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Hyundai Tiburon Vs. Scion tC - READ ONLY

50 messages,  Last post on Feb 09, 2009 at 3:09 PM

You are in the Scion tC Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Tiburon, Scion tC, Hatchback

Messages Page 3 of 6

#19 of 50 Re: [sunnyrodeo] by richs3

Apr 03, 2007 (4:43 pm)

Replying to: sunnyrodeo (Apr 03, 2007 3:36 pm)
Good coverage. I think those are fair balanced and unbiased comments for the most part. I am contemporary to you, except I once owned a Tiburon, a black Tiburon. Somehow when I walked away from the car, I found that I kept looking back . . . like in the parking lot, like, okay horsey, stay there I'll be back in just a little, in admiration, or at least I should say, a sense of satisfaction. Okay, granted, it's not Rolls Royce, I'm easily enough satisfied with just a tidbit or tib-bit of acceleration and style. Yup, the Tiburon came packed up enough, with leather seats, and the (I know this is not a big thing to some people, but to me it made notable difference moon roof that tilt-lifted more like 5 or 6 inches, instead of just two, before it totally opened up. Plus, there were no recalls on that feature for the Tib. The seat was more comfortable, and more ergonomic to my back, which I have pulled more than once. Now, I see it's not that hard to get a whole 'nother seat, I see a lot of "after-market" items, but then . . why not get it right the first time? As for head-room, is it my imagination, or did I have more in Tib, sure seems like it, though maybe for leg room in back seat, but I don't usually sit there when I'm driving. And certainly less head space in back for any passengers I might have that aren't children, or short gals. The TC looks better? Yeah, I think it looks pretty neat definitely a plus, and it is a consistent ride, and plenty of things to fix it up. My Tib was automatic trans, but I agree about the 5-speed. However, third gear can work pretty nice to wind up to 65-ish (don't sue me if you go to far and redline though) Fourth gear will pretty much cover most freeway driving with punch, if you want to waste the gas, and at first, 5th gear seems to progress into high rpms sooner than wanted, but it really travels rather slowly towards the red line. It's all you need on freeways (though more could be desirable). I won't risk talking in great detail about high speeds. The tires that came with my car, okay, but too touchy with grooves and paving on some freeways and on-ramps, be careful of any gutter balls, I'd recommend other tires. As far as the Tiburon being "smoother", really don't know what that means, unless it pertains only to comparing with manual trans in Tiburon. Certainly it was not smoother that auto. As for Tiburon having stiffer suspension, yes, even the professional reviewers echo that for Tiburon. I like my TC, and find myself liking it more and more as time goes on, but end of this long entry for me would be: I look better in my TC, but I felt better in my Tiburon, much better. On the other I don't know if Tiburon ages as nicely. Excuse me for the lengthy comment, but maybe will be of interest to someone. r.s.

#20 of 50 Re: [sunnyrodeo] by richs3

Apr 03, 2007 (5:58 pm)

Replying to: sunnyrodeo (Apr 03, 2007 3:36 pm)
Oh, although I rambled a lot in my previous response (not as well structured as yours), still one more thing I would like to respond to was your comments: > Actually, you get used to that somewhat. I can drive it fairly smooth, though I don't drive other manuals, so, I lack that perspective. BUT, for 1st gear at least, DEFINITELY could be a smoother engage process. What!? Do they want to embarass me with my date who's used to BMW's? (Oops, too late.) And second gear is a bit whiney, sort of like me, I guess. I did adapt somewhat though, I have 2005 version, if that makes a diff. In no wise does the clutch feel 'cheap', by any means, but I think they (the Ty-people) should have worked more with the ratios, and experimented more. Heck, if they could do it right, I would just as soon have a four speed, and not have to shift into second so quickly. If it's fair to compare automatic to manual, the first gear in TC seems to pick faster than the Tib did, though for just a few split seconds, and it offers a little bit of sound sensation with scratch. It still doesn't compare much though, even to the Tib-automatic. Nevertheless, if you wind out the gears a bit, good passing action. Hey, anyone want to loan me about .75K $ + tax + installation costs, so I can add high performance muffler, and cool air induction to increase anywhere between 7 and 12 horsepower? (kidding, but yes I'm open to, maybe the Toyota people will read this and feel sorry for me.) In all fairness, TC, as 4-cylinder, vs Tib 6-cylinder, competes very well for its size. But does it compete very well for its cost? It does get better gas mileage than Tib, and has good upgrade potential if you don't mind extra investments, above and beyond normal maintenance, to achieve a bit more 'entry level' edge.

