I AM BUYING MY FIRST SCION tC!! I WOULD LOVE YALL'S OPINIONS
08-14-2008 | 02:50 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 19
From: The beach-Alabama
I AM BUYING MY FIRST SCION tC!! I WOULD LOVE YALL'S OPINIONS
Hey yall.
I am new to this site. I ordered my first tC last week! I am very excited!
-SIZZLING CRIMSON MICA.
I havent emailed the dealer my list of after market accesories so I am looking for some inputs and opinions.
I am not going to be racing or modifying it, I just want it to be hot.
So this is what I have on the list!
-Carbon fiber dash.
-eurostyle rear tail lights
-fog lamps
-mud guards- i live in alabama lol
-blue interior light kit...(would that look okay with the crimson car?)
-premium audio
-electrochromic mirror
-tC door sills
-B pillar appliques. ( i am still undecided on...)
-rear lip spoiler
I would love your suggestions!
[/b]
I am new to this site. I ordered my first tC last week! I am very excited!
-SIZZLING CRIMSON MICA.
I havent emailed the dealer my list of after market accesories so I am looking for some inputs and opinions.
I am not going to be racing or modifying it, I just want it to be hot.
So this is what I have on the list!
-Carbon fiber dash.
-eurostyle rear tail lights
-fog lamps
-mud guards- i live in alabama lol
-blue interior light kit...(would that look okay with the crimson car?)
-premium audio
-electrochromic mirror
-tC door sills
-B pillar appliques. ( i am still undecided on...)
-rear lip spoiler
I would love your suggestions!
[/b]
08-14-2008 | 03:00 AM
#3
Senior Member
Fail, INC
SL Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,435
From: Taxachusetts
Congrats on your tC! I'm on number two. :D
Your list sounds great but if you could avoid dealer bought and even worse, dealer installed accessories please do. If your dad or maybe a boyfriend or (like alot of girls here) you don't mind some trial and error and a small headache, buy those pieces from the classifieds here or on ebay, etc for less money and install them yourself.
Theres a different fog light company that makes fogs (Called VRD) for our tc's that look better than oem, IMO anyway, and are MUCH MUCH cheaper and took me 10 minutes to install.
Thats just a for instance, trying to save you some moolah.
Have fun with the tC
Your list sounds great but if you could avoid dealer bought and even worse, dealer installed accessories please do. If your dad or maybe a boyfriend or (like alot of girls here) you don't mind some trial and error and a small headache, buy those pieces from the classifieds here or on ebay, etc for less money and install them yourself.
Theres a different fog light company that makes fogs (Called VRD) for our tc's that look better than oem, IMO anyway, and are MUCH MUCH cheaper and took me 10 minutes to install.
Thats just a for instance, trying to save you some moolah.
Have fun with the tC
08-14-2008 | 03:03 AM
#4
The ONLY things I would buy from the dealer on that list are the electrochromatic mirror and the premium audio... IF you must have each one. Ask yourself if you must have them. I'd not bother.
Beyond that... any other parts can be bought after the sale and installed with relative ease by yourself or with a friend. Do not pay any dealer prices.
That said... a quick rundown:
-Carbon fiber dash - typically looks like crap, just stickers
-eurostyle rear tail lights - please no, just not a good look for the tC
-fog lamps - VRD fogs are usually considered nicer than the OEMs and are cheaper
-mud guards- i live in alabama lol - eh... up to you.
-blue interior light kit... - i'd avoid it, but you can buy other kits online that will be nicer and probably cheaper
-premium audio - again... do you really need it? and why?
-electrochromic mirror - see above
-tC door sills - only if you must, they don't add much - but can be cheaper after the sale
-B pillar appliques - i wouldn't bother, but if you like the look, buy after the sale
-rear lip spoiler - there are other spoilers out there, but again, cheaper elsewhere if you want it
One of the best places to get parts after the sale is from TRDsparks.com. They're a dealer, but sell parts and accessories below MSRP (which most dealers sell at) and have fantastic service.
Buy your tC with as few options/accessories as possible. Then use the resources here and other sites to get the things you want cheaper and easier later...
Beyond that... any other parts can be bought after the sale and installed with relative ease by yourself or with a friend. Do not pay any dealer prices.
