Scion Tc problems
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Scion Tc model years
Common Scion Tc problems
The Scion tC, a compact sports car produced by Toyota's Scion brand, has been praised for its affordability, sporty aesthetics, and impressive features. However, like any vehicle, it has faced its fair share of issues throughout its production years. Here are some of the most common problems reported by Scion tC owners:
- Clutch Failure: The Scion tC's clutch has been known to fail prematurely, especially in manual transmission models. This issue can lead to expensive repairs and replacement costs.
- Water Pump Seal Failure: The water pump seal in the Scion tC can fail, causing coolant leaks and potential engine overheating. This issue is more common in earlier model years.
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Some Scion tC owners have reported excessive oil consumption, particularly in the 2007 model year. This issue can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Head Gasket Failure: A manufacturing defect can cause the head gasket to fail, leading to overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and rough engine performance. This issue is more common in earlier model years.
- Sunroof Wind Deflector Breakage: Some Scion tC models, particularly the 2005 model year, have experienced breakage of the sunroof wind deflector. This issue resulted in a recall to install a plastic film to reinforce the deflector.
- Excessive Oil Consumption (2006 Model): The 2006 Scion tC has been reported to consume excessive oil between oil changes, with some owners needing to add a quart every 1,000 to 1,500 miles. This issue is reportedly due to engine problems and has concerned many owners due to the risk of engine damage from low oil levels.
- Power Window Failure (2007 Model): The 2007 Scion tC has experienced a high number of complaints regarding power window failure, with reports of windows failing to roll up or down.
- Rough Shifting (2007 Model): The 2007 Scion tC, particularly models with automatic transmissions, has been reported to have rough shifting issues.
- Catalytic Converter Failure (2nd Generation): Some second-generation Scion tC models (2011-2016) have experienced catalytic converter failure between 100,000 and 150,000 miles.
- TPMS Sensor Failure: The TPMS sensor in some Scion tC models can malfunction over time, causing the TPMS light to illuminate on the dashboard.
While the Scion tC has faced several common problems, it is important to note that the vehicle has also been praised for its reliability, affordability, and sporty aesthetics. Proper maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help ensure a longer lifespan for the Scion tC.
Is the Scion tC a reliable car?
Despite the Scion tC's high depreciation rate, it has gotten high scores for its reliability. RepairPal gave the tC an above-average score of 4 out of 5. There were only a few instances where the vehicle encountered catastrophic issues throughout its eleven years of production.
What is the life expectancy of a Scion tC?
I literally feel this car has at least another 200,000 miles that can be put on it before any bigger problems would arise. This think is a tank of a vehicle and if well maintained will literally keep going and going for you!
Does a Scion tC have a Toyota engine?
It received a performance bump; with the new engine being carried over from the Toyota Camry being a 2.5 liter I4 2AR-FE engine producing 180 hp (130 kW) and 174 lb⋅ft (236 N⋅m).
Are Scion engines reliable?
While the Scion brand may no longer be in production, it was a subsidiary of Toyota, a brand known for producing durable and reliable vehicles. This reliability has transferred well to the Scion xB, which boasts a generally solid track record of performance and minimal major issues.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Scion Tc years
We have researched Scion problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Scion Tc cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Scion Tc model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Scion Tc model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Scion Tc years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Scion Tc car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Scion Tc , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Visibility problems
- Structure problems
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Scion Tc vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Tc model years
A total of 123 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Tc model years
There were a total of 16 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Tc model years
There were a total of 128 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Tc model years
There were a total of 18 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 680 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Scion Tc . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Scion Tc vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Scion Tc 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-22
- VIN: JTKDE167390
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My scion TC is using an extreme amount of oil to where I am putting 2-3 quarts in the motor per week. The extreme usage of oil can cause the engine to blow up due to lack of oil staying in the engine. My oil light will flash after couple days indicating low oil. A dangerous situation that can happen is the engine stop working while I'm driving on an interstate and possibly cause a serious accident or even an engine fire. There was a Toyota bulletin on this issue back in 2015. My car was bought in 2013. According to Toyota, they claimed they had sent notice to the address listed under this VIN. We received no such notice and even requested Toyota prove they sent it, but they would not. When I asked them about this case in regard to this issue, they have mentioned Toyota would no longer deal with this because it was past the deadline. How can I be denied for a service bulletin if I never received the notice.