#21 of 50 Love my '07 Tiberon SE by heavyrightfoot

Apr 06, 2007 (12:57 pm)

I have to weigh in with my two cents on this issue. First of all, you can compare the Tc with the Tib on this site and see the difference in horsepower, headroom, legroom, etc between the two vehicles. The tib wins most of those, t least in the front seat. I admit, I'm short (5'8") but I'm fat (290 lbs.) and that front seat is more comfortable than my expensive executive desk chair.
 
In my opinion,how the engine sounds in the first two or three gears doesn't matter one bit. I'm not in any of them long enought to hear it. OK... I stay in third gear in most local driving, but once I'm on the highway, I'm in 5th or 6th (did I just admit to 6th?).
 
The clutch is stiff enough to keep me from riding it, but responsive enough to let me shift the early gears as quickly as I like.
 
I also agree with Richs3's comments about how it looks. Especially the new Carbon Grey color for '07.
 
My only complaint is that the window design doesn't allow for a ventvisor, and the windshield design brings rainwater right into the driver's window. Like I said in my review, it's almost enough to get me to quit smoking.

#22 of 50 Mileage? by paisan

Apr 11, 2007 (4:33 am)

Replying to: heavyrightfoot (Apr 06, 2007 12:57 pm)
What kind of milage are you guys seeing on the Tib v. Tc? Right now I'm looking for a sub $20k commuter car for here in the NY/NJ area and looking at all kinds of options:
Tiberon
Tc
Impreza
 
Mostly looking for something with good milage and good traction in the wet/snow/dry
 
-mike

#23 of 50 Re: Mileage? [paisan] by heavyrightfoot

Apr 11, 2007 (7:57 am)

Replying to: paisan (Apr 11, 2007 4:33 am)
The 2.7 V6 is getting me about 20 Mpg in the city. If you're looking for under 20K then you won't be getting the Tib V6 (I paid 22K for mine) , but the 4 Cyl Tib will get you from point A to B with good gas mileage and FWD traction in snow and bad weather.
 
Of course it won't perform like the V6, but.... I guess we all sacrifice Mpg for Hp and Ft lbs of Torque.

#24 of 50 Hyundai Tiburon reliable? by stepdad

May 08, 2007 (3:43 pm)

I hope someone reads this, because I am soon going to plunk down $17-20K for a 2007 Tiburon GT (5 speed) for my wife's 17 year-old son, as a gift from both of us. But, I worry about the problems that may be encountered with a Hyundai. The boy really likes the car's styling, but I am not so sure about the reliability, given the 2003 Tib's history. And the not-so-great rep of Hyundai in general. I have owned nothing but Toyotas for the past 20 years (four different Toyotas), and only had one warranty issue in all thoese 20 years, which the dealer took care of quickly and with no headaches. So, I lean towards the Scion tc.
 
Are the 2007 or even the 2006 Tiburons holding up after 25k or more miles? or, are we considering a lemon for my stepson?
 
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

#25 of 50 Re: Hyundai Tiburon reliable? [stepdad] by heavyrightfoot

May 08, 2007 (4:26 pm)

Replying to: stepdad (May 08, 2007 3:43 pm)
I would be much more concerned about your teen-aged stepson wrapping the Tiburon around a tree than about its reliability.
 
I've had my 6 speed 07 SE for about 3500 miles now and I love it more than ever... I'm 40 years older than your boy, and even I sometimes have trouble restraining myself on a long windy road.
 
The warranty pretty much speaks for itself, but the Tib's performance makes it more dangerous for a relatively new driver. The scion looks cool but doesn't have quite the muscle of the Tib.
 
The good news is that the back seat is too small to fit many friends so he's not very likely to be distracted.
 
