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Purchasing soon. Rx8 or TC?

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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:11 PM
  #1  
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Question Purchasing soon. Rx8 or TC?

I have been working towards a new car to replace my 2001 Sunfire. It was my first car bought by my parents for $3,000 and I've had for 2 years.
It is now time to upgrade and make my own purchase.
I plan on purchasing by November and I've narrowed it down to two cars.

A 04-05 Rx-8 or an 06-07 Scion TC.

I'm looking to spend around 15 grand.

They are both two different cars so I understand it is comparing apples and oranges. I know this is an Rx-8 forum so there will be some bias, but an honest opinion would help.

I love that the Rx-8 is a unique looking car with a unique engine. For my price range I can find one with leather seats and some kind of sports package...yet...that's one thing that concerns me. How in 4 years the car depreciates almost 50 percent opposed to the TC which depreciates 20-30 percent over that time.


My BIGGEST gripe with the car is the lacking ability to change the HU and how difficult it is to add any audio upgrades. Not that it is impossible, just more expensive and time consuming then most cars.

Many Rx-8 engines have been rebuilt, gas milage is not consistant, the need for oil and higher octane gas are it's low points.

The TC has a lot more low end tourque and is easily custimzable in the audio department. It's not as flashy but seems to be more reliable and holds it's cost better then most cars.


As much as I want the Rx-8 over the TC. It just doesn't seem as practicle in the long run. Is the RX-8 more to handle then it's worth?

Last edited by Truambitionz; Sep 29, 2008 at 02:13 PM.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:14 PM
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are you looking for a sports car or a sport compact?

there is a difference.

one is about racing and the other one is about going a little fast while getting good gas mileage.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:18 PM
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on his 3rd rx8
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first of all rx8= sports car, which means maintainance IS required....tc= civic with another name...
IMHO the rx8 is a WAY better deal, MUCH more perfomance and fun for the money...
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Truambitionz
I have been working towards a new car to replace my 2001 Sunfire. It was my first car bought by my parents for $3,000 and I've had for 2 years.
It is now time to upgrade and make my own purchase.
I plan on purchasing by November and I've narrowed it down to two cars.

A 04-05 Rx-8 or an 06-07 Scion TC.

I'm looking to spend around 15 grand.

They are both two different cars so I understand it is comparing apples and oranges. I know this is an Rx-8 forum so there will be some bias, but an honest opinion would help.

I love that the Rx-8 is a unique looking car with a unique engine. For my price range I can find one with leather seats and some kind of sports package...yet...that's one thing that concerns me. How in 4 years the car depreciates almost 50 percent opposed to the TC which depreciates 20-30 percent over that time.


My BIGGEST gripe with the car is the lacking ability to change the HU and how difficult it is to add any audio upgrades. Not that it is impossible, just more expensive and time consuming then most cars.

Many Rx-8 engines have been rebuilt, gas milage is not consistant, the need for oil and higher octane gas are it's low points.

The TC has a lot more low end tourque and is easily custimzable in the audio department. It's not as flashy but seems to be more reliable and holds it's cost better then most cars.


As much as I want the Rx-8 over the TC. It just doesn't seem as practicle in the long run. Is the RX-8 more to handle then it's worth?
Ill still spank a TC up and down the block without any torque.

Since when is an RX8 comparible to a Scion?
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:25 PM
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Are you looking at a stick shift? I own and RX8 and have driven a TC, both manuals. I can say that the TC clutch and shifter are complete **** compared to the RX8. Drive both and you'll see. It almost feels like there is nothing to the clutch on the TC. The shifter on the TC is also in a weird postition and the gears feel so damn close together. Maybe I'm just used to the RX8, but I've driven other sticks before and the TC definitely seems different.

And as the other 2 have said, the RX8 kicks so much more *** than the TC. As you expected to get some bias opinions, but I also included my opinion of how both drive. Yeah you'll spend more on gas on the 8, but you'll probably have that much more fun driving it as opposed to the TC. If you don't mind the gas, then go with the 8.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:31 PM
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drag racing
scion tc = 15 second car
rx8 = 14 second car

autocross
scion tc = do they even autocross this car?
rx8 = b-stock national champ 4 years running

rolex series
scion tc = uh....
rx8 = it won the street tuner class cup last year

gas mileage
scion tc = 21/29
rx8 = 16/22

power
scion tc = 161 hp / 162 lbs/ft
rx8 = 232 hp / 159 lbs/ft

but these stats are meaningless. go out and test drive both and see what you think.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by kersh4w
drag racing
scion tc = 15 second car
rx8 = 14 second car

autocross
scion tc = do they even autocross this car?
rx8 = b-stock national champ 4 years running

rolex series
scion tc = uh....
rx8 = it won the street tuner class cup last year

gas mileage
scion tc = 21/29
rx8 = 16/22

power
scion tc = 161 hp / 162 lbs/ft
rx8 = 232 hp / 159 lbs/ft

but these stats are meaningless. go out and test drive both and see what you think.
scion tc= GAY
rx8=NOT GAY

Long story short.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by kersh4w
are you looking for a sports car or a sport compact?

there is a difference.

one is about racing and the other one is about going a little fast while getting good gas mileage.
Originally Posted by Renesis07
Ill still spank a TC up and down the block without any torque.

