2005 Scion tC: Second-quarter update

[BMWDave]

2005 Scion tC: Second-quarter update
Fountain of Youth? Even Oldsters Dig The tC
ROGER HART
Published Date: 6/13/05
SECOND-QUARTER UPDATE
MILES DRIVEN (quarter/to date): 3549/9639
FUEL MILEAGE (quarter/to date): 24.61 mpg/25.96 mpg
FUEL COST (quarter/to date): $315.98/$741.20
DAYS OUT OF SERVICE (quarter/to date): None/none
MAINTENANCE: None
READERS: If you own one of the following we?d like to hear from you: Volkswagen Phaeton, Scion tC, Dodge Magnum, Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Land Rover LR3, BMW 545i, Honda Ridgeline. Send comments for use in future updates to autofile@crain.com.

Shortly after our long-term Scion tC showed up at One AutoWeek Tower and staffers were able to cycle through the car putting on a few miles, several of the 40-plus-year-old staffers started viewing the little car as a dose of Geritol: A night or two behind the wheel left you feeling, well, if not more hip, at least a bit younger.

After a half-year with the car, those feelings remain. While some on staff took their time warming up to the tC, for the most part the more we drive it, the more we like it.

At the top of the likes list is the price. At $20,282, few can argue the car is not a good value. It?s a comfortable ride with a potent-enough engine to keep the driver engaged in the process. We also like the versatility of the hatchback and being able to fold the rear seats forward to haul some ungainly cargo, like a couple of bikes in need of repair. Try doing that in your standard two-door coupe.

The tC?s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is rev-happy and we like the five-speed manual gearbox. The powerplant is Toyota-smooth and with the gearbox, keeps the driving fun factor high. Even after nearly 10,000 miles, the shifter is a pleasure to use and the chassis and suspension feel as tight as the day the car arrived.

As our second quarter in the car was right in the middle of one of Michigan?s snowiest winters in some time, the tC drew mixed reviews. One editor found the car more than adequate in the snow while a couple others thought otherwise.

?As dog sleds go, the Scion ain?t bad,? wrote one editor with a lengthy daily commute. ?With a few inches of snow to work with, the front-driver plunged into the conditions without complaint and readily hauled through the neighborhood snow piles en route to the main road.?

Another snowy day left one editor unable to get out of her drifted driveway. She eventually rocked her way out of the snowbank after depositing a bit of coolant as the engine warmed up. Another editor had a close encounter with an Ohio Turnpike guardrail after a 360-degree spin on an icy off-ramp. The only damage was a scrape to the front fascia. That, and the editor?s confidence.

The 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 225/40ZR all-season Pirelli P Zero Nero tires are better suited to dry-weather driving than the slippery stuff, and save for the above-mentioned spin the tC handled with aplomb most of what Mother Nature nastily dished out. Some staffers questioned not outfitting the car with snow tires, but with nothing but warm weather ahead, that?s a moot point. We?ll keep our experience in mind for future cars wearing sporty rubber, despite the all-season moniker.

The factory-installed satellite radio continues to draw raves, especially the XM traffic feature, though many staffers continue to have problems using the radio due to the small buttons. But the sound system rocks, just as any car trying to appeal to a younger audience must do.

The interior is beginning to show signs of wear. Several staffers noted in the car?s logbook they are hearing some creaks and rattles and a good bit of wind noise, most noticeably from the sunroof. While still supportive and comfortable, the fabric-covered seats, especially the driver?s seat, seems to be getting shinier with wear.

Other than the scratch in the fascia, the car still looks good and those optional alloy wheels remain some of the best-looking factory wheels we?ve seen. The car didn?t miss a day of service in the second quarter, though we?ve noticed a light-throttle stumble or stutter when the engine is cold. We?ll have it checked out at our next service.