Used 2008 Scion tC
2008 Scion tC Review
By KBB Editors
Updated December 23, 2019
Pros
If you were a long-time fan of Toyota’s discontinued Celica, you’ll like what Scion has done with the tC. Its robust power, long list of standard equipment and low base price are exactly what young consumers are looking for in a fuel-efficient sports coupe.
Cons
The tC is long on style but short on rear-seat headroom. At a certain age, you might think the interior is a little too hip — and colorful at night. Drivers taller than six feet may feel cramped behind the wheel.
What's New?
The 2008 Scion tC receives a new face including a mesh grille, lattice lower grille and projector beam-type headlights. Interior upgrades include new seat fabrics, Apple iPod connectivity built into the head unit and a Pioneer subwoofer.
The 2008 Scion tC has proven to be everything its competitors feared. Smartly styled, fuel-efficient and a blast to drive, the little tC is more than just a good value — it has become the poster child for the lucrative aftermarket parts and customization business. Though not as space-efficient as the xD or xB, the tC can comfortably fit two adults and its versatile hatch design makes it easy to carry sports equipment or overnight gear. A near-flawless repair history and excellent resale value are but part of the tC’s early success stories. By holding the tC’s price well below $18,000, Scion has grabbed a substantial chunk of the all-important youth market, attracting young buyers who may likely move up to Toyota and Lexus brands as they grow older.
2008 Scion tC Pricing
2008 Scion tC pricing starts at $5,689 for the tC Spec Hatchback Coupe 2D, which had a starting MSRP of $19,240 when new. The range-topping 2008 tC Hatchback Coupe 2D starts at $4,585 today, originally priced from $21,696.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$19,240 | $5,689 | |||
$21,696 | $4,585 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2008 Scion tC models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
Driving the Scion tC
The tC has inherited much from its Toyota and Lexus heritage. The 2.4-liter engine sings sweetly, with plenty of pulling power, and the five-speed manual delivers crisp, short shifts. Handling and braking are also well above average, making the tC a very fun car indeed. Front-seat passengers enjoy ample head and legroom, but the rear passengers will have to stoop if they’re over six feet tall. The rear area is better utilized by folding down the seats and creating a large cargo hold; the front passenger seat also folds, allowing longer items such as surfboards to be stowed with the rear hatch closed.
Interior Comfort
The tC’s interior is Lexus-like in its execution. Fit and finish are flawless, right down to the seamless dash-mounted airbag. The instrument cluster is neatly arranged into three separate circular housings and the center stack is covered with a silver finish. A large aluminum knob is used to control the climate system, and above it resides a Pioneer CD/MP3 player hidden behind a flip-up panel. New for 2008 is the addition of rear audio outputs on the optional premium sound system, which allow for easy installation of an aftermarket amplifier. The front seats are properly supportive, with nice side bolsters and new fabrics.
Exterior Styling
The tC exterior is handsome, but not revolutionary. From the front, the tC resembles a coupe version of Volvo’s new S40, with a set of lighted eyebrows borrowed from BMW. Around back, the sleek hatch and side windows look a bit like an Acura. A unique item is the massive panorama moonroof included as standard equipment on every car. The new SPEC Package removes the sporty wheels and power moonroof but offers a number of front end treatments to please the most demanding tuner.
Favorite Features
iPod Compatibility
The standard iPod connector allows you to control your iPod via the radio or steering wheel controls. The system is hidden beneath the center console armrest and continually supplies power to the iPod.
LED Interior Light Package
The optional LED interior light package fills the foot wells with neat blue lighting.
Standard Features
The tC has a 161-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), rear defroster, power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry, tire-pressure monitoring system, auto-off halogen headlamps, dual power mirrors, power panorama moonroof, AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 and iPod connectivity, front and rear side-curtain airbags, driver and front passenger airbags, a first aid kit, driver’s knee airbag, cruise control, tilt wheel with audio touch controls and alloy wheels. The slightly less expensive SPEC model is designed for the budding tuner and features steel wheels and a fixed sunroof.
Factory Options
Options include a four-speed automatic transmission, carbon fiber dash applique, ground effects kit, fog lights, Pioneer Premium audio, high-performance engine and suspension components, under-dash interior light kit, navigation system and a host of dealer-installed options.