Scion Tc 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-12
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-06
- VIN: JTKDE167550
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine burning oil
Scion Tc 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-16
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-31
- VIN: JTKJF5C71F3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Whining noise is heard when the clutch petal is released. Noise is coming from the input shaft bearing. Common failure on this model. Mechanic confirmed that is the issue. If the bearing completely fails could leave the car stranded and cause more damage to other transmission components. No warning lights but noise is very loud.
Scion Tc 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-23
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-23
- VIN: JTKJF5C77GJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: While driving on the interstate, all of a sudden, I hear a loud bang. This sound sounded like a tire blew or a gun shot. Then I see glass rolling down the back windshield. After inspecting, it was the sunroof/moonroof that exploded outwords as if there was some pressure from the heat built up.My brother was in the backseat, luckily the windshield was closed. He could have gotten seriously hurt from the glass debris falling onto him or into his eyes.After researching, this is a common situation for this model car, being the number 1 car reported for similar incidents.
Scion Tc 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-19
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-21
- VIN: JTKJF5C7XB3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Why did the dealer tell me this recall is not associated with my vin when I keep getting recall UNADDREESSED notices for my vehicle? This is a safety reason and a complete disconnect between dealerships and Toyota manufacture. I need this addressed immediately!
Scion Tc 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-07-13
- VIN: JTKJF5C78E3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE HOUSING AROUND THE AIR CONDITIONER FILLS WITH WATER FROM CONDENSATION, THE DRAINAGE TUBE IS NARROW AND CLOGS, WHICH CAUSES THE WATER TO DRIP OUT OF THE HOUSING AND INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR WHERE IT SWAMPS THE CARPETING FROM FRONT TO BACK. I KNOW AC NORMALLY DOES NOT QUALIFY AS A SAFETY CONCERN BUT TO MY UNDERSTANDING THERE IS ELECTRIC WIRING THAT RUNS UNDER THE CARPET THAT IS CERTAINLY NOT DESIGNED TO BE UNDER AN INCH OF WATER AND THEN THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR HARMFUL MOLD TO DEVELOP FROM THE WET CARPET. THE DEALER WILL CHARGE TO CLEAR THE CLOG BUT THEY HAVE SINCE TOLD ME THERE IS A PERMANENT FIX (AN AC CASING WITH BETTER DRAINAGE) WHICH COSTS MORE THAN $2000 TO INSTALL. A SIMPLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS TOYOTA HAS BEEN IGNORING THIS DESIGN FLAW AND THIS PROBLEM SINCE THE MODEL REDESIGN IN 2011. THEY HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WHICH CAN EFFECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS. I KNOW A NARROW TUBE DRAIN LINE SEEMS LIKE A MINOR THING BUT THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO HAPPEN IN MOST CARS. WHILE IT HAS BEEN A CONCERN FOR SCION TC OWNERS SINCE 2011. I DRIVE A 2014. THERE WAS PLENTY OF TIME FOR TOYOTA TO OFFER A BETTER CASING OR A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM OVER THE YEARS. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO TOYOTA AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING SINCE MY CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY DESPITE THAT MY CAR WAS IN FOR THIS TEMPORARY REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY NEVER OFFERED THE PERMANENT FIX UNTIL NOW.
Scion Tc 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-11
- Date Complaint: 2022-06-13
- VIN: JTKDE167890
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2009 Scion TC. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, he slowed for a traffic light and the vehicle failed to shift out of third gear. The accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle revved without moving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle occasionally slipped out of gear and failed to exceed 15 MPH while driving. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was locked in overdrive and that the transmission needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Scion Tc 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-22
- Date Complaint: 2022-04-15
- VIN: JTKJF5C70GJ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I have a recall on my brakes. I took it to toyota in newnan ga. they said it would be a few hours and I asked for a rental because it was my only day off and I have 3 kids and errands to run. They then proceded to tell me I dont have a recall. They lied to get out of letting me use a rental or another car. My brakes go bad alot its so unusual. I hope Toyota insures my safety with their lack of care and effort.
Scion Tc 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-04-13
- VIN: JTKJF5C78F3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Over the past 4-5 years, 2015 scion tc has had numerous electrical issues. Both driver and passenger electric door locks do not work. Head and tail lamp lights burn out frequently. Seems like a grounding issue? Car failed to start August 2021 due to electrical problems. 3rd party mechanic fixed the issue. Toyota Dealer-installed automatic start fails multiple times before starting car. Basic electrical mechanisms for a car made in 2015 should not be broken/failing. 2019 Air Conditioner wouldn't drain. Had to investigate and personally drain the tubes behind the passenger and driver side-pannels behind center counsel. The entire draining system for the cars air conditioner had clogged. 2015 Exterior Vinyl Pillars on sides of windshield started to fade. Brought it to Westbury Toyota and they said the sun caused it. I didn't even have the car for 6 months yet....
