One reason to buy a 2011 Scion tC is the hopes and likelihood that the model will be an improvement over a 2010 model that wasn’t half bad to say the least. There are some kinks to be worked out, but the Scion tC is what it is, and that is an affordable compact that handles well for a car in its category. Also, the 2.4 liter works well and delivers consistent power.
The tC is not a luxury sedan or high-performance sports car, so don’t expect it to behave like either, and you may be able to appreciate what this hatch-back coupe, meant to entice the younger generation, brings to the table. The aforementioned 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, which puts out 161 horsepower and 162 pounds-feet of torque, is not as fuel efficient and a buyer might expect, but the engine does deliver even power that makes it suited for stop and go driving at lower speeds. It is not a speed demon and reaching 60 miles per hour from a standstill will not be a fast process.
As stated the mileage is noting to write home about but a supercharged version of the Scion tC ups the car’s horsepower to 200 and 184 pounds-feet of torque. This version has an estimated gas mileage of 29 miles per gallon when driven on the highway and 21 miles per gallon when driven in the city. The car does better when the engine is paired with an automatic transmission. The manual transmission is smooth and may add a sportier feel, but there’s no denying that it decreases fuel efficiency.
As we said, this car is aimed at younger drivers so it should come as no surprise that accessories such as body kits, flashier wheels, quality audio systems, personal electronics hookups, sunroof, wrapped steering wheel, key less entry, power windows, reclining rear seats and other visual enhancements are available for the vehicle. Since the car is a hatchback, there is plenty of storage room when the rear seats are folded down. When the seats are up, the back seat area can accommodate two average size adults comfortably. Taller individuals may find that the head room is inadequate.
Safety features on the Scion include anti-lock disc brakes and air bags (including front-side, full-length head curtain and driver-knee). In crash test ratings, the Scion tC scored perfectly in frontal crash testing and received four out of five stars for the safety of passengers in the car.
If you place any stock in the manufacturer of a car, knowing that Toyota is the parent company of Scion tC should alleviate some concerns you may have about the quality of the automobiles. This is not a Toyota, but some of the traditions of the well-respected car builder are on display in the Scion.
So if you know someone looking for a comfortable, reliable ride at a price that should appeal to the most budget conscious buyers then the Scion tC is at least worth considering. You may find it to your liking. Plus, when we looked into the cheapest auto insurance rates, the TC came in pretty high on the list, mainly due to it's safety rating, which is always a nice bonus.
