance was adequate. VERY comparable to the Mazda 3s. It's just as fast as anything else in this class and definitely quicker than my GF's '04 Civic EX which is GUTLESS and cost just as much as this tC. I wasn't expecting SRT-4 performance, I mean come one.
(3) Headroom. As long as my head isn't touching up front, I could care less. My head didn't touch with the hat, and I don't normally wear a hat when I drive anyway. F*&k the people in the back seat :p
(4) Everything else was superb.
 

BeauJangles

Lifer
Aug 26, 2001
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Originally posted by: Maverick
lol does anyone here think he's actually making a good decision here?

Don't take it personally NSF4, but most of us know you've been new car shopping for a while so this purchase seems very impulsive and stupid to a lot of us.
Especially for someone who knows cars pretty well.

Don't worry, another car will come out soon and we will see a "OMFG FOUND MY NEW CAR THIS IS IT!!1!1!!!"-post like we see all the time from him.... go ahead and buy the damned thing and get it over with.

Turn in your manhood while you're at it for driving an auto 4-banger.
 

43st

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 2001
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Wow... buyers remorse before he's even bought the car. That must be a first. :p
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Thera
Wow... buyers remorse before he's even bought the car. That must be a first. :p

Huh? WHen did I say I didn't like the car?
 

Dulanic

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2000
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Bash me too while your at it guys since I just bought one not too long ago, just waiting for my order to come in. But I did order a 5 spd :p And damn I want 3% tax, its 6.75% here for cars. As for headroom do you sit straight up? I lean my seat back a bit and Im 6'3" and had NO issue with headroom what so ever.
 

43st

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 2001
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Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: Thera
Wow... buyers remorse before he's even bought the car. That must be a first. :p

Huh? WHen did I say I didn't like the car?

Your review mentions something that every new car should have anyway or something you don't like. One would think that an auto enthusiast would be "blown away" when they've found a future car.

I haven't searched but I think your Mazda 3 posts were more favorable than this one. I don't think you did it intentially though... that's why I said the buyers remorse comment.
 

Dulanic

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2000
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Originally posted by: thawolfman
Have you seen the blue in person? :confused: (Or whatever they call it?)

It's the same blue as on the Highlander and Matrix.
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Dulanic
Bash me too while your at it guys since I just bought one not too long ago, just waiting for my order to come in. But I did order a 5 spd :p And damn I want 3% tax, its 6.75% here for cars. As for headroom do you sit straight up? I lean my seat back a bit and Im 6'3" and had NO issue with headroom what so ever.

I like to sit a bit up straight. I could probably lean the seat back a little bit further, but I like to get more familiar with the car before I start leaning back all the way.
 

Dulanic

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2000
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Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: Dulanic
Bash me too while your at it guys since I just bought one not too long ago, just waiting for my order to come in. But I did order a 5 spd :p And damn I want 3% tax, its 6.75% here for cars. As for headroom do you sit straight up? I lean my seat back a bit and Im 6'3" and had NO issue with headroom what so ever.

I like to sit a bit up straight. I could probably lean the seat back a little bit further, but I like to get more familiar with the car before I start leaning back all the way.


Must be why then.... at 6'3" I had no issues.
 

RagingBITCH

Lifer
Sep 27, 2003
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The headroom issue scares me about those compact cars - I never liked my sister's Civic for that reason. I'd be absolutely certain it's not going to bother you in the future. (Everytime I do an oil change or something on her Civic and I drive it around, I get kind of claustrophobic or bothered by the lack of space)
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Thera
Originally posted by: NFS4
Originally posted by: Thera
Wow... buyers remorse before he's even bought the car. That must be a first. :p

Huh? WHen did I say I didn't like the car?

Your review mentions something that every new car should have anyway or something you don't like. One would think that an auto enthusiast would be "blown away" when they've found a future car.

I haven't searched but I think your Mazda 3 posts were more favorable than this one. I don't think you did it intentially though... that's why I said the buyers remorse comment.

I didn't have as much time in the Mazda 3s as I did in the Scion. I spent a good 15-20 minutes driving the tC along with about a half hour of climbing through the car and checking out all the features.

I was so giddy about actually seeing the Mazda 3 in person for the first time when I drove it that I probably glossed over a lot of things that I should have been paying more attention too. Ergonomics wise, the Scion is simply superior and everything just feels right.
 

Twista

Diamond Member
Jun 19, 2003
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Let the man drive how he wants. Auto or manual its NFS4's destiny, because it will either be a mistake or a pro.
 

maziwanka

Lifer
Jul 4, 2000
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hahahaha. sounds like youre one happy soon-to-be customer. the only thing i didnt like was:

The salesman said that they are only allocated 9 tC's a month, so I've gotta act quick.

which sounds like typical dealer bs. BUT, i know you've done your hmwk and wouldnt get suckered by some stealership, so ill just be quiet now.

either way, when you have the scion in your driveway, post pics. enjoy.
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: maziwanka
hahahaha. sounds like youre one happy soon-to-be customer. the only thing i didnt like was:

The salesman said that they are only allocated 9 tC's a month, so I've gotta act quick.

which sounds like typical dealer bs. BUT, i know you've done your hmwk and wouldnt get suckered by some stealership, so ill just be quiet now.

either way, when you have the scion in your driveway, post pics. enjoy.

Actually, according to the Scionlife forums, this is very true. Some people have to wait until august or september to get them. Most pre-ordered their cars.