Overview & Reviews

The Scion tC heads into 2008 sporting fresh front and rear styling, an updated instrument panel and new seat fabric. As in other 2008 Scions, an auxiliary audio input jack now comes standard.

• Generous standard equipment list, power and handling suitable for everyday driving, roomy backseat and cargo area.

• Limited headroom for taller drivers, not as involving to drive as some competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 89.00

• 

  Not My First Choice But the Better Choice! - 2008 Scion TC
  By B Hudson - December 6 - 9:34 am

  In March 2016, I purchased a damn 2008 Scion tC w/5 speed manual transmission. I do not think highly of the dealership I purchased it from but the car has been a great decision so far. I was not comfortable making yet another purchase on a car over 100k miles. The vehicle had 122k when I purchased it and now it is at 128k. I am surprised the car is in almost flawless condition. The body is in mostly good shape. I can tell the previous owner was not the best driver based on a few dings around the body. The rear bumper clear coat is completely gone. I am estimating that I will have to repaint the rear bumper. The car has been in Florida its entire life and I can tell the vehicle has never been waxed...ever. Dangerous never to wax here. I know Toyota and Honda have questionable paint qualities but waxing it once in a while will help! Since I have owned the vehicle I have flushed the radiator, changed the thermostat (no leaking, no overheating), two oil changes, new tires, new brakes and rotors, throttle cleaning. I plan on replacing the spark plugs soon. The only major mechanical issue with the car occurred a few weeks ago after I performed my brake change. The vehicle lost all oil. After running a check, the oil valve cover casket went out. It does not appear to be a common problem based on what I am told but it does happen. I am estimating I does am right at 30 miles per gallon on fuel, higher than EPA Estimates. I am not thrilled with the acceleration of the vehicle but it gets the job done. The manual transmission is easy to operate, mostly smooth shifting. Because of the electronic throttles they use in cars now, there is a slight lag on second gear, be prepared for it if you leave the car off for hours and start driving. The sound system is great, I wish the car had Satillite Radio which may end up installing myself. Except for the basic maintenance I just mentioned, the vehicle has required little maintenance! I would recommend using HID headlights instead of the factory headlights. The factory lights have a limited range. Expect to fill up with $30. Do not expect a racing machine from the tC but it is a fun car to drive, comfortable, not cramped for a two door. I would never bother driving the 4 speed automatic version of this car as it would be boring and full of problems. Stick with the manual, be gentle on it and it will be reliable for a long time.

• 

  Great Car!! - 2008 Scion TC
  By rvart06 - November 18 - 3:50 am

  I have owned this car for about a week and a half now and Im pretty satisfied with it. I was told by the selling agent at the dealership that the car goes through tires quickly, which is really its only negative aspect. I was told one set of tires will last about 1 mile/15,000 miles. The car handles decently, with satisfying acceleration. The braking is a tad on the weaker side, probably because the car is 3000 lbs. Also, when taking a sharp turn at higher speeds (around a corner for example) there is considerable body roll. But other than these minor things, the car is great!! Great features for the price, fun to drive, great body styling!

• 

  Still Feels New! - 2008 Scion TC
  By jst4kix - October 24 - 1:03 am

  I purchased my tC in October of 07, so almost 2 years ago. I traded in my 00 Ford Focus for this and lets just say it was a huge upgrade! I feel so confident when I drive my tC, especially when its perfect weather to open the sunroof and go cruising with the iPOD on shuffle. Its always fun to play around a little bit and floor it when the light turns green...great acceleration! You get so much for the reasonable, no-haggle price. Love it!

• 

  Not your average little car... - 2008 Scion TC
  By Tim Searson - October 20 - 9:53 pm

  Being close to 60, I felt odd looking at a car thats the favorite of tweakers. I traded in a 2002 Toyota Solara because I wanted better gas mileage and Id heard that 2008 was the last for the Solara, so it was out. I wanted a coupe, but the Yaris was too small so I looked at the Scion tC. I was surprised to find there wasnt any haggling about the price - what you see is what you get, but the dealer was very generous on my trade-in. I was amazed at the big interior; even bigger than the Solara. I miss the Solaras leather seats and the cushy interior, but the tC is comfortable and the ride is smooth. And I love the upgraded Pioneer sound system! Wish Id opted for the navigation system.

• 

  2008 Scion tC - A REAL Head Turner! - 2008 Scion TC
  By Bradhere - October 4 - 12:46 pm

  Every place I drive my Scion tC: I find people stopping to look and ask questions, making comments on how GREAT! the car looks. I am over 50 and have 3 other automobiles. Of all these, this is the most fun to drive. Feels like I am in my second childhood.

• 

  Bad paint - 2008 Scion TC
  By Terry - May 20 - 8:23 am

  I have only put 5,000 miles on the car. I do 90% highway driving and at 65 mph get 32-34 mpg. Its a good looking car, comfortable, has decent performance with good mileage for performance level. The biggest problem is the paint is thin and gets a lot of chips and this is in summer time driving. I have noted this chip comment from several reviews dating back to the orginal car and would think that Toyota would fix the problem by 2008!

• 

  Best bang for the buck - 2008 Scion TC
  By Vladimir - April 1 - 3:40 pm

  Excellent car for the money. You simply can not find a car at this price with so many features. The engine is very "torquey" for a 4 cylinder and delivers great acceleration. The number of additions available to this car is also amazing. The gas mileage is good, but isnt outstanding. The new headlights and tailights really made the exterior go from average looking to attractive looking (especially with the pedestal spoiler). The manual transmision shifts very well, just as well as my old prelude. The handling is ok, could be more responsive.

• 

  the right car for you - 2008 Scion TC
  By the best car for you - March 27 - 4:23 pm

  This car was my dream car. I now own one beautiful 2008 scion tc and I am proud of it. It has a ton of Nice features that come standard. This car was my first car and I am in high school at the age of 16.This little car is a fast little booger. When you are driving you dont hear the cars when you go past them. It is built on racing suspension and other race car stuff so it drives really smooth and comfortable. The gas mileage on this thing is awesome. My parents surprised me with it one day and I already wanted one so I was very happy. All my friends love it and my younger brothers want it. I am soon getting a spoiler and a Nice catback exhaust and an air intake system on it to make it More fast. Buy one

• 

  One great car for the money - 2008 Scion TC
  By GENE WAFFLE - January 16 - 3:06 pm

  Awesome vehicle for the money spent. I opted for the automatic for driving around DC and northern VA, shifting is a pain, car has excellent pickup for a four cylinder, good gas mileage ( I average around 30 city/34 on hwy loaded with features, power windows/locks, power sun roof, great stereo sound for stock system, great looking alloy wheels quite decent in snow so far with stock tires (Yokohama S32a) I really love the car, put on spoiler and really looks sharp which seems like no one else in NY does. And this car is not just for young people, I am 42 and I love it

• 

  Well built, well equipped - 2008 Scion TC
  By ScionTc59 - December 15 - 11:10 pm

  I compared similar models in the tCs price range (Mazda3, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra) and found this to be the best bang for the buck, very well equipped, and lots of room for modifications. Very smooth and quiet ride, could be a bit roomier as I am tall (64") but I fit ok. Looks great and overall fit and finish are excellent! Would highly recommend!