Scion Tc 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-04
- Date Complaint: 2022-03-04
- VIN: JTKDE3B79A0
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My car is burning oil, like a quart per week I always maintain the oil level, not leaks I just want to know if Toyota can help me, I am a third owner of this car has 94000 miles
Scion Tc 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-25
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-26
- VIN: JTKDE3B75A0
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Warranty Enhancement Program – ZE7 OIL Leak Certain 2007-2010 Scion tC Extension of Warranty Coverage for 2AZ Engine Oil Consumption Toyota is now announcing the part replacement phase of Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 for vehicles exhibiting excessive engine oil consumption. Eligibility for part replacement under this Warranty Enhancement Program is dependent on a Toyota dealer performed engine oil consumption test in accordance with T-SB-0158-14(Toyota) and S-SB-0031-14 (Scion). My daughter was never notified of this issue and they will not honor this and they told me it would have to be reopened in order for them to fix it at no cost to my daughter. Toyota needs to reopen this and fix my daughters car. The two letters that went out went to the original owner and I was told they used the DMV database which clearly had they it would have shown the date of purchase and the letter would have made it to my daughter. How many others did not get their car fixed are there more on the road with this issue?
Scion Tc 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-06
- Date Complaint: 2021-11-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTKDE167150
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 1. I believe my airbags deployed pre-maturely with a soft impact to another vehicle. There was no damage to the other vehicle and no police report needed to be filed. There is a minor damage to my front bumper. 2. The airbags inflated on me, but no medical attention was required. 3. I have not confirmed or reproduced this problem with a professional. 4. My car has not been inspected nor reported to my insurance agency as my coverage only covers liability. 5. No symptoms prior to airbags deploying pre-maturely *Because of the pre-mature deployment of my airbags I am unable to afford the airbags to be reset, as doing so would cost more than the kbb estimated value of my car.
Scion Tc 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-02
- Date Complaint: 2021-09-15
- VIN: JTKDE167390
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 2009 Scion tC consumes to much engine oil due to bad pistons installed by manufacture and needs to be repaired before major engine problems occur. I also found out I’m not the only one having this issue. I’ve just purchased the vehicle.8
Scion Tc 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-07
- Date Complaint: 2021-08-26
- VIN: JTKDE3B71A0
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I took my car to Toyota on August 7th 2021 and was informed my car needed a new engine due to losing three quarts of oil. The employee then informed me my car was under recall but they would be unable to fix the problem because the recall had expired. I never received a letter in the mail instructing me to take my car in for repairs due to this recall.
Scion Tc 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2021-08-25
- VIN: JTKDE3B75A0
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Warranty Enhancement Program –Part Replacement for Excessive Oil Consumption (NEVER INFORMED OF THIS ISSUE) I just found out that this expired on 3/27/2020 but Toyota mentioned this was created by your department. and within this letter we never received they are not willing to fix my car since it just started happening to my car. I took it to the Toyota dealership because I kept getting my oil changed at VA tire and Auto and after 2000 miles 4 quarts of oil is gone. They told me to take it to Toyota so I did and the service manger gave me a copy of the letter that was never sent to me in November 2015. I spoke to Carlos at the Toyota HQ in Texas and he said that they used the DMV website to find the second owner which is me and on my Vehicle Registration Card from DMV the Purchase date is 8/6/2015 and the car fax shows DMV reported me on 8/26/2015 new owner living in Winchester VA. Carlos explained to me that the letter was sent in May and November 2015 to Manassas VA which means it was sent twice to the 1st buyer of the car. I am thinking if this is happening to me there maybe others who were never informed of this situation. I was told by Carlos your department is the only one who can reopen this claim because I was never listed as the owner of the car that I bought 8/6/2015 and still own. I am hoping that you can help me get this claim reopen and because from the ways things look Toyota did not follow the rules of informing the correct owners of the vehicles on this Support Program they called it. Toyota said that your department did not feel it to be a recall. I would appreciate some assistance in this matter. I have all the documents proving I was the second owner. I contacted Susan Hogan for assistance because Toyota HQ said they are not responsible. My files are too big to upload I would need to email the PDF files to show you proof.
Latest 5 recalls Scion Tc
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 30 recalls for different components of the Scion Tc.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Scion Tc 2011
- Report Received Date: 2018-09-20
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC vehicles. Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.
