Mazda 3s vs. Scion tC

[scarmiglio]

Whatdya think? obviously these cars are in a slightly different bracket, but have similar engine sizes, horsepower, and quality interiors. Also, stock 17s, good looks, and sporty nature. The tC has the edge in cost, torque, and Toyota resale, but a 3 hatch can carry more stuff, has more desireable options (tpms, xenons, leather) and has more head room.

Is anyone else considering these two vehicles?

 

[dannyboy]

check out this thread...

http://mazda3forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2963&start=0

 

[sam1]

the only thing the scion has on the 3 is that awesome sunroof. other than that, its butt ugly.(butt)

 

[Mazda3Zoomer]

the only thing the scion has on the 3 is that awesome sunroof. other than that, its butt ugly.(butt)

aggreeded.

 

[Kain]

IMHO, Toyota lost its touch with the youth market in North America after they axed the Supra in '99 and never regained it... and this coming from a former 2000 Celica GT-S owner.

 

[scarmiglio]

I used to think it was ugly, but it's really grown on me. The TRD supercharger that will be available is a big plus too. 200+ hp with a factory warranty and toyota reliability. The car looks like it can handle. It has a comparable suspension setup to the 3 with front mcpherson struts and rear double wishbones (vs. the 3's rear E-Type Multi Link suspension).

 

[JunkPunch]

IMHO, Toyota lost its touch with the youth market in North America after they axed the Supra in '99 and never regained it... and this coming from a former 2000 Celica GT-S owner.

The Supra cost $30k+ as a BASE price. The turbo model was $40k+. How was that aimed at the youth market?

 

[mdaj]

Hmmm....first look at the TC makes me think "retarded G35 that somebody tried to kill but it wouldn't die". You may say WTF but looking from the back to the front thats all I can see (monkey2)

 

[mikeyb]

I wouldn't even bother comparing a Sedan with a 3 door Coupe. Wakeup Mazda you need to build a Mazda3 Coupe! I like both cars. The car I would buy is the MZ3 because I need a 4 door. It wouldn't surprise me that Scion with add leather seating, Foglamps, and HIDs headlamps to the option list in the future.

 

[dmitrik4]

"Initially, i was really looking forward to a Scion tC till the word on the pricing by scion reps was, "it will be well below $20,000". That turned me off..."

uhhhhhh, ok. *shrug*

from the reviews i've read of the scion, it seems like a pretty nice car. i like the way it loks, the 5-door hatch design, the interior. apparently w/ the double wishbone rear it handles pretty well, and you can get the 200hp supercharged version for under $20k, or the same price as a typical 3s 5-door. i think the tC comes across as a little more youthful/coupelike and less "family transportation-like" than the 3s.

it's a tough choice, but i'd love to have either car.

 

[mikeyb]

Here's an article from www.autoweek.com about the 05 Scion tC.

http://www.autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=coverstory&content_code=08623557&Search_Type=STD&Search_ID=2172241&record=1

 

[Kain]

The Supra cost $30k+ as a BASE price. The turbo model was $40k+. How was that aimed at the youth market?

The Supra's price (like the other Japanese sports cars of the '90s: 300zx, RX-7, 3000GT) inflated rapidly towards the last years of its American run. Back in the early '90s, it was an affordable sports car for 20 and 30-somethings, and coveted by teens. It was only at the end that even affluent baby boomers balked at the price.

My point is the demise of the Supra signaled the end of Toyota as a "cool" car company. That's when they shifted their focus to their SUV and truck line to tap into that enormous F150/Silverado market.

 

[dulog]

I kinda like the thing. Though some don't like the looks I like it but not quite as much as either Mazda3. No question though even if this thing would have been available I wouldn't have got it because 2 side doors wasn't what I was looking for. I'm guessing insurance will be more for the Scion tC than the Mazda3 since it's a two door (before buying I got quotes for several cars at my zip code and the two door variations tended to be more). I heard that the pricing on Scions is a non negotiable take it or leave it deal so I'm not sure this beats the Mazda3 on price. Did I hear wrong?

 

[sam1]

you know, now that i really look at it, it reminds me of a stretched out echo. UUUUUUGGLLLYYYY!

 

[batmang]

The Supra's price (like the other Japanese sports cars of the '90s: 300zx, RX-7, 3000GT) inflated rapidly towards the last years of its American run. Back in the early '90s, it was an affordable sports car for 20 and 30-somethings, and coveted by teens. It was only at the end that even affluent baby boomers balked at the price.

My point is the demise of the Supra signaled the end of Toyota as a "cool" car company. That's when they shifted their focus to their SUV and truck line to tap into that enormous F150/Silverado market.

did you forget about the celica? yeah, its somewhat expensive, but thats their
" youth " attempt. i think the scion tc is a pretty nice looking car. i wanna see how the supercharged one turns out though.

 

[dulog]

you know, now that i really look at it, it reminds me of a stretched out echo. UUUUUUGGLLLYYYY!

I like it less now.

 

[osudewd]

I wouldn't even bother comparing a Sedan with a 3 door Coupe. Wakeup Mazda you need to build a Mazda3 Coupe! I like both cars. The car I would buy is the MZ3 because I need a 4 door. It wouldn't surprise me that Scion with add leather seating, Foglamps, and HIDs headlamps to the option list in the future.

I couldn't agree more. I would love a 3 coupe and would get one for sure. However I will now have to consider other makes to find a coupe I like. Really why don't they make a coupe version, is the production variety really that costly?

 

[sam1]

according to autoweek, theres going to be not only a 3door coupe, but also a convertable 3 on the way by 2005!!! http://autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=reviews&content_code=02067768&Search_Type=STD&Search_ID=2172404&record=2

 

[osudewd]

according to autoweek, theres going to be not only a 3door coupe, but also a convertable 3 on the way by 2005!!! http://autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=reviews&content_code=02067768&Search_Type=STD&Search_ID=2172404&record=2

Thats cool. Good looking out. Also right about the time I'll be looking to get a new car as well.

 

[mikeyb]

How about a Mazda3 GTX 3 door hatchback? Mazda should grab Volvo's AWD system from the S40/V50. Also Mazda should market a Mz6 Coupe and Convertible.