[richard_rsp]

Hey everyone!

I'm new and in the process of purchasing a Scion iA. We were cross shopping between the Fiesta 1.0L and the iA. and finally decided today to go with the iA! Our salesman is off today, so hope we will get the ball rolling tomorrow.

I actually am coming from a 2015 WRX (had for a year) that I absolutely LOVE, but my wife and I have a lot to pay off and can use the lower payment and ownership cost of the iA.

So far, I have test driven an auto (loved the way it drove), but plan on getting a manual. Kinda nervous ordering a car without actually driving it, but I had a 2011 Mazda2 and pretty much can guess what to expect with shifter feel.

Anyway, I look forward to putting in some input and learning here - I autocross on some weekends, so it should be interesting to see what this car can do!

Nice to "meet" you all!

 

[Jay]

Nice choice Richard! I test drove both the manual and auto versions before deciding. Here are my impressions of the manual:

The shifter had quick, clean throws with well-defined gates. The clutch was light. The engagement point seemed to be a bit short and higher up in travel, so that took some getting used to. It's not a close-ratio gearbox. 1st gear is good till 20-25 mph for normal driving, and 6th gear is a legit overdrive gear. There was enough pull in gears 1-3 to have some fun. I didn't detect any rev hang. If it exists then it's much less noticeable than other cars on the market (Civic Si comes to mind).

I test drove a 2013 Mazda 2 manual a few months ago, and if I'm remembering things correctly the two cars do feel quite similar.

Hope this helps!

 

[Moe]

Do you think you'd go with a shorter shifter with manual? I know some people do that for better and quicker throws, even looks better too.

 

[richard_rsp]

Do you think you'd go with a shorter shifter with manual? I know some people do that for better and quicker throws, even looks better too.

Personally, I probably won't go short shifter, at least for a while. I didn't mind the shifter in my Mazda2, and as long as the manual in the iA is similar, I'll be happy. Also, I plan to compete in Street (stock) class for autocross which won't allow me to change the shifter.

Thanks for the welcome everybody! I talked to my dealer today and they are trying to find me a manual Shadow (black) iA for me. If they can't get that, I will likely go with Sterling (silver).

 

[Moe]

This iA lowered on Sport-I coilovers from RSR USA might inspire you

 

[Lando]

You are the person who buys without a test drive! Proof that online auto sales could work.

Welcome to the forum! Glad to have you.

 

[richard_rsp]

You are the person who buys without a test drive! Proof that online auto sales could work.

Welcome to the forum! Glad to have you.

Well, technically I did drive an auto beforehand....

Picked it up tonight! Sterling Silver. Was the final color choice (The dealer with the Shadow was being a jerk).

Just a quick drive home, but so far I am pleased! Plenty enough power for around town - nice feeling car!

Will try and get pictures in the morning.

 

[Tim]

Congrats on your new car!

 

[richard_rsp]

Thanks!

Just an update: got to drive it around for about 50 miles or so today and a few notes:

a) it's got more pep than I expected, specifically above 4K rpms
b) be sure and check tire pressure. Mine was about 4-5psi lower than it should have been. When I filled them up, the car corners significantly flatter.
c) I can't seem to find a comfortable screen to leave the entertainment system on. Tentatively, I have it set on the gas mileage screen (averaging about 35mpg so far around town). I have a feeling I will be getting the Navigation sd card just so I can have it on that screen! Lol.
d) I find myself WANTING to drive it, which is good. I wasn't sure if that was gonna happen coming from the WRX.
e) I heard my first rattle. It only happens when going over rough roads, but comes from the dash near the gauge cluster. I have a feeling I will be investigating this more (as I HATE rattles with a passion).

Overall, this car is REALLY nice for the money. Everyone I have shown this to is impressed by it. Had 4 adults with the air conditioning on in it today and it didn't really struggle for power at any point. I mean it's not a drag car, but enough to get around. So far so good.

Btw, it rained here all day, so I will have to get pictures another day.

 

[Tim]

Have the same rattle that you are talking about, only on bumpy roads. Sounds like its in between the gauge cluster and the info screen. If you lightly tap that area you will dip the noise. The south east is getting crazy about of rain, I was in Augusta today, on and off rain.

 

[SRV]

so did you end up with the stick or auto? congrats and welcome btw!!

 

[richard_rsp]

Oh, I totally ended up with the manual transmission. (I wouldn't have it any other way!) It shifts smooooooooth as butter - especially in the 2nd to 3rd shift.... and the clutch is light. I took it up to the mountains and was pretty happy with the results.

The car is definitely a momentum car, though. If you get out of your power band, the car will slow and take a while to get back to speed.

Also, while I did get two passes in, it needs to be wound out a bit to get around a slow car without running start.

 

[richard_rsp]

Well, with some sadness, it's time for me to say goodbye and good luck to all of you! I missed my old MINIs a bit too much and have decided to trade the iA in on a 2016 MINI Cooper. I appreciate all of the insight and discussions from each of you and hope to see the iA flourish with the upcoming Toyota rebranding.

Thanks to all!