- Consequence: Failure of a brake hose will reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify all known owners of the Scion xB and Scion tC vehicles upon which an involved optional TRD Brake Kit could have been installed. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, it will be replaced with a standard equipment brake kit, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0U.
- Model: Scion Tc 2016
- Report Received Date: 2018-09-20
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC vehicles. Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.
- Consequence: Failure of a brake hose will reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify all known owners of the Scion xB and Scion tC vehicles upon which an involved optional TRD Brake Kit could have been installed. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, it will be replaced with a standard equipment brake kit, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0U.
- Model: Scion Tc 2013
- Report Received Date: 2018-09-20
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC vehicles. Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.
- Consequence: Failure of a brake hose will reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify all known owners of the Scion xB and Scion tC vehicles upon which an involved optional TRD Brake Kit could have been installed. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, it will be replaced with a standard equipment brake kit, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0U.
- Model: Scion Tc 2014
- Report Received Date: 2018-09-20
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC vehicles. Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.
- Consequence: Failure of a brake hose will reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify all known owners of the Scion xB and Scion tC vehicles upon which an involved optional TRD Brake Kit could have been installed. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, it will be replaced with a standard equipment brake kit, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0U.
- Model: Scion Tc 2012
- Report Received Date: 2018-09-20
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, part numbers PTR09-21111 and PTR09-52080, sold by Toyota as an optional accessory for model year 2008-2015 Scion xB, and 2011-2016 Scion tC vehicles. Over time, the brake hoses in these kits may fatigue and fail.
- Consequence: Failure of a brake hose will reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify all known owners of the Scion xB and Scion tC vehicles upon which an involved optional TRD Brake Kit could have been installed. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, it will be replaced with a standard equipment brake kit, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0U.
Latest negative Scion Tc car reviews
Latest positive Scion Tc car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2006
As the title suggests, the Scion tC provides great value for your money. I have personally owned my car for a year and a half now and I am extremely satisfied with it. The Scion community is fantastic and the upgrades they offer are of the highest quality. The best part about the tC is how easy it is to customize. I have even added an xB to my collection along with several modifications. I highly recommend taking this model for a test drive, you won't be disappointed.
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Vehicle year: 2009
This car is so much fun to drive! For what you get with this car and the looks, you can't beat the price. Plus, you get Toyota reliability as a perk. I've only had my car for a month, but overall I am satisfied and impressed. It has many more features than my $32K Jeep did. It's only a few more dollars a month, it's brand new, and gets me a lot better gas mileage. I am very glad I looked this way. I suggest you drive one too! My other car is an automatic, and I didn't like the tC when I drove it in an auto even though it was peppy, but the manual won me over. Scion dealers are easy to work with too.
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Vehicle year: 2015
I purchased my Scion TC in April of 2014 after researching it for over 6 months and comparing it to other models. I found that this car was the perfect fit for me, despite not fitting the typical demographic as I am 58 years old. This vehicle has been amazing and I have loved every moment of owning it for the past 4 years and driving over 100,000 KM's. It is a smooth ride on both long and short trips, fast, agile, and a real head-turner, especially in metallic blue with a few add-ons. Although I wish it came with a turbo, I highly recommend this car as it has plenty of room for cargo and passengers and is a quality-built vehicle. It is the first car I have purchased that doesn't have a ton of little issues, unlike many of my friends who have bought and sold other cars that they are not happy with. I can say that this car was totally underrated. I drive over 200Kms every day and passing and moving through traffic is fun and exciting with my 6-speed standard. If you're thinking of buying, I highly recommend this vehicle as I have never had a single problem!
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Vehicle year: 2011
I bought a 2011 magnetic gray 6-speed manual with a rear spoiler (which sealed the deal for me). When comparing the 2010 and 2011 models, the interior of the 2011 blew me away with its quality and style. The new engine and drive train are hands down better than the 2010 model. Driving the 2010 model felt like driving a turd, while the 2011 model is certainly powerful, it's not a sports car. The improved width makes for a comfortable ride, and even as a huge 6'1'' guy, I feel comfortable in the back seat, which is rare for a two-door car. The 6-speed manual is smooth, and the gears fall into place naturally without any fumbling.
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Vehicle year: 2006
This car is so much fun to drive! I've had it for about six months now, and even my wife (who swears by her F-350 diesel) enjoys driving it. The car handles very well, and while it may not be race-ready, it moves very well. Personally, I wouldn't buy it in an automatic, but I sure do love the 5-speed. The sound system is great, and there are so many nice features. What's even better is that there are very few options - the car came with everything I wanted and more!
