2012 Scion IQ Drive and Review

( www.TFLcar.com ) The 2012 Scion IQ is perhaps the most uniquely packaged car that is sold in America. It is of course tiny and yet is can seat 4 adults in a pinch. That's because Toyota used some very clever architecture when it designed the car. But that's not all that makes the Scion IQ unique. Check out this video and Nathan and Roman test and review the diminutive city car and put it to the TFLcar pooch test to see if it will also suit man's best friend.

[@hellostevelee]

This is the BEST city car I have ever own. Is it worth it? Well, I bought my IQ as a demo model with 250 miles on it. The dealer sold it to me for $12.7k. About $14k OTD. A great deal if I say so myself! The gas mileage (36 mpg...for real!) is fantastic in the city. Now, the REAL reason I bought was for the parking! In San Fran, parking is tight! So the money I save from parking is great! The other? NO STRESS looking for parking! I can park almost anywhere! This IQ has made me a healthy man!

[@domm4633]

This car is much more capable than these reviews give it credit for. It's a fantastic commuter vehicle.

[@thirtyforty1]

This car isn't for people looking for the cheapest possible transportation. This is a car for those people who appreciate uniqueness and quality in a compact, nimble package. I know this because I have one. The acceleration in the real world has never been a problem for me. I never even think about it being slow. Life is short enough, why rush it?

[@crosslink1493]

Posting this in 2021. I was looking for one of these as an 'around-town' car. The prices are insane - anything with around 50K miles is about $13,000-15,000. Not sure if that's because of the pandemic car shortage or whatever. And as a lot of commenters point out this car would be a lot better with a manual transmission. I also wish the hood in front was bigger and included the grill area so it opened to expose more of the engine so an owner could do his/her own minor maintenance. And it blows away the Smart TwoFour in parts availability and ease of doing some of the maintenance yourself; on road performance is about equal to me.

[@Nyubug]

I think a lot of used cars are super expensive right now sadly

[@dgibson1375]

I just bought a 2012 with 170k miles for a little under 4k in So Cal. The guy I bought it from put 140k on it in 2 years all highway miles. It has a scrape on the rt front fender and needed a serious interior detail. It's all cleaned up now and it runs great even with the hi miles. These are a great used car buy right now get one while you can people are buying them up quick. Put some TRD lowering springs on mine and it looks cool. Now I want some 18" wheels and a manual trans swap but that's pricey. These are great cars and they're Made in Japan.

[@D0GG_]

The thing is though that you are paying for toyota reliability.

[@Usernotfound3042]

Didnt these things have the infamous oil burning problems though like most of the rest of scion and a couple toyotas?

[@Kirby-Krios]

Cute car! weird porno music in the intro though.

[@draneiv]

That is Plainrock124's old intro, just check it

[@livan5us]

anyone who keeps going on about it being a little car and for wusses can suck it. I have a '12 IQ and I love it and I drive an F250 at work so I know the difference.

[@mark1968]

In the UK these cars run on a manual gearbox. As a result they're a lot quicker.

[@jomi88]

I've had it for three years. For the city it is great. Mine has a 1.4 D4D engine tuned to 120kHp, 240Nm. sports suspension, big wheels. It is fun to drive.

[@freezor80]

I drove one once at an autoshow test drive area. It was a ton of fun. It just need more power, torque and mildly sportier suspension.

[@bobbysworldrox]

In other words a whole new car

[@camshaft53149]

Exactly. I think it is an excellent car for the right person. I think it is one of the best looking for the segment especially if you live in a large city or a crowded area where parking space is limited. And I think it is pretty unique in the fact that it is so small and can comfortably fit 4 people. Only huge issue I have with the car is that you cant get a manual.

[@jaicoxki]

I have the six speed manual TOYOTA iQ3 2009 1.33 petrol. 98 BHP, 0-60 11 secs, full spec - leather, 7 inch nav screen with CD, radio, Bluetooth, etc, etc. It is an excellent vehicle. I'm 6'1" - the driving position is wonderful - slightly higher up, and almost literally a London Taxi turning circle. If these guys were testing the six speed manual with this engine, they would see displays of an all round average 50-60 MPG. In the UK road tax is £30 P/A for the iQ3. Get the right version, decent used dealer FTSH examples, and this car wins.

[@kellyjackson7889]

i r gelowse

[@unicornharry7995]

you should have had the dogs drive the car, it would make for a really dank meme.

[@tirthb]

Nathan and Roman, only you guys can make a iQ review fun to watch

[@joeycaban1576]

one of the best reviews on the scion iQ I have seen yet

[@jwjones1979]

If this was Star Trek, it would be a shuttlepod. I'm about to finance one of these used. Can't wait.