That said... a quick rundown:
-Carbon fiber dash - typically looks like crap, just stickers
-eurostyle rear tail lights - please no, just not a good look for the tC
-fog lamps - VRD fogs are usually considered nicer than the OEMs and are cheaper
-mud guards- i live in alabama lol - eh... up to you.
-blue interior light kit... - i'd avoid it, but you can buy other kits online that will be nicer and probably cheaper
-premium audio - again... do you really need it? and why?
-electrochromic mirror - see above
-tC door sills - only if you must, they don't add much - but can be cheaper after the sale
-B pillar appliques - i wouldn't bother, but if you like the look, buy after the sale
-rear lip spoiler - there are other spoilers out there, but again, cheaper elsewhere if you want it
One of the best places to get parts after the sale is from TRDsparks.com. They're a dealer, but sell parts and accessories below MSRP (which most dealers sell at) and have fantastic service.
Buy your tC with as few options/accessories as possible. Then use the resources here and other sites to get the things you want cheaper and easier later...
08-14-2008 | 05:24 AM
#8
Senior Member
Balliztik
SL Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,538
From: Washington
Hey Bama.......I am from Opp Alabama myself.......my wife and I have a SCM as well.....gonna love it......get a few dealer installed options as you can.....reason being is they charge a lot for them......
Best mod for a car is lowering springs.....better handling and looks much better....also a nice set of rims and sticky tires.
If you have access to anyone with simple car knowledge let them do the work and help them and learn from them.......
the car can look really hot in that color.....my wife and I have a year into ours now and it is nearly complete.......just got a lip kit and Sparco seats to go......well a little more but those are the big changes before year end.......
enjoy your new ride.....one thing though....it is tough color to keep clean and you will find yourself washing and waxing a lot.......we have to weekly.......
I got rear ended yesturday so ours is in the shop gettign a new rear bumper put on and painted......but should be out in time for the local Car Toys show on sunday.
Best mod for a car is lowering springs.....better handling and looks much better....also a nice set of rims and sticky tires.
If you have access to anyone with simple car knowledge let them do the work and help them and learn from them.......
the car can look really hot in that color.....my wife and I have a year into ours now and it is nearly complete.......just got a lip kit and Sparco seats to go......well a little more but those are the big changes before year end.......
enjoy your new ride.....one thing though....it is tough color to keep clean and you will find yourself washing and waxing a lot.......we have to weekly.......
I got rear ended yesturday so ours is in the shop gettign a new rear bumper put on and painted......but should be out in time for the local Car Toys show on sunday.
08-14-2008 | 07:00 AM
#9
Senior Member
SL Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,103
From: I'm da BOOM King!!!
CONGRATS!!! 
Definitely get those accessories at trdsparks.com!!! Don't fatten the wallets of your local "stealership" with projects you can DIY. That huge chunk of change you would be saving can go towards some lowering springs. (And some other things.) GL.
Originally Posted by missbeeler
-Carbon fiber dash.
(I have it and I like it. I've only used some of the pieces. [Gear shift and right below the center vents.] It looks very subtle.)
-eurostyle rear tail lights
(IMHO, TYCs are the best looking [next to the 'o5-'o7] tails around. I have the TYCs and I painted them red.:D )
-fog lamps
(Agree with the masses; VRDs are more hot and a lot cheaper than OEM Fogs.)
-mud guards- i live in alabama lol
( I have these and I painted them Low-Gloss Black. For the price, they definitely keep crud off your ride.)
-blue interior light kit...(would that look okay with the crimson car?)
(Pass. Get some LEDs from superbrightleds.com in blue. Blue would look fine in a SCM tC.)
-premium audio
(Pass. You can pick up a better aftermarket HU for a lot cheaper.)
-electrochromic mirror
(These are cool. If you plan to tint, you may not need this.)
-tC door sills
(I have these and like them a lot! Gives the tC a classier look IMHO.)
-B pillar appliques. ( i am still undecided on...)
(Have them and like them. This item is more a personal preference.)
-rear lip spoiler
(Can't go wrong the OEM Lip Spoiler. Just stay away from the Ped Spoiler. )
I would love your suggestions!
(I have it and I like it. I've only used some of the pieces. [Gear shift and right below the center vents.] It looks very subtle.)
-eurostyle rear tail lights
(IMHO, TYCs are the best looking [next to the 'o5-'o7] tails around. I have the TYCs and I painted them red.:D )
-fog lamps
(Agree with the masses; VRDs are more hot and a lot cheaper than OEM Fogs.)
