new to scions and foreign cars

Hey everyone!

My previous car, a 1993 Ford Thunderbird, died and so my search for a new car began. I looked at a couple cars before settling on the TC.

Eventually the TC seemed to have what I needed a sporty car at a decent price and good gas mileage (previously my tbird was getting around 17mpg with 4.10s).

So now I own a 2005 Scion Tc. I bought it mid december 2010 with 34,000 miles and 1.5yrs left on the factory warranty. It is a factory black interior with the silver accents and factory blue accent lighting. A few things attracted me to the Tc: the gas mileage, the panoramic roof with sun roof, the low miles, and the blue accent lighting (somewhat similar to the new mustangs i looked into as well).
Now I knew looking at the car it came with the camry 2.4l engine, but I was still skeptical with the power it would put out.

Now it was nothing compared to the 400hp gto i test drove a week prior, but was not bad for what i expected out of a 4banger.

Overall I am very happy with my purchase, but I needed to make the car mine... as I always seem to do with my cars (this being my third DD, 4th overall car.

I almost immediately replaced the entire audio system. I put in the front Apline type R component speaker system. In the rear I put Apline type R coaxil speaker system followed up with in the rear hatch a 10" powered amp by infinity. This is all run by a pioneer 3200bt av unit. I also replaced the stock 17" rims and tires with 18" aftermarket black 5-star rims.

More recently (this past weekend) I had the windows all tinted (5% in the rear and 50% upfront) and then tonight I just installed my powder coated black mesh badge-less grille. I'm waiting for warmer weather to install the black vinyl that goes over the bumper between the two mesh grilles and probably this weekend I will install the two aftermarket black housing tail lights I bought. I'll post some pictures one I get those done.

I hope you guys like the ride and I look forward to learning a lot more about these cars. I'd ultimately like to get more power out of it, but I know it's an auto so its a bit tougher (the only draw back to the car as originally I wanted to buy a manual car for my next one as my first car was a manual). I'll post photos this weekend!

Nice to meet you Scott. I will definitly put up some pictures (hopefully this weekend I'll be able to get some taken). I ultimately went with this car because like you said they're supposed to be reliable and they were well rated as well. This was essential for me since I commute 45mins-an hr about 6-7 days a week. I already started poking around the forums and look forward to finding a lot more and meeting more people and believe me I'm sure I'll be pming you with questions eventually lol