2005 Scion tC review from North America

As with most people with a 1st generation tC (at least) there is a rattle in the roof in the back. But, I have a high tolerance for noise, so I turn my stereo up and can't hear it.

The thing I can't ignore is the console squeaking. The door over the stereo makes a high-pitched squeak pretty much all the time, BUT not ALL the time. After the car warms up it usually gets worse.

And don't expect any special treatment when you try to cash in your free oil changes. You have to plan to leave the car for several hours since they don't take appointments for it and you have to bring it after normal hours. Or at least the place I took it to did.

The first thing anyone says about this car is what a great deal it is. It is surprisingly inexpensive for everything you get standard.

It has a big engine which gets surprisingly bad mileage (about 22mpg?). It is fast as an auto, and I bet a lot faster with a stick. It gets you going, even after 20,000 miles.

It's small, great for parking in the city and has a pretty good turning radius.

The suspension is stiff and good, but it is very nose-heavy. Makes going around some corners a little hairy. The paint is pretty thin, and the bumper has rock chips all over it.

Overall, I am very happy with this car. I have not been in the shop for repairs, and that is a wonderful change of pace from my previous car. I would suggest, and HAVE suggested this car to other people. A friend of mine bought one of her own (obsessed with it).