-mud guards- i live in alabama lol
( I have these and I painted them Low-Gloss Black. For the price, they definitely keep crud off your ride.)
-blue interior light kit...(would that look okay with the crimson car?)
(Pass. Get some LEDs from superbrightleds.com in blue. Blue would look fine in a SCM tC.)
-premium audio
(Pass. You can pick up a better aftermarket HU for a lot cheaper.)
-electrochromic mirror
(These are cool. If you plan to tint, you may not need this.)
-tC door sills
(I have these and like them a lot! Gives the tC a classier look IMHO.)
-B pillar appliques. ( i am still undecided on...)
(Have them and like them. This item is more a personal preference.)
-rear lip spoiler
(Can't go wrong the OEM Lip Spoiler. Just stay away from the Ped Spoiler.
)I would love your suggestions!
08-14-2008 | 08:08 AM
#11
Senior Member
SL Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 335
From: Ohio
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=231283
Look at that first, then see if you can still afford stuff.
Never buy anything from a dealer unless you have to. To me, most of that stuff is a waste anyway, it's all look, not much use if any. The lights help if you drop something on the floor at night but you can get the same thing cheaper somewhere else, or if you want it, you could get brighter kits for less too. The premium radio is so not worth it if you know how to install an after market one yourself, you can get so much more and a much better display (full color) for that price.
Look at that first, then see if you can still afford stuff.
Never buy anything from a dealer unless you have to. To me, most of that stuff is a waste anyway, it's all look, not much use if any. The lights help if you drop something on the floor at night but you can get the same thing cheaper somewhere else, or if you want it, you could get brighter kits for less too. The premium radio is so not worth it if you know how to install an after market one yourself, you can get so much more and a much better display (full color) for that price.
08-14-2008 | 08:20 AM
#12
Senior Member
AlphaSquad
SL Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,324
the only reason why i think he wants those stuff from the dealer, is that it will add to the overall cost of the car and will be included in his monthly payment...rather than buying it after buying the car and having to buy all those separtely that he doesnt have money for all of them at the same time.....
08-14-2008 | 03:47 PM
#13
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 24
From: Columbia, MO
I agree with ack154. I made the mistake of getting all this extra stuff from the dealer. Don't do it.
Only things to get from dealer IMO:
Trd Springs - Nice drop and for $199 you can't beat that
Spoiler - if interested, so you don't have to drill holes
Mudflaps - Not much of actual price difference $8 less on trdsparks....
Trdsparks should be your friend if you really want some of the stuff from your list.
My Mistakes:
Blue interior light kit - I hate the positioning of the lights. In a very kickable area, and an aftermarket stuff would be
cheaper and alot better.
Premium Audio - The sounds is nice, but more and more I'm to get a Pioneer In-Dash Nav System. I only recommend if you have no plans to upgrade audio.
electrochromic mirror - Just get the windows tinted. I don't have any problems the glare on my windows. My tint is 20% in the back.
Fog lamps - You can them cheaper and nicer on ebay. All tCs have the stock wiring if you wanted to wire them the same a OEM.
The others you listed are cheaper to get from Trdsparks[tsp] than dealership [dlr].
Carbon Fiber B-Pillar Appliqué Kit - tsp = $ 48 dlr = $75
Door Sill Enhancements with tC logo - tsp = $64 dlr = $115
Only things to get from dealer IMO:
Trd Springs - Nice drop and for $199 you can't beat that
Spoiler - if interested, so you don't have to drill holes
Mudflaps - Not much of actual price difference $8 less on trdsparks....
Trdsparks should be your friend if you really want some of the stuff from your list.
My Mistakes:
Blue interior light kit - I hate the positioning of the lights. In a very kickable area, and an aftermarket stuff would be
cheaper and alot better.
Premium Audio - The sounds is nice, but more and more I'm to get a Pioneer In-Dash Nav System. I only recommend if you have no plans to upgrade audio.
electrochromic mirror - Just get the windows tinted. I don't have any problems the glare on my windows. My tint is 20% in the back.
Fog lamps - You can them cheaper and nicer on ebay. All tCs have the stock wiring if you wanted to wire them the same a OEM.
The others you listed are cheaper to get from Trdsparks[tsp] than dealership [dlr].
