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10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000

2010 Scion tC

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Overview

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2010 Scion tC Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

The 2010 Scion tC has proven to be everything its competitors feared. Smartly styled, fuel-efficient and a blast to drive, the little tC is more than just a good value–-it has become the poster child for the lucrative aftermarket parts and customization business. Though not as space-efficient as the xD or xB, the tC can comfortably fit two adults and its versatile hatch design makes it easy to carry sports equipment or overnight gear. A near-flawless repair history and excellent resale value are but part of the tC's early success stories. By holding the tC's price well below $18,000, Scion has grabbed a substantial chunk of the all-important youth market, attracting young buyers who may likely move up to Toyota and Lexus brands as they grow older.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you were a long-time fan of Toyota's discontinued Celica, you'll like what Scion has done with the tC. Its robust power, long list of standard equipment and low base price are exactly what young consumers are looking for in a fuel-efficient sports coupe.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The tC is long on style but short on rear-seat headroom. At a certain age, you might think the interior is a little too hip – and colorful at night. Drivers taller than six feet may feel cramped behind the wheel.

What's New for 2010

The Scion tC sees no major changes for 2010.

Driving the tC

Driving Impressions The tC has inherited much from its Toyota and Lexus heritage. The 2.4-liter engine sings sweetly, with plenty of pulling power, and the five-speed manual delivers crisp, short shifts. Handling...

and braking are also well above average, making the tC a very fun car indeed. Front-seat passengers enjoy ample head and legroom, but the rear passengers will have to stoop if they're over six feet tall. The rear area is better utilized by folding down the seats and creating a large cargo hold; the front passenger seat also folds, allowing longer items such as surfboards to be stowed with the rear hatch closed.

Favorite Features

iPod Compatibility
The standard iPod connector allows you to control your iPod via the radio or steering wheel controls. The system is hidden beneath the center console armrest and continually supplies power to the iPod.

LED Interior Light Package
The optional LED interior light package fills the foot wells with neat blue lighting.

2010 Scion tC Details

Interior

The tC's interior is Lexus-like in its execution. Fit and finish are flawless, right down to the seamless dash-mounted airbag. The instrument cluster is neatly arranged into three separate circular housings and the center stack is covered with a silver finish. A large aluminum knob is used to control the climate system, and above it resides a Pioneer CD/MP3 player hidden behind a flip-up panel. The optional Pioneer upgraded head unit includes rear audio outputs, which allow for easy installation of an aftermarket amplifier. The front seats are properly supportive, with nice side bolsters and new fabrics.

Exterior

The tC exterior is handsome, but not revolutionary. From the front, the tC vaguely resembles a coupe version of Volvo's S40, with a set of lighted eyebrows borrowed from BMW. Around back, the sleek hatch and side windows look a bit like an Acura. A unique item is the massive panorama moonroof included as standard equipment on every car.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The tC has a 161-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), rear defroster, power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry, tire-pressure monitoring system, auto-off halogen headlamps, dual power mirrors, power panorama moonroof, AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 and iPod connectivity, front and rear side-curtain airbags, driver and front passenger airbags, a first aid kit, driver's knee airbag, cruise control, tilt wheel with audio touch controls and alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Options include a four-speed automatic transmission, carbon fiber dash applique, ground effects kit, fog lights, Pioneer Premium audio, high-performance engine and suspension components, under-dash interior light kit, navigation system and a host of dealer-installed options.

Under the Hood

Like the 2010 xB, the tC receives a big dose of power in the form of a 16-valve 2.4-liter engine. The tC is not as quick as some of its turbocharged rivals, but most people should be pleased with the car's combination of good acceleration and great gas mileage.

2.4-liter in-line 4
161 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 (manual), 21/29 (automatic)

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2010 Scion tC Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.7

Out of 5

Based on 587 Ratings for the 2005 - 2010 Scion tC models.

Review this car

Value

4.7/5

Quality

4.5/5
Reliability

4.8/5

Performance

4.6/5
Comfort

4.3/5

Styling

4.8/5

Reliable, great gas mileage, overall wonderful car

By Cbssm (AZ) on Wednesday, February 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 88,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 4/5

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I lived in the mountains of Colorado and since it's front wheel drive it did great in the snow - better than my husbands 4x4 Toyota Tacoma! Amaaazing gas mileage on long road trips. Incredibly reliable. I have never had a problem with it. The only annoyance is when there's a passenger it can be a bit small for them. But I'm 5'8" and it fits me well! Great car would highly recommend."

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perfect for me

By jimi (NY) on Monday, January 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

5 4.0

overall rating 4 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/5
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 3/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "everything possible but 4x4"

Cons: "bit of wind noise on the highway"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Hey i had to trade in my truck because it was too expensive to keep fixing and gas in insane. I put my vehicles to the test and this car has done everything i ask. From numerous 5hr trips to VT with it packed of snowboard gear and a friend or even two to the daily drives to the beach with surfboards inside and still room for 2 buddies(barely) Manual transmission is extremely easy compared to others ive driven. I threw a strup catback exhaust on it and sounds real nice with no highway rasp. Even put a class one trailer hitch on it and pull a 3.5 by 6.5 foot aluminum trailer with 2 dirtbikes. Its suprisingly not that bad to pull with the brake system and manual but wouldnt go real far. I seem to get about 30mgs no matter where im driving which is awsome coming from 14. Bought it used and with a year and a half into it i have no major complaints."

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