I have to believe that the insurance is going to be pretty hefty for the lad too... perhaps if he pays the premium he'll have some incentive to keep it on the road....
 
... so think about all the angles, and make the choice you think is best for him.

#26 of 50 Re: Love my '07 Tiberon SE [heavyrightfoot] by heavyrightfoot

May 08, 2007 (4:41 pm)

Replying to: heavyrightfoot (Apr 06, 2007 12:57 pm)
Just thought I'd give you all an update... 3500 miles, avg. 20-22 Mpg overall.. and... I did quit smoking so I didn't have to re-detail the inside of my door after every rain.
 
It still goes like a bat out of Hades, and my neighbor in his Audi TT always makes sure he leaves before I do so as not to get embarrassed at the light.
 
I love my Tib SE

#27 of 50 Re: Hyundai Tiburon reliable? [stepdad] by richs3

May 08, 2007 (10:11 pm)

Replying to: stepdad (May 08, 2007 3:43 pm)
Who said you're considering a lemon? Whatever glitches there were with the 2003 Tiburon, it's history, unless of course, you have also heard that there were glitches with 2004, 2005, 2006, and now 2007. I suspect you haven't. Think all the good things you want to about Toyota, but sometimes when cars get a reputation, they stretch it, along with your billfold. And next thing you know, a person is no longer getting the deal for the wheel they used to. I had an auto-trans, was excellent. It appears that some (not all, but some) have had problems with the Tib's manual cluth, but other than that. . (?) TC' had a problem with their moonroofs initially, also. Are your qualms from the past readily substantiated with data from the present? Evidently not. But if you've read entries in this forum, you've noted plenty of drivers very pleased with their Tiburon. You love your stepson, you want to be a good steward with your money, commendable, but I would encourage you not to insult a good car. Yes, Toyota TC's are okay, I have one, but maybe you can tell where my patronage and enthusiasm is. At any rate, the shoe should fit the foot, and suit the fancy of the one driving it, if it is a gift. All things being equal. Questions will be: Gas mileage, responsible driver(?), and slightly higher car insurance than Tib. No, I am not a Hyundai Salesperson.

#28 of 50 Re: Hyundai Tiburon reliable? [richs3] by stepdad

May 10, 2007 (10:27 am)

Replying to: richs3 (May 08, 2007 10:11 pm)
Hyundai just does not have a very good record when it comes to reliability, hence the concern for a lemon risk. And to me, the Hyundai's look kind of "tinny". You had an AT, Tiburon; I am considering a five speed for the boy, because he REALLY wants a manual. But it is the MTs of the Tiburon that seem to be having problems, still, you suggest? The tC did have moonroof problems, but there is plenty of data out there that suggests that Toyota fixed the problem - and I am not considering a 2006 tC, just a new 2007 tC. Also, Toyota/Scion fixed the moonroofs under the warranty; Hyundai claimed that the 2003 clutch problems were not under warranty, stonewalled their customers, and now they have a lawsuit and the bad reputation arising from a class-action suit. These are vaild concerns when you talking about handing over $17-20K in cash. You expect no problems, and you expect when there is a problem, that the seller will honor its warranty and take care of it quickly and with little down-time. It appears to me that Hyundai does not always do this.
 
And Hyundai is having labor problems in South Korea, with its very aggressive unions, who are conducting wildcat strikes - which can only affect quality on the negative side.
 
While this may be a gift from me and his mom (his dad is a schmuck and cheap as well, even though he makes a lot more than me and his ex, combined), it is also going to be me and his mom that have to shell out for repairs that suddenly are deemed not under warranty. And the tC is actually lower car insurance cost vs. the Tiburon, at least in Northern Virginia. I confirmed this with my Allstate agent of 15 years.
 
and you have a tC, yet you seem to be pushing the Tiburon.
 
I have not made a decision, yet - I am still trying to find a driver ed school that teaches stick-shift driving (the boy has test-driven three MT cars in the last two weeks, but test driving does not give one enough experience behind the wheel of a Manual Tranns car, and my wife and I both drive AT cars). But, I am leaning towards a scion tC.

Messages Page 3 of 6

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