Carbon Fiber B-Pillar Appliqué Kit - tsp = $ 48 dlr = $75
Door Sill Enhancements with tC logo - tsp = $64 dlr = $115
08-14-2008 | 04:50 PM
#15
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 19
From: The beach-Alabama
THANKS FOR ALL THE ADVICE!
I WENT TO TRDSPARKS.COM AND THERE IS A SAVINGS DIFFERENCE OF $1,379 COMPARED TO DEALER'S PRICE!
I THINK I WILL KICK THE SPOILER OFF, IT LOOKS CLEANER W/OUT IT...AGREE??
AND THE VRD FOGS; WHEW THEY TAKE MY BREATH AWAY!
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!
I MIGHT NEED SOME SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FOGS THOUGH lol
THANK YALL SO MUCH!
I WENT TO TRDSPARKS.COM AND THERE IS A SAVINGS DIFFERENCE OF $1,379 COMPARED TO DEALER'S PRICE!
I THINK I WILL KICK THE SPOILER OFF, IT LOOKS CLEANER W/OUT IT...AGREE??
AND THE VRD FOGS; WHEW THEY TAKE MY BREATH AWAY!
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!
I MIGHT NEED SOME SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FOGS THOUGH lol
THANK YALL SO MUCH!
08-14-2008 | 05:03 PM
#16
If you do get a spoiler at all, the lip spoiler isn't bad... but I like mine without.
From what I hear the VRDs are cake to install. And there are quite a few install threads on the forums if you have problems.
From what I hear the VRDs are cake to install. And there are quite a few install threads on the forums if you have problems.
08-14-2008 | 05:05 PM
#17
Senior Member
SL Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 925
My opinions:
-Carbon fiber dash
(i have this, it looks okay - but could've spent $90 on something more useful - don't buy from the dealer...skip )
-eurostyle rear tail lights
(not really my thing '05-'07 tail lights are the best...skip)
-fog lamps
(vrd fogs look better...skip)
-mud guards- i live in alabama lol
(no objections there - helps keep dirt off the car)
-blue interior light kit...(would that look okay with the crimson car?)
(not really my thing....skip)
-premium audio
(scion "premium" audio is crap... do a bit of research on this site and you can get a better sounding system for less...skip)
-electrochromic mirror
(i personally think the broadway rear view mirrors are more useful - bigger viewing angle - and they come tinted to reduce headlight glare)
-tC door sills
(easy as pie to do yourself.. do not buy from dealer...skip)
-B pillar appliques. ( i am still undecided on...)
(again easy as pie to put on.. do not buy from dealer...skip)
-rear lip spoiler
(i guess this one is okay to do at the dealer...but be warned.. they will drill holes in your trunk so be absolutely sure you want it)
-Carbon fiber dash
(i have this, it looks okay - but could've spent $90 on something more useful - don't buy from the dealer...skip )
-eurostyle rear tail lights
(not really my thing '05-'07 tail lights are the best...skip)
-fog lamps
(vrd fogs look better...skip)
-mud guards- i live in alabama lol
(no objections there - helps keep dirt off the car)
-blue interior light kit...(would that look okay with the crimson car?)
(not really my thing....skip)
-premium audio
(scion "premium" audio is crap... do a bit of research on this site and you can get a better sounding system for less...skip)
-electrochromic mirror
(i personally think the broadway rear view mirrors are more useful - bigger viewing angle - and they come tinted to reduce headlight glare)
-tC door sills
(easy as pie to do yourself.. do not buy from dealer...skip)
-B pillar appliques. ( i am still undecided on...)
(again easy as pie to put on.. do not buy from dealer...skip)
-rear lip spoiler
(i guess this one is okay to do at the dealer...but be warned.. they will drill holes in your trunk so be absolutely sure you want it)
08-14-2008 | 05:25 PM
#18
Senior Member
SoCal tC Club
SL Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 599
welcome to scionlife and congrats on the new ride!
there is alot of good info posted here. a couple others mentioned getting lowering springs and i couldnt agree more. no matter what kind of mods you do, your tC is still going to look like a monster truck (well not quite that tall) without lowerings springs.
there is alot of good info posted here. a couple others mentioned getting lowering springs and i couldnt agree more. no matter what kind of mods you do, your tC is still going to look like a monster truck (well not quite that tall) without lowerings springs.
