Which Years Of Used Scion iMs Are Most Reliable?
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The Scion iM, introduced as a part of Toyota’s Scion brand, was a unique entry in the compact car market. Designed to appeal to younger drivers, it stood out with its sporty aesthetic, versatile hatchback design, and an emphasis on customization – a hallmark of the Scion brand.
What made the Scion iM especially unique was its blend of practicality and fun. It offered a spacious interior and cargo area, making it practical for everyday use, while the marketed sporty handling and modern tech features aimed to provide an engaging driving experience. This combination was intended to attract younger buyers who wanted a car that could handle both their daily needs and their desire for a vehicle with a strong personality.
Despite its appeal, the Scion iM was discontinued as Toyota decided to phase out the Scion brand in 2016. The brand’s discontinuation led to the absorption of some of its models into the Toyota lineup, with the iM being rebadged as the Toyota Corolla iM.
If you’re in the market for the most reliable Scion iM year, you’re down to one option: the 2016 Scion iM. But fret not; we’re covering everything you need to know so you can decide if the Scion iM is a good investment, reliability-wise.
Which is the Most Reliable Scion iM Year?
By technicality, the 2016 model is the most reliable Scion iM year. When Toyota discontinued the Scion line, the iM hatchback was unfortunately caught on the chopping block, unceremoniously ending its run with only one model year.
Sadly, there’s not much information regarding the Scion iM’s reliability. According to RepairPal, the Scion iM has an annual maintenance cost of $438, lower than the $526 per year average for all compact cars. As part of Toyota’s lineup, the Scion iM inherited the brand’s well-established reputation for reliability and durability. Toyota’s long-standing history of producing high-quality vehicles meant that the iM was perceived as a dependable choice. While not a guarantee, there is a precedent that suggests the Scion iM can be reliable.
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Scion iM Potential Reliability Issues
The Scion iM doesn’t have many consumer complaints, which can be attributed to its lack of popularity and premature discontinuation. However, several reports indicate reliability issues that potential buyers should know.
Transmission Woes
The 2016 Scion iM experienced several transmission issues, affecting both its performance and reliability. Owners of models with automatic transmissions reported unpredictable behavior, such as the transmission getting stuck at high RPMs, failing to upshift, inadequate acceleration, and occasional slipping.
Additionally, the car was prone to developing a rough idle, particularly noticeable at stop lights or when the engine was warm. This issue was compounded by transmission hesitation, and in some instances, the vehicle decelerated independently at high speeds. In a notable case, a transmission software update led to the transmission failure, hinting at deeper software or mechanical flaws.
Moreover, many manual transmission models of Toyota were reported to have clutch slippage issues. These issues were even more noticeable after servicing at Toyota dealerships. The clutch components, including the disc and pressure plate, wore out rapidly and required replacement as early as between 30,000 and 40,000 miles.
Interior Accessory Problems
The Scion iM also struggled with issues with its interior accessories. Drivers had a recurring issue with the seat armrest, which would inconveniently fold down independently, particularly when driving at high speeds with all windows open. This problem was reported to dealers for servicing and caused frustration for many drivers.
The steering wheel material also presented issues, with users reporting flaking in areas frequently touched by drivers. This flaking, which was noticed at an average mileage of just over 18,000 miles, raised concerns about the durability and quality of the materials used in the steering wheel’s construction. While these complaints are not overly serious, they can affect the ownership experience, especially with a nearly decade-old car.
Safety Recall
The 2016 Scion iM was recalled under the reference SET16A due to the Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label problem. The label failed to indicate the additional weight of the accessories installed correctly, which could lead to overloading and increase the risk of accidents. The recall affected vehicles manufactured between January 28 and March 14, 2016. It was initiated due to the violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, which pertains to the “Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars.”
Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET) implemented a recall to replace the inaccurate label with a corrected one at no cost to the vehicle owner to address the issue.
THE SCION iM YEARS TO AVOID
If you’re interested in a used Scion iM, you only have one option to choose from. Since we’re looking for the worst Scion iM years to avoid, we’ll cover everything you need to know as a used car buyer.
Is the 2016 Scion iM a Good Car?
As mentioned, buyers interested in the most reliable Scion iM year are stuck with the 2016 model. With that said, is it actually a good vehicle? Here are some key takeaways based on various critics and consumer feedback:
- City Driving: The iM excels in urban environments. Its compact size, light steering, and good visibility make it agile and easy to maneuver in tight spots, ideal for city driving. The car also offers substantial rear cargo space, enhancing its practicality for urban users.
- Highway Performance: The car struggles on highways primarily due to its light steering, which requires over-correction at high speeds. Its 1.8-liter engine, with modest horsepower and torque, leads to slow acceleration and passing capabilities, marking it not as sporty as it looks.
- Features and Layout: Despite being a budget car, the iM surprises with several features like dual-zone climate control, a backup camera, and a seven-inch touchscreen. The interior layout is simple and user-friendly.
- Manual Transmission: The six-speed manual transmission of the iM is considered poor. The clutch and gear shifter are criticized for being vague and unresponsive, making it a less enjoyable driving experience.
- Design: The Scion iM’s design is a strong point. Its unique, low-slung, and slightly cartoonish appearance makes it one of the best-looking cars in the compact car segment.
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The Scion iM boasts an appealing design and performs well in city settings, but it lags in driving dynamics and feels dated compared to rivals like the Honda Fit and Hyundai Accent. Despite going against competitors like the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3, it lacks overall quality.
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