Used 2014 Scion tC

The sporty 2014 Scion tC coupe isn’t the quickest 2-door on the market, and it is eclipsed in the fun-to-drive department by Scion’s new FR-S rear-drive sport coupe. But, the tC continues to hold appeal to buyers looking for an affordable and fun coupe loaded with high-tech audio and add-on features all for a price in reach of anyone who can secure a car loan. Toss in an enviable reliability and resale history, a usable rear seat and improvements to the car’s performance abilities and the tC seems destined to thrive.

The tC driving experience has always been the biggest source of debate in regards to the car’s designation as a sports coupe. Improvements to the 2014 Scion tC move the needle a bit more to the Yes column, but not definitively. A 6-speed automatic transmission lifted from the Scion FR-S now features downshift rev-matching technology and is a vast improvement over last year’s automatic. But, we still prefer the 6-speed manual gearbox both for its light clutch pedal and precise, quick shifts. Road manners and chassis feel are improved for 2014, with stiffer calibrations for the springs, shocks and stabilizer bars, as well as a retuned electric power steering setup. Low-rpm engine response is quite good but revving out the 2.5-liter four generates only average thrust. Compared to other coupes in its class, it’s not nearly as powerful or capable, though for city driving it’s probably good enough for most buyers.

For 2014, the Scion tC receives a modest interior upgrade with better seat materials and more contrasting trim on the dash. Color, however, is still absent from the overly black and gray interior palate. The tC’s driver’s seat is adjustable enough for all shapes and sizes, and rear-seat passengers will be surprised by the amount of room they actually have. Dials and instrument clusters have a round theme that is pleasant and manages to be Spartan without looking like anything is missing. A 60/40-split folding back seat allows trips to actual supermarkets, not just convenience stores.

The 2014 Scion tC’s biggest change can be seen up front, where a new wide-mouth lower grille is topped by a longer hood and new headlights with LED accent lighting. New 18-inch wheels feature a dark gray finish with contrasting machined-spoke surfaces. Where other, smaller coupes in its class can look excessively what-you-see-is-what-you-get, the tC coupe looks aggressively playful. The limited edition Scion 10 Series features Silver Ignition paint, silver seat belts and a solar-powered illuminated shift knob.

BESPOKE PREMIUM AUDIO
Offered as an enhancement to the standard touch-screen radio, the BeSpoke audio system includes full navigation as well as the Aha smartphone app service that allows access to 30,000 free radio stations including Scion’s own station featuring 17 separate music channels.

BUILD YOUR OWN
Personalization is a consistent Scion theme, and between the factory and the aftermarket, it’s easy to make your tC really your tC. There are many forums, groups and clubs dedicated to Scion customization.

The 2014 Scion tC carries great youth-appeal cred with standard equipment that includes 18-inch wheels and the impressive Pioneer sound system. That sound system includes a new 6.1-inch LCD touch screen and HD Radio capability, and you can connect your phone to it as long as you’re running Bluetooth 2.0 or higher. There are two microphones in the ceiling-light array to help facilitate use of the hands-free phone option. Toyota’s Star Safety System is also standard and features eight airbags and traction and stability control along with active front headrests.

Factory options for the 2014 Scion tC are narrowed to a few items, chief among them the BeSpoke audio/navigation upgrade, rear spoiler and sportier TRD springs and anti-roll bars. A new 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and downshift rev matching is also available. Aftermarket options for the 2014 Scion tC are as extensive as they are for all other Scion models.

All 2014 Scion tC trim levels carry a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 179 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. Both manual and automatic transmissions are 6-speed units. The automatic’s new rev-matching technology allows smoother downshifts and changes gears twice as quick as the old automatic in the 2013 car. The manual transmission’s clutch could be accused of being soft but the bolt-action precision of its shifter largely offsets that concern.

2.5-liter inline-4
179 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
173 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg