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?

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.

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...

Ill still spank a TC up and down the block without any torque.

Since when is an RX8 comparible to a Scion? :banghead:

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 shit 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 ass 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.

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.

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.


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.

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

I say you buy the tC.

^i agree

if ur even thinking about buying a tc, you dont deserve an rx-8

TC=Girl car
RX-8 = Man Car

More like comparing an apple to a spit out sunflower seed.

No offense, and Im not trying to be an ass, it sounds like the RX8 is all wrong for you anyways. Test drive them both and take it from there.

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.

^exactly thanks for pointing that out...i was to busy eatin to do that

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 :lol:

please buy the TC. Thanks.

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 "

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!

Get the TC so yo ucan customize it with awwwwesome Scion parts. It's going to be a lego kit!

all in all, YOU GOTTA PAY TO PLAY...F*CK MPG!

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.

I also think it's alot better than a Civic (with the exception of the Si's).