[@StreetersGarage]

Yes..I couldn't believe it either. Both the XB and the XD are being axed. Scion released the news yesterday.

[@jake6483]

I've got a 2013, And I took the entire back seat out.. It gave me a significant amount more room, While also Making sure I don't have to take more than one annoying person with me at a time. I also swapped out the 16" wheels that come stock with some 14" Mazda miata wheels and some tires, 37 pounds per wheel/tire stock and now I'm running around 27 pounds per wheel/tire.

[@InfamousWolf89]

I personally love the styling. I wish there was a slightly bigger model about the size of a Toyota Yaris with that exact styling and interior set up (and would get 40mpg)

[@calebhendry4180]

XD

[@RandyJM21]

Same mileage, 6 spd Manual and turbo 125 or more HP and I would consider.

[@camshaft53149]

what features does this thing have that those don't? A cvt, no manual option? Really nice! This thing is very odd looking and would make me ashamed to drive it. Why wouldn't you rather have a nice looking compact than an ugly subcompact for the money?

[@SgtGnome]

Well to each their own I guess. I love my iQ. Plus this car came in my favorite color standard, Orange. Plus it looks unique.

[@draneiv]

0:58 Plainrock124: *TRIGERRED*

[@shaneburgess7518]

Two dogs in the front seats? Great, they are filming a SUBARU commercial!

[@SHADOWBOXERBAYBEE]

dogs love TRUCKS X-D

[@Idonteatdog]

Dog tested, dog approved.

[@johnwiedmann4601]

Trying to make up my mind between a used Mazda 2 or Scion iQ. I'm buying a house in a crowed part of the city and street parking is extremely tough. I could rent a garage for $200 a month, but I think buying a small vehicle is a smart move because it will open up the city.

[@dhom100]

the guys look like they had fun reviewing this car. one of the best reviews by these guys. I hate bias reviews which is typical when most people review Toyota products but these guys gave an honest review here.

[@gene978]

The first good laugh I've had since mom passed Friday! Thank You guys for the pooch test! And Nathan saying hope there's no cats in here. LOLOLOLOL

[@onoff314]

I want to see more features of the car, show me someone in the back seat, show me a proper view of the interior going over some features. Show me how it rides etc.

[@SgtGnome]

I am talking about what is standard on the vehicle. Power windows and locks, AC, power steering, ABS, plus a slew of other features that are standard. In most cars those things are extra and end up making the car cost more. Trust me, I looked into getting other cars before getting my iQ. By the time I got all the features I wanted in it, it cost just as much, if not more then the iQ, and less MPG. So I did my research, plus I like the small cars. They are unique.

[@evilkratos55]

For those that say it should get over 40 MPG, you obviously don't know how aerodynamics work. Also, these are estimate figures, it all depends on how you drive, road and weather conditions, etc. I live in the LA area and manage to get over 40.

[@evanpatterson8487]

My 1994 Geo tracker comfortably seats 4 with trunk space, has a 5 speed and easy still get 36-40 on highway.

[@vvs982]

10 years later first time seeing December 25 2022

[@dougn2350]

Its insane that Toyota won't put a manual in the IQ for North America.

[@scottyrocks126]

I like it but without a manual trans I wouldn't even consider it.

[@ants288]

The Japanese variant had a manual option and diesel option. Sadly, the American version only came with the gasoline engine and CVT. That said, I actually own one of these little guys and it really outclasses everything near it's size (faster, more torque, and better MPG than Chevy Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage, Smart Fortwo, and equal to Versa/Versa Note)😂

[@montelbooner]

Just lazy driving, manuals are just the ONLY way to drive.

[@craigdowney6438]

I comparison priced a Smart car, and an IQ before buying my 2011 Kia Forte. the price was almost exactly the same for all 3. my Kia had much more room, a bigger engine and power to spare (at least for my needs) and on the road it consistently gave me about 40mpg and the dealer offered a double warrenty making the powertrain covered for 20 yrs or 200K miles.

[@hellostevelee]

I totally agree sgtnome! To each their own! But the BEST reason I bought the IQ was for the parking! I knew it was safe enough (11 airbags!). I knew it had a ton of standard equiptment (ac, power windows, mp3 radio/cd, bluetooth, traction control, ABS, auto windows-up and down-both side, and more). I live in SF. The parking is atrocious here. With this car, I save BUNDLES! So this car basically pay for itself! And yes, great unique small car!

[@dylanhale7300]

Im thinking about buying one of these for a doordashing car

[@mikesmith5375]

Price needs to come down by $4000.00 then it is in its class for VALUE!