Since when is an RX8 comparible to a Scion?

They're comparable to me as far as looks and price are concerned. I'm not looking for a race car, but at the same time, I do drive aggressively and could become accustomed to the speed.


Originally Posted by Guy Hollywood
Are you looking at a stick shift? I own and RX8 and have driven a TC, both manuals. I can say that the TC clutch and shifter are complete **** compared to the RX8. Drive both and you'll see. It almost feels like there is nothing to the clutch on the TC. The shifter on the TC is also in a weird postition and the gears feel so damn close together. Maybe I'm just used to the RX8, but I've driven other sticks before and the TC definitely seems different.

And as the other 2 have said, the RX8 kicks so much more *** than the TC. As you expected to get some bias opinions, but I also included my opinion of how both drive. Yeah you'll spend more on gas on the 8, but you'll probably have that much more fun driving it as opposed to the TC. If you don't mind the gas, then go with the 8.
I appreciate the opinion. My current car is automatic and I learned to drive stick in a 99 Corolla. I guess it's hard to compare from lack of experience. I'm going to be test driving some in a few weeks.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:41 PM
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me too i learned stick off a 99 corolla, then upgraded to the rx8....DAMN what a DIFFERENCE in EVERTHING...took time to learn but IMO the rx8 is easier to drive
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:43 PM
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I say you buy the tC.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:45 PM
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^i agree
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:47 PM
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if ur even thinking about buying a tc, you dont deserve an rx-8
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:50 PM
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TC=Girl car
RX-8 = Man Car
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Truambitionz
I have been working towards a new car to replace my 2001 Sunfire. It was my first car bought by my parents for $3,000 and I've had for 2 years.
It is now time to upgrade and make my own purchase.
I plan on purchasing by November and I've narrowed it down to two cars.

A 04-05 Rx-8 or an 06-07 Scion TC.

I'm looking to spend around 15 grand.

They are both two different cars so I understand it is comparing apples and oranges. I know this is an Rx-8 forum so there will be some bias, but an honest opinion would help.

I love that the Rx-8 is a unique looking car with a unique engine. For my price range I can find one with leather seats and some kind of sports package...yet...that's one thing that concerns me. How in 4 years the car depreciates almost 50 percent opposed to the TC which depreciates 20-30 percent over that time.


My BIGGEST gripe with the car is the lacking ability to change the HU and how difficult it is to add any audio upgrades. Not that it is impossible, just more expensive and time consuming then most cars.

Many Rx-8 engines have been rebuilt, gas milage is not consistant, the need for oil and higher octane gas are it's low points.

The TC has a lot more low end tourque and is easily custimzable in the audio department. It's not as flashy but seems to be more reliable and holds it's cost better then most cars.


As much as I want the Rx-8 over the TC. It just doesn't seem as practicle in the long run. Is the RX-8 more to handle then it's worth?
More like comparing an apple to a spit out sunflower seed.

No offense, and Im not trying to be an ***, it sounds like the RX8 is all wrong for you anyways. Test drive them both and take it from there.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 02:59 PM
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Ok... how about this.

I can almost guarantee everyone here that if he buys the 8, he'll come back whining and complaining about the gas mileage.

Buy the tC.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:00 PM
  #16  
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^exactly thanks for pointing that out...i was to busy eatin to do that
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:06 PM
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if youre not in love with it, you will regret it... if you ARE, then you wont.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by PBlue
if youre not in love with it, you will regret it... if you ARE, then you wont.
He must REALLY love it to compare it to a TC, from the sounds of it, he loves a scion so much to think it compares to an 8
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:11 PM
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please buy the TC. Thanks.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:22 PM
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Well how about this. Do you want a common car that screams out " BOY RACER ! " or do you want a not so common car that says " Man with Taste "
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:31 PM
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Well, lets see...

The RX-8 is better looking by far, faster, more enjoyment driving it..

The tC has better gas mileage. The end.

I think the pro's and con's show you plain as day!
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:38 PM
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Get the TC so yo ucan customize it with awwwwesome Scion parts. It's going to be a lego kit!
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:40 PM
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all in all, YOU GOTTA PAY TO PLAY...F*CK MPG!
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:46 PM
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Well, to be honest, the tC isn't bad looking. It actually looks really aggressive hence the reason why you see so many tC "boy racer" owners out there. It's just that it's a POS platform with a POS engine.
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Old Sep 29, 2008 | 03:47 PM
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I also think it's alot better than a Civic (with the exception of the Si's).
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