The 2008 Scion tC isn’t exactly a Civic Si, it’s far from sporty, but it handles well, it’s low-maintenance, it’s fuel-efficient, and it’s affordable, with pricing starting well under $6,000.
Is the 2008 Scion tC a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The 2008 Scion tC is one of the most practical daily drivers available if you don’t need something big enough to carry the whole family.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Dock a point for cramped tight seats, but add a point for generous trunk space.
- Reliability 8/10 – It’s a Toyota, so it’s built to last.
- Safety 7/10 – Crash test ratings are okay, and so is safety tech for the model year.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – The tC does 21/29 miles to the gallon, which is pretty good, even for a coupe.
- Value 8/10 – There are cheaper cars out there, but they usually come with steep repair bills. The low cost of ownership makes the tC one of the better deals for this model year.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Scion tC?
Consumer Reports named the Scion tC a bland, but competent coupe. They liked the comfortable ride, the quiet cabin, the solid handling, and the commendable fuel economy. They note that the car isn’t exactly sporty, it’s not very exciting, but it gets the job done and it’s priced to move.
Kelley Blue Book found the tC to be an acceptable spiritual sequel to the discontinued Toyota Celica. They liked the strong engine and low base price, but note that tall drivers may feel cramped under the low ceiling, and the back seat is a bit tight if you’re planning on making this the family car.
Edmunds praised the tC for its long list of standard features, its capable handling, and its generous cargo space, for the size class. They note limited head room and bland steering in the minuses column.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Scion tC Have?
The 2008 Scion tC has generated just 85 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is pretty low even for a Toyota. Engine complaints make up 22 of the total, with drivers reporting the car using too much oil.
Another 22 complaints go to structural issues, with drivers reporting rear hatch panels snapping off while opening the trunk. Specifically, the garnish assembly separates from the vehicle, with drivers reporting that it starts to fall apart shortly after hitting 40,000 miles.
A handful of airbag complaints see the airbags failing to deploy in the event of an accident.
The 2008 Scion tC has been recalled 3 times in total, all for incorrect load carrying capacity labels.
How Long Will the 2008 Scion tC Last?
Drivers typically report the Scion tC lasting at least 200,000 miles, with some hitting 300,000 and more. A Scion is just a Toyota, and Toyotas are known for their longevity, so it should be no surprise that the tC regularly hits a quarter million miles before the first major repair.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $385, with new rack and pinion systems accounting for the most expensive common repairs, starting at around $1,321. New heater cores aren’t far behind, at around $808.
I have not had any problems with the car. I've driven it for 8 years with minimal maintenance problems.
Yes, it is a very reliable car. For the past 12 years it has never given me any problems. I am sure I'll be driving this car until I am ready to retire.
No it does not have problems other than having to do maintenance every 3,000 miles to change the oil and rotating the tires around.
Yes it is reliable. Of course it has problems because all vehicles have problems but they are not huge.
No the car is great. It is very reliable starts up everyday day in day out. Only have had to change the battery in the car twice since 2009. Change the pile regular and roasted the tires.
No it does not have any problems only the required maintenance aside from that I have never had any problems with it.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment tech in the 2008 Scion tC is pretty good for the model year. CD/MP3 players come standard with 6 speakers and a customized welcome screen. These features may be basic by modern standards, but they’re not bad for a 2008 budget car.
Safety tech is, likewise, good for 2008. Anti-lock brakes come standard and you’ve got electronic brake force distribution. Crash test ratings are okay, but not great. Overall the car is fairly middling in the safety department. Not bad, not impressive, but acceptable when considering what sort of tech was available for this model year.
Is the 2008 Scion tC a Good Value?
The 2008 Scion tC is a pretty good value. A Spec model typically lists for around $5,697, with a Base going for around $5,943. These are essentially subcompact prices for a compact coupe, so that’s not bad.
What really seals the deal is that the car is so light on its feet when it comes to refueling costs, and it’s one of the most low-maintenance cars in its size class, so overall cost of ownership is dirt cheap. Add that to fair sticker prices and you’ve got a pretty good deal on your hands.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Scion tC?
The 2008 Scion tC is offered in just one trim level, with standard features including:
- Remote keyless entry
- Cloth seating
- Manual air conditioning
- Sliding/tilting sunroof
- CD/MP3 player
- Anti-lock brakes
What Engines Come In the 2008 Scion tC?
- The 2008 tC packs a 2.4L inline-four engine delivering 161 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive, and it averages 21/29 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
What Colors Does the 2008 Scion tC Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Scion tC?
The 2008 Scion tC is fairly comfortable, but it’s a bit small. The suspension rides smooth, the seating stretches a decent 47 inches across and the seats are nice and firm, but ceilings may be a bit low for taller drivers, and adults will have a hard time fitting comfortably in the back seat.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Scion tC Have?
The 2008 Scion tC packs 13 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk, which is really good for a compact coupe. The much larger Toyota Avalon only packs about 14 cubic feet, and that’s a full-size sedan. The tC should pack four medium suitcases without issue.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2008 was the fourth model year in the Scion tC’s 1st Generation, which ran from 2005 to 2010.
2006: Audio quality was upgraded for 2006 with a 160 watt speaker system.
2007: The 2007 tC got some interior trim improvements including extendable sun visors and some improved interior fabrics.
2008: Standard airbags were expanded for 2008 with side curtain and torso coverage.
2009: No big changes for 2009.
2010: There were no big changes for 2010 as Toyota were already gearing up a redesign for 2011.
How Does the 2008 Scion tC Compare to the Competition?
The Hyundai Elantra typically sells for around a thousand bucks cheaper than a Scion tC, and, while the Elantra is a solid budget compact, you’ll know where that extra thousand bucks went in a tC when you hit the gas. Neither of these cars are sporty, exactly, but the tC is about 23 horses stronger than the Hyundai.
For more model years than not, the Honda Civic would be the compact that costs a little more money, but is worth every penny. This isn’t the case for 2008, a year when the car saw some major issues with cracked engine blocks and engine failure.
If you’re after a comfortable, fuel-efficient coupe and you’re not exactly looking for a high-performance model, the 2008 Scion tC is one of the best cars you’re going to find for the price.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Scion tC?
Yes, this is a great starter car for someone who does not have a family or need a lot of extra space.
Yes, it is a good vehicle to drive whether I am going to work, running errands, or just driving around.
Yes it is. Very dependable. It has a lot of mileage but never breaks down. It has not given me a single problem other than having to change the oil on a regular basis and changing the tires.
Yes it is. I like it. Its dependable and sporty and attractive and it was inexpensive and its comfortable.
Yes it is a great car. Drives great and is very reliable. The car has amazing sound system. Love the hatchback on the car there is plenty of room in the truck. The back seats can hold tall people with no problem.
Yes is the best in the market. Is economic is fuel and has never given me any issues only necessary maintenance. This model was discontinued from the market which in time will become of great value.