[@NathanDAdlen]

Uh, you may want to watch the video again... Roman can be quoted - quoting me - by saying it's the ultimate in urban mobility. Sorry you missed the point - again. Thanks for watching.

[@troysmith9007]

cant wait to own one hope the price goes down to like 2500

[@greathornedowl3644]

Looking back on this now from 2022. 1) wondering if younger Tommy and Case would have fit better, 2) compared to Tommy's Cooper? 3) like Geo Metro/Chevy Chevette - great for an inner-city, college campus, young person - not the 76 Buick Estate Wagon I got to drive, nor the minivan some college-age kids are stuck driving.

[@rashadnagi7531]

I love the Aquabats shirt!!!

[@dansodorxbfan7076]

Why does it need to go faster? Isn't Nathan speedy enough for the car?

[@ants288]

On regular gas I can get mine to 96, with premium you can push 105 MPH 😂

[@scottieray]

No one seems to get that you can store the backseat headrest between the folded down rear seat. My iQ regularly returns 40-45mpg. I am not suprised their 0-60 time was so slow with all the extra weight.

[@trw8021]

My iQ get's 41 mpg

[@dougn2350]

My 2016 Hyundai Elantra gets 45mpg at 65mph

[@Lincolnator721]

@@dougn2350 lol

[@ants288]

I got 54 mpg over the summer doing 65 mph [I have a 2014 iQ]

[@montelbooner]

I average 55-65 mpg in the U.K., really is the BEST car.

[@westgl2006]

I get more than 40mpg, after my car get broken in, i expect 46+mpg, many people get 46+ mpg with the IQ and mine has ABS brakes, cruise control, They are a lot of fun to drive, and mine has the Factory performance suspension and it handles very well

[@ShyToDaChiCity1]

my brother payed 20 thousand dollars for a brand new toyota camry LE that came with the navi system. But that's only because he recieved a discount for being a college graduate. I on the other hand, would still love to buy this car.

[@kens97sto171]

We don't get the Smart CDI here in the USA unfortunatly . And the gas Smart only does OK.. 41 HWY?? Hell a new Accent get's 40.. and seats 4 people. And has a real warranty.

[@camshaft53149]

I do my research as well. For a basic focus SE with sync, power windows, ac, etc. they start as a sedan around 20k with an automatic. You usually will get from 2500-3000 off sticker. Which brings it to around 17k, with an IQ you get hardly anything off sticker, maybe 500-1000. I would rather spend an extra 500 and get a larger vehicle that gets close to if not the same mpg. I had a mazda3 skyactiv rated at 29 city 39 hwy, and I averaged 38.3mpg.

[@ItsKingRabbit]

they were selling one that was 2013, and after adding a spoiler, interior lights, 8 spoke alloy wheels, it cam to about $17,680 so it wasn't to bad, thinking about getting one, maybe.

[@Neon_Texan]

Wondering if this would be a good Christmas present for my girlfriend. Any owners have any pros and cons?

[@tigrantashjian1305]

whenever i hear the music from the intro of this video i think of liza koshy

[@sstevenn1212]

the scion xd is very similar but it has four doors

[@eyeson6113]

I bought one to use as a dingy in my toter home. I have a 2012 a6 and half a dozen other cars and I find myself driving the IQ most due to the FUN factor. It's a little go cart. The ride is great for a car this size and the cvt makes the driving experience quite sedate. The smart has the worst brutal shifts of anything I've driven. There are other cars that are bigger and weigh more for the same money. So what? For me size was the best thing about the IQ. But I learned it's a hoot to drive.

[@pmcollett]

Aquabats! Yes! That might've sold me on this car.

[@randomuser4014]

how did these journalists only managed to get a hold of a base model with hubcaps I've never even seen one driving around

[@27Ctrojans]

Good job with the video and pooch test

[@coffeekhan]

Love the pooch test!!!

[@er1115]

Love your reviews

[@Trance88]

The iQ is a neat little thing but I think the Chevy Spark is a MUCH better value!

[@celestialruby888]

There is actually a surprising amount of headroom so maybe test drive one and see if you like it. I love mine and its so much fun too drive around town that now my bmw 325 just sits and collects dust.lol I recommend buying a gforce chip though because it increases horsepower by 30 and very easy to install .

[@donaldasayers]

The CVT drains the performance big time compared to the manual. These get 60 mpg plus in the UK with a manual transmission and bigger UK gallons. Still better than 40 odd though.

[@Ftbllguy195]

Great review, think you guys could get your hands on a Scion Fr-S or Subaru Brz??

[@lu-dx6oh]

I have one with 217k miles trying to see how many that baby will last

[@nicoroehr]

love your show, guys

[@dulceypeligroso]

How old is Happy?