Engine & Transmission
Like the 2008 xB, the tC receives a big dose of power in the form of a 16-valve 2.4-liter engine. The tC is not as quick as some of its turbocharged rivals, but most people should be pleased with the car’s combination of good acceleration and great gas mileage.
2.4-liter in-line 4
161 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 (manual), 21/29 (automatic)
2008 Scion tC
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2008 Scion tC Styles
2008 Scion tC Depreciation
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2008 Scion Tc Annual Depreciation
Year | Vehicle Depreciation* | Resale Value | Trade-In Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | $81 | $4,012 | $2,377 | ||
2023 | + $144 | $4,156 | $2,556 | ||
2024 | $94 | $4,062 | $2,609 | ||
Now | $582 | $3,480 | $2,072 |
Unlock Forecast
2-Year Forecasted Depreciation
*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.
2008 Scion Tc Depreciation
Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.
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Specifications
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
Curb Weight | 2970 lbs. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 84.7 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 37.6 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 41.6 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 5.2 inches | ||
Overall Length | 174.0 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 54.3 inches | ||
Turning Diameter | 36.1 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 106.3 inches | ||
Width with mirrors | 69.1 inches |
Exterior
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Fog Lights | Available | ||
Moon Roof/Sun Roof | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 2 doors | ||
Panorama Moon Roof | Available | ||
Privacy Glass | Available | ||
Rear Spoiler | Available |
Fuel Economy
City | 21 mpg | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Highway | 29 mpg | ||
Combined | 24 mpg |
Mechanical
Drivetrain | FWD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
4 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular |
Performance
Horsepower | 161 @ 6000 RPM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Torque | 162 @ 4000 rpm | ||
Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter |
Warranty
Basic | 3 years / 36000 miles | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
Entertainment
- iPod Connector
- MP3 Player
- Premium Radio
- Satellite Radio
- CD Player
Interior
- Power Windows
- Rear Window Defroster
- Steering Wheel Controls
- Tilt Steering Wheel
Seating
- Folding Rear Seat
- Cloth Seats
Security
- Alarm System
Technology
- Cruise Control
- Navigation System
- Remote Keyless Entry
2008 Scion tC Safety
2008 Scion tC Safety Technology
- Child Door Locks: Not available
- Child Seat Anchors
- Driver Airbag
- Passenger Airbag
- Front Head Curtain Airbag
- Front Side Airbag
- Rear Head Curtain Airbag
Crash Test Rating
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Used 2008 Scion tC | Used 2012 Hyundai Veloster | Used 2010 Ford Focus | Used 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,585 | $4,200 | $4,103 | $4,774 | |
| KBB.com Rating | N/A | 3.5 | N/A | N/A | |
| Consumer Rating | 4.7 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.6 | |
| Fuel Economy | City 21/Hwy 29/Comb 24 MPG | City 27/Hwy 35/Comb 30 MPG | City 24/Hwy 34/Comb 28 MPG | City 20/Hwy 27/Comb 23 MPG | |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years or 36000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | |
| Horsepower | 161 @ 6000 RPM | 138 @ 6300 RPM | 140 @ 6000 RPM | 162 @ 6000 RPM | |
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
2008 Scion tC Rankings
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FAQs
Is the 2008 Scion tC a good vehicle?
Yes, the 2008 Scion tC is a good car. Its Kelley Blue Book rating of 0 out of 5 is within 10% of our average rating.
What is the MPG for a 2008 Scion tC?
The 2008 Scion tC is rated to return city/highway fuel economy of 21/29 mpg.
How much should a 2008 Scion tC cost?
Used 2008 Scion tC prices currently range from $4,585 for the Hatchback Coupe 2D to $5,689 for the Spec Hatchback Coupe 2D when purchasing from a dealership, depending on a range of factors like equipment, mileage, and condition.
What's the cheapest Scion tC?
The cheapest 2008 Scion tC is the Hatchback Coupe 2D, with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price of $4,585.
Is the 2008 Scion tC reliable?
The 2008 Scion tC is part of the 1st-generation tC, which our owners give an above-average reliability rating of 4.9 out of 5.