Alexys Walter 2025-03-26
Vehicle year: 2011
Hi there! I noticed that you bought your TC'11 just a month ago and have already driven over 3,000 miles on it. As someone who drove an RSX for almost 8 years, I can understand that it takes some time to adjust to a new car. The TC may feel larger and heavier than the RSX, and the steering may be lighter, but it's great to hear that you find it quite a decent hatchback that's even tossable! Plus, there's plenty of room in the back and it gets good gas mileage. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Gustave Koelpin 2025-03-13
Vehicle year: 2005
I really like my '05 tC because of the great options it offers at an unbeatable price. However, there are a few issues that bother me. I have driven six tCs, two of them regularly for about a year now, and I have noticed that each one performs differently in terms of shifting, handling, and other factors. Some even feel like completely different cars. This inconsistency, along with a few interior and exterior flaws in workmanship/craftsmanship such as poor seams on seats, thin paint, rattles, and a whistling sunroof, lead me to believe that Toyota may have lost some of its quality control compared to my previous '93 Camry and '85 Celica.
Cortez Grimes 2025-03-05
Vehicle year: 2013
I've owned this car since it first hit the lot in September 2011. While there are many things I love about it, there are also some things I don't. Overall, it's a pretty good car, but I wish I had done more research before buying it. For instance, by the time I added some options, the purchase price was well into the upper $20k range. For that amount of money, I honestly wish I had gone with something like the Subaru WRX, which is faster, AWD, and has four doors. Scion makes many attractive points to buyers, but in my opinion, the cars are a bit overpriced. If you're looking for a car for a new driver, I'd recommend checking out the Dodge Dart or Subaru Impreza.
Abel Hettinger 2025-03-01
Vehicle year: 2012
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with this car that I bought used from a dealer. Overall, I had a positive first impression of the car. The seats are really comfortable and the 6spd is super smooth. I think Toyota really nailed it with this car as a great option for a first sports car. However, after taking it on some long highway drives, I did notice a few things that I didn't pick up on during the test drive. For example, the quality of the interior build could be better. The bass from the radio tends to rattle the panels around the window control buttons, which can be a bit annoying. Additionally, I'm not the biggest fan of the vinyl sunroof cover. Lastly, the exhaust note might not be everyone's cup of tea during a long drive. Just wanted to share my thoughts with you!
Steve Stroman 2025-02-26
Vehicle year: 2007
I recently had to part ways with my TC after owning it for a couple of years due to an accident. However, I thought it would be a good idea to share my thoughts on the car. Here are some things I enjoyed about it: It was a fun car to drive, especially for a Toyota. It was also a great car to learn or relearn manual on. Additionally, it was very flexible and easy to haul big items. On the other hand, there were some things I didn't like about it. For example, it wasn't very good in rain or snow, and the tires wore out too quickly. The mileage would also decrease unless driven perfectly on a perfect road. The handling was very bland, and there was too much body roll. Furthermore, it had no LSD and a high center of gravity. Both tuner and regular maintenance parts were also expensive. Although the car looks sporty, it doesn't drive or handle that way. The suspension is too soft to handle corners, and the gear ratios are too short. If you're looking for a fun small car or a tuner car, this car may not be the best option. However, if you're looking for a stylish car to get you from point A to point B or want to learn manual, then it's worth considering. It's important to note that my experience with the car was not great in bad weather conditions, especially in the northeast. In comparison, my previous car, a 97 Civic, was a much better car in terms of handling, structural stiffness, gas mileage, and tire wear, regardless of how or where I drove it. It could handle bad weather like a champ. Unfortunately, my TC hydroplaned in the rain on the way to work and got totaled after hitting a guard rail. The car was badly damaged, and I was lucky to walk away from the accident. The first responders told me that they often see these cars crumple like a can in small accidents. Additionally, buying parts for the TC was more expensive than I initially thought. Brake pads, a new clutch, or performance parts were all far more expensive than the same parts for my Honda or even my Camaro.Like others, I noticed that the paint started wearing off within a year. However, my biggest concern was the gas mileage. For such a small car, the mileage was quite disappointing. I found that I could only achieve the EPA estimates if I drove unreasonably slow on a perfectly smooth road. In comparison, I was able to get far better mileage in my Civic and even better mileage in my V8 Camaro, regardless of how I drove. Overall, I had expected more from Toyota.