...but for some reason the apples and the oranges in me are fighting. What key observation (besides the obvious - power, basic design appeal, etc.) am I missing to help me decide? I'm posting this in both forums, and I expect a lot of model loyalty, but I'm hoping for that one comment that will make me say, "Yeah, I never thought of that, that's an excellent point..." Thanks to all.

 

Have you sat in and driven both? Do you need more head room? How many friends do you usually cart around? Is fuel mileage a concern? What moves you? mY xA RS 1.0 Moved(s) me so you know what my vote is for...

Good luck!

 

If you like both equally, get the xA, its much cheaper. My main complaint when i test drove the xA is the power. The engine cried in pain when I stepped on her too hard. Oh, and I thought the engine was a little on the noisy side.

I think both the xA and tC are such a bargain for what you pay. Cant go wrong either way.

 

obviously you have never driven a 1986 Fiero with the 2.5L "Iron Duke" in it...made a whole whopping 95 HP...that car makes the xA feel like a Big Block Powered Muscle Car in comparison...

gkbs: what is your primary concern with your car?
economy?
hauling people?
comfort?
style? (IMO the xA and tC are about equal in this category )
for me the xA is the best choice...I have three kidlets that have to be transported to various places so the tC is kind of overrruled by default on that alone...that and I think the xA looks cool as hell

 

FWIW... I went to the Scion dealer to look at the tC but the red xA RS caught my eye. I still have yet to drive a tC but I own the xA. :D

BTW, I'm not saying anything bad about the tC or that the xA is better. For me I really like the uniqueness and sporty look of the xA RS. I've owned my car since last Novenber and I've seen maybe 5 xA on the road. The other day I saw 3 tC and 2 xB.

 

I had te same problem

but now that the RS1 is gone... and the RS2 is crap... I'm leaning towards the tC

 

Both are very nice.

I almost test drove a tC , but the price was a bit too high for me. I could have spent the money,yes, but, for the out of door price (around 18k) I would have rather had a slightly used car instead.

 

dude go with the tc. It looks hot once you drop a body kit on it. But if you want the best scion there is youve gotta get a xb. Ihad to say that.

 

i really liked the adjustable driver's seat in the TC.

 

My xA seat is adjustable. . .It slides forward, backward, it even leans forwards and backwards. haha

 

lol no side to side?

 

Im in the same boat. I have an interest in both the xA, and the tC. heres how I weight it...

xA has 4doors, killer gas mileage, costs less.

tC boasts some nice numbers (and if im not mistaken, about as much tq as hp?), and has a smoother, and cleaner look.

I almost bought an xA, but I needed a car faster then waiting for a 5spd to come from the factory. In the time that I have had my Honda, the lust for speed and performance has been taking over my mind. Since I dont own one, I cant say much more then I already have. :D

Oh, and ill just pretend I didnt hear someone say something about a bodykit on a tc. :D Not a big fan of bodykits.

 

xA definitely xA. The tC is too tight and I do not know why the gas mileage is worst than what it says in the sticker. Also the xA looks a lot more radical when tricked out!
The tC has something in the looks that for sure will make it disappear soon. That is one of the reasons the sales are not too good for that model.

 

Actually, tC sales are pretty good considering that one year after the release it has already outnumbered the xA sales which has been out for more than two years

There has been speculation that the tC will become the next 'Civic.' Not because of the 'rice' connotation, but because everyone will own one, even teenage high schooler Johnny down the street. American drivers (especially young adults) will flock to sporty coupes and that's where the tuner market will stay for quite some time.

Whether this is a good thing or not is up to the buyer. On one hand having everyone drive a tC makes your car less unique. On the other is a large aftermarket supply due to a larger volume of owners.

The xA is more unique. Not just because only 30-40k units have been sold nationwide, but becuase of it's round, bulbous styling. Very few hatchbacks resemble the xA save for the Matrix. The value of the xA is even higher than the tC in terms of practicality, space, and gas.

Both are great cars in their own respects. It's all up to the buyer to figure out what their needs are.

 

get both!

 

I bought an xA because it was rated great on gas. Mine gets 32 mpg in the city and I am estatic, I haven't driven it long enough for Hwy rating but they say it will get 40 mpg's. I bought for practicality and commuter car purposes, low and behold my purchase turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I love driving my xA and look forward to spinning around town. The little beast has a lot of get up and go and waiting for the stick will be well worth it. You'll get lots of room and comfort. Sure you will hear the engine rev if you travel at high speeds but it still produces a smooth ride for the size of this little car. Plus you will feel like your in a little Spitfire or MGB!

As for the tC I like the sporty look and all the amenities that came with it but I got to agree that it is tight when it comes to space. It also is not as good on gas due to the larger engine and it is more expensive in price. If Sport is what your looking for than you may be happier looking Sporty in a tC, however, you will also feel Sporty driving in an xA!

 

I like the way you think.. Rich guy.. Buy me one too

 

Good advice! That's exactly what my wife and I did!

And we haven't stopped there...still trying to find financing for an xB. MUST own all three..........

 

yeah it really is apples and oranges. i say test drive both and see which one is a more enjoyable ride. i didnt even test drive mine cuz i already knew? haha. if money is less of a concern i'd go with tC.

 

Personally I think the tC looks to similar to the rest of the cars on the road, especially compared to the xA and tC. the xA is smaller which makes it easier to drive and park. I love pulling U-Turns on streets that my old Camry could never have turned on.

If you do a lot of shopping or buy any bulky items, the hatchback is great. The seats truly fold flat giving great cargo space. I went to a pet feed store the other day for a bale of hay and the lady looked at my xA like I was crazy but within seconds I had room to spare, even with my sister sitting in back.