New Scion tC Sport Coupe Set to Reach Dealers Later This Month
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Scion Faces Initial Quality Problems Especially with xB Air Conditioning
While most of America (24 states to be exact) is still in the honeymoon phase with Toyotas new Scion division, California is well into the first year blues. Its not like the new xA hatchback and xB utility wagon are particularly troublesome, but reports of air conditioning problems in the xB are causing new owners tempers to overheat are hitting headlines. It appears that the system is underpowered when put to use in hotter climes.
Scion Vice President Jim Farley stated that the xBs A/C system is “challenged in the “surprise hit market of Texas,” where humidity can often soar as high as summer temperatures.
“Its not an easy problem to fix,” admitted Farley, “given its a 1.5L engine and its a relatively large car.”
According to Farley the problem is exacerbated by the brands ownership base, predominantly younger buyers who, he states, are a lot pickier than the older demographic - so much for the grumpy old man theory. Of course, by older Farley is referring to the “over-35 set,” which are said to voice fewer complaints about the xBs underpowered air conditioner. Farley is talking to Japan about fixing the problem nonetheless.
This same younger demographic is said to be responsible for the Scions poor rating in the most recent J. D. Powers and Associates 2004 Initial Quality Survey (IQS). Well below average, Scion scores 158 problems per 100 vehicles, dragging down Toyotas overall corporate rating in the process.
Hopefully Scion will experience a smoother launch with its new tC sport coupe, scheduled to arrive in dealerships toward the end of this month. Scion reports its tC will add a new level of excitement to the Scion lineup. Like the xA and xB, the new 2-door coupe still targets a younger demographic, but rather than going after the outdoor lifestyle set needing the SUV dimensions of the xB, the tC should attract buyers in the sport-compact performance car set, those who usually ante up for Honda Civic Coupes, Saturn ION Quad Coupes, or even higher priced models such as the Acura RSX and Toyota Celica.
The Scion tC will come out of the box featuring 20 additional horsepower over the base Celica GT, 160 compared to 140 horsepower respectively. The top-line Celica GT-S will feature more power, at 180 horsepower, while the Acura RSX tops out at 200 horsepower.
Four-wheel disc brakes and standard 17-inch alloy rims wrapped in Z-rated performance tires should attract the young as well as the young-in-heart - Scion seems to sell to just as many elderly as it does youth due to the frugal fuel economy, important for those on fixed incomes, and functionality of its cars.
The tC should be functional too, as it boasts a versatile hatchback for cargo access despite looking like a traditional coupe.
Pragmatism aside, Scion offers a first-in-segment all-glass panorama moonroof as standard equipment.
Want to personalize your ride? Scion has been listening to sport compact buyers and therefore offers close to 40 accessories at the dealer level, including a rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels and tires, plus a variety of interior trim components.
Drivers wanting more of a custom-tuned tC can opt for dealer installed Toyota Racing Development (TRD) accessories, including 19-inch wheels and tires, suspension upgrades, plus a supercharger that will boost output to about 200 horsepower.
How much does it cost? The 5-speed manual transmission version of the 2005 Scion tC will go for a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,950, with an additional $515 for freight and PDI. A 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is optional for $800.
While the Scion xA and xB are only available in 24 states to date, the entire Scion line-up including the new tC will go on sale nationally at nearly 800 select Toyota dealerships later this month.