[@ivismorales4231]

I want to ask this scion IQ don't come standard

[@bobbawon]

Digging the Aquabats shirt!

[@sldriver5301]

Jeff Crouse: How do you tow the iQ behind your RV? Dealer says not to do 4 wheels down. BTW, love my iQ. Best combined MPG of any non-hybrid. Regular fuel too!

[@tango165]

What's the name of the app your using for the 0 to 60 to 0 test? Thanks

[@laurenlalo153]

amazing! love your videos!!! so much fun!!!!

[@DrDodge24]

Hey Roman, What car was that in the garage?

[@dougn2350]

An all electric version would be my choice. A perfect daily commuter.

[@Xeyad]

You missed answering the most important question: Does Nathan fit?

[@techdude6693]

36 in the city isn't bad. Most compacts are 27 in the city.

[@DJTEVAdotCOM]

You can get a Prius C for $3k more....seriously??? what was Scion thinking with the price point??

[@BrianTheChosen1]

Well it depends on the persons need in a car. Lets say you need a car just to get to school or work then this car is for you. I like this car :)

[@waltwilcutts37]

Under 12k on the ForTwo gets you manual windows, no a/c and no radio. The build, design and interior materials is a ton nicer. The ride is way better as well.

[@hjrivera1]

I enjoyed your funny way of reviewing that little matchbox!! I don't want to see the results of a rear-end accident in that tiny car... Maybe is safer to let the dogs drive it!! LOL!!!

[@luisesco3517]

Tell me who drives with more than 2 people in a car nowadays

[@AHMx1995]

Why not the Hyundai Accent??? its only $12.5k

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

25.79% repeat customers - Oh, I'm sorry. Did I break your concentration?! According to Yahoo News: "Scion is facing a number of serious problems. When the brand debuted a decade ago, America had begun to "rediscover" small cars, which hadn't consistently performed well since the oil crisis of the 1970s. Scion did fine for a while, drawing in Millennials who liked the brand's personality, and even older drivers who appreciated some models' fuel economy (especially during the Great Recession). But apart from the FR-S, Scion hasn't offered anything new or noteworthy for some time. Its vehicles also perform poorly in initial quality and below average in dependability. Meanwhile, its parent, Toyota, continues to inspire huge volumes of repeat business and to offer some very interesting new rides (e.g. the recent expansion of the Prius family), which could be putting a dent in Scion's sales."

[@howardwmoore]

I love the pet test

[@SquiggleSquared]

is there room for turbo or chip?

[@CasaDeGomez]

Dude nice Aquabats shirt Nathan. Superrad!

[@Goosenator117]

what app was that

[@alicomputertech]

I saw a Scion iQ priced at 16k. And the Scion iQ gets the highest combined mpgs (37)

[@shawnshing614]

What a cute dogs , man I love dog n always been mine flavor pets . 👍

[@hejmuesli]

I'm commenting only to show support (and I believe you make more money this way), so I will end with a classic line: Keep up the good work :)

[@wowfactory64]

I'm digging that Aquabats t-shirt, but not so much the car....

[@dps023]

I like this car. Specially because the hiding back seat. With 2 persons, if you don´t give a ride, tell the car have only 2 seats. If you want, 2 little seats shows into the floor!

[@ssllhh100]

please do the fiesta 1.25 0-60-0

[@jefferyG499]

Because the engine is so small it has to rev very high to go anywhere, or indeed maintain a speed of 65 or more. These have such small engines they are wasting their MPG. They could fit a bit bigger of an engine in there and get better MPG and power.

[@StreetersGarage]

19K for this and they just announced they are killing the XB? It makes no sense.

[@TheFluffyWendigo]

needs a turbodiesel option plenty of torque better mileage

[@darthvaderny]

Would feel bad for the folks sitting in the back seat during a rear crash with say a f150 or something.

[@midtownp]

The toyota dealer lent me one of these for the weekend while they fixed the airbag in my corolla. It was great fun driving and the front seat is roomy. It's great as a city car or for suburban driving but when I took it on the highway, I found the amount of tire/road noise to be unacceptable. It was very loud and you had to turn up the stereo to block it out. I'm sure it's a reliable vehicle, and toyota spent some money engineering it, but it needs some sound insulation.

[@triplehsheartattack8515]

BUT NO SPARE TIRE??????

[@ericfresh]

my IQ has a mini spare in the back

[@rohan-mf4ve]

wfs is your display picture?

[@alexchad1000]

I'D RATHER GET A FIAT 500 !! you get 38mpg highway with the fiat 500 ! for $15,900.