Recently Added To Our Network
| 2005 Scion tC | Englewood, CO | Price: $9,991 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Syracuse, NY | Price: $11,500 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Manassas, VA | Price: $10,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Worcester, MA | Price: $11,153 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Salt Lake City, UT | Price: Contact Seller | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Decatur, TX | Price: $10,975 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Urbandale, IA | Price: $12,900 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Hanover, MA | Price: Contact Seller | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Dublin, CA | Price: $8,888 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Sarasota, FL | Price: $10,988 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Bakersfield, CA | Price: $10,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | San Jose, CA | Price: $11,975 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | San Jose, CA | Price: $14,750 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Fort Worth, TX | Price: $10,877 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Naples, FL | Price: $11,500 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Holiday, FL | Price: $11,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Maumelle, AR | Price: $11,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Fairfax, VA | Price: $11,999 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Pacoima, CA | Price: $9,980 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Houston, TX | Price: $10,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Hooksett, NH | Price: $11,646 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Wilsonville, OR | Price: $11,888 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Kingston, MA | Price: $13,348 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Scranton, PA | Price: $13,899 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Kailua Kona, HI | Price: $15,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Clarksville, MD | Price: $12,988 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Boulder, CO | Price: $11,448 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | San Antonio, TX | Price: $12,988 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Urbandale, IA | Price: $12,900 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Fort Wayne, IN | Price: $15,243 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Fort Wayne, IN | Price: $12,506 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | New Port Richey, FL | Price: $11,987 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Richmond, VA | Price: $7,274 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Waterloo, NY | Price: $11,495 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Bethesda, MD | Price: $13,999 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Franconia, PA | Price: $11,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Red Bank, NJ | Price: $14,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Leominster, MA | Price: $12,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Price: $10,406 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Wichita, KS | Price: $11,863 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Denver, CO | Price: $12,750 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Westlake, OH | Price: $12,000 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Gilroy, CA | Price: $15,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Palatine, IL | Price: $11,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Littleton, MA | Price: $11,395 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Vienna, VA | Price: $11,857 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Vienna, VA | Price: $8,954 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Brooksville, FL | Price: $10,575 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Dover, DE | Price: $5,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Spring, TX | Price: $12,388 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Salt Lake City, UT | Price: $11,350 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Tampa, FL | Price: $12,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Marietta, GA | Price: $13,999 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Salt Lake City, UT | Price: $14,288 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Savannah, GA | Price: $12,900 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | San Diego, CA | Price: $14,997 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Warner Robins, GA | Price: $12,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Mechanicsville, VA | Price: $10,995 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Medford, NY | Price: $9,983 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | Goleta, CA | Price: $12,988 | |
| 2005 Scion tC | San Diego, CA | Price: $15,085 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | San Jose, CA | Price: $14,975 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Sterling, VA | Price: Contact Seller | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Colorado Springs, CO | Price: $14,494 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Pinellas Park, FL | Price: $15,591 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Little Rock, AR | Price: $14,817 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Woodbridge, VA | Price: $11,986 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Westbury, NY | Price: $24,980 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Layton, UT | Price: Contact Seller | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Littleton, MA | Price: $14,995 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Woodside, NY | Price: $9,983 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Milwaukee, WI | Price: $15,995 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Rochester, NY | Price: $13,995 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Irving, TX | Price: $11,991 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Salem, OR | Price: $13,995 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Las Vegas, NV | Price: $12,991 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Westmont, IL | Price: $11,551 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Dublin, OH | Price: $11,877 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Wichita, KS | Price: $13,555 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Wichita, KS | Price: $14,555 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Valdosta, GA | Price: $13,981 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Newnan, GA | Price: $13,990 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Alliance, OH | Price: Contact Seller | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Alliance, OH | Price: $12,988 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Littleton, MA | Price: $13,995 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Roseville, CA | Price: $10,995 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Wellesley, MA | Price: $12,450 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Lindenhurst, NY | Price: $13,499 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Lakeport, CA | Price: $13,900 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Grapevine, TX | Price: $15,885 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Mesa, AZ | Price: $11,988 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Hemet, CA | Price: $13,998 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | San Antonio, TX | Price: $12,995 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Lowell, NC | Price: $9,995 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Chesterton, IN | Price: $11,951 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Emmaus, PA | Price: $15,998 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Annapolis, MD | Price: $11,495 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Sunnyvale, CA | Price: $14,492 | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Riverside, CA | Price: Contact Seller | |
| 2006 Scion tC | Reno, NV | Price: $14,888 |