Review: 2011 Scion tC

Historians William Strauss and Neil Howe are known for their theory that America goes through a repeating cycle of four periods: a High, an Awakening, an Unraveling and a Crisis. Depending on who you believe, we could be in an Unraveling period about to fall headlong into a major crisis, which our two historians call the Fourth Turning. But if we persevere and turn the corner, we'll find ourselves back in High times once again.

We reckon the Scion brand is in about the same spot. It hasn't had much positive to report lately, so the redesigned 2011 Scion tC gives the brand something to talk about while it works out how to improve on its initially strong showing in the U.S. Does the new tC portend a return to High times for Scion, or is it leading a parade lap right into the Fourth Turning?



The Scion tC's lines are new for 2011, but they're very familiar. That's probably because its dimensions are identical to the 2010 model with the exception of an additional 1.6 inches of overall width.

A flat roofline gives the profile a low, bulldog stance and the massive C-pillar leaves perhaps the largest first impression. Up front the lower fascia channels a prize-winning Grouper, but swept back headlamps also give it an air of aggression. The rear end lacks the most visual interest, though all of the car's lines were nicely showcased by the Sizzling Crimson Mica paint on our tester. Overall, the 2011 tC looks more butch than the model it replaces, like it went to the gym and pumped iron until some delts appeared.

The impact of age and gender on auto insurance premiums

Having a valid auto insurance policy when you are at the wheel of the car is imperative if you don’t want to brush up the wrong side of law. Not having a valid and legal policy can either result in a hefty fine or time in prison, both of which can prove to be detrimental. There are a number of factors that the insurance companies take into consideration before calculating the auto insurance premiums for the policy holders. While the role of the driving record, make of the car and the safety gadgets affixed to it cannot be overlooked, it is the gender and the age that play the most important role while the premiums are being calculated.
The cost of insuring teenagers and those below the age of 25 is expensive as compared to the cost of insuring people over the age of 25. Statistics have revealed that a majority of the accidents are caused by teenagers who drive recklessly without giving a thought to either their lives or the lives of the others on the road. This clearly increases the risk for the insurance providers who make up for this risk by increasing the cost of the auto insurance premium. Another fact that works against the youngsters is the fact that they do not have a driving history to support their credentials. Auto insurance providers take this into consideration while calculating the premiums since they reveal how careful the driver is at the wheel. Not having this history is again akin to taking a risk which in turn translates as higher premiums.
Gender is another factor that plays a crucial role in determining the amount of money a person has to pay to obtain the auto insurance policy. The premiums that men have to pay to get their car insured is significantly higher than what women have to pay to stay protected. This can be attributed to the sudden adrenaline rush in men that makes them throw caution to the wind and drive recklessly at times. Women, in most cases, have proven to be safe drivers since they give priority to their lives as well as those of their families and the others on the road over all else. Hence, the chances of them getting into accidents are lesser which in turn translates into lower auto insurance costs. The fact that, men drive more than women, cannot be ignored. This in turn increases the risk for the providers who charge more for the auto insurance policy for men.

Finding best auto insurance rates

If you live in a high-cost state like California or New York, finding best deals on auto insurance rates is complicated. Since there are several hundred companies that write auto policies in every state, and are anxious to expand their business, therefore it becomes a cumbersome task to select an appropriate policy without being fooled. Nonetheless, insurance for your vehicle is an important fact, and therefore obtaining the cheapest deal is essential.
The good news is that due to cut-throat competition, the premium rates have been declining, hopeful news for people shopping for their auto insurance. However, it is prudent to note that price is not the only deciding factor, there are other factors involved as well.
Factors to consider while shopping for Auto Insurance:
If you seek to reduce the burden of paying hefty insurance amounts, you must begin by comparing different deals. Further, you must incorporate the following suggestions to enhance your success at obtaining affordable plans.
Each insurance company offer different benefits and rate of discounts. Attention to details is the essence. Therefore, request for quotes for making a price and package comparison. Instead of spending several hours on the phone for obtaining quotes, you can use the Web to check out the affordable policies listed on the websites.
A great way to lower the insurance premiums is by maintaining a clean driving record. Insurance companies give preference to candidates with low-risk profiles. How can you have a good driving record? Simply obey the traffic rules and drive slowly and safely.
Increasing the safety value of your vehicle will strengthen your position in obtaining discounted insurance rates.  Install additional safety devices or features in your vehicle like anti-theft devices, airbags and automatic seatbelts. Several insurance companies automatically offer you discounted premiums upon discovering these safety measures.
Mathematics helps you reduce your auto premium costs. To lower your premiums by 15- 20% your auto insurance policy should have higher deductibles.
Reduce the coverage on your second hand car or an older model. A vehicle costing lesser than ten times of your insurance cover is an unhealthy deal.
Your profession can facilitate discounted premium rates than you think. Inquire from the insurance firm, if your profession will be considered under the low-risk group. Insurance companies group people under high risk and low risk, and low risk professionals are honoured with reduced premiums.
Low annual mileage is another unique way of obtaining best auto insurance rates. Provide a certificate of safe driving and walk away with a cheap insurance premium.

Weigh your policy to find the best auto insurance deal

When you want to get the best possible deals on auto insurance, it is important that you know how to go about it. Nothing comes easy in this world and auto insurance definitely is an expensive matter. However, many statistical reports and surveys have proven the fact that the best rates come to those who spend time looking for it. There can often be a large degree of difference in the rates offered across age groups. Even for the same age group, different rates may be offered by different companies. While it is not possible to pinpoint how and why this is, we can get a fair idea of some of the factors affecting automobile insurance.
When you consider auto insurance, whether you are 25 or 55, make sure that you explore multiple offers to get the best possible deals and discounts. Not everyone is honest in the insurance business, so make sure you speak to some reputed companies for your insurance needs. Once you get the right company providing you with the best policy, things will be smoother.  Ensure that when you apply for auto insurance, you know what they will be discussing. You should have a fair idea of the important terminologies in auto insurance to accomplish this.
Many people are experiencing a rise in auto insurance rate with just one offense or driving violation against them. The recent economic crisis has also led to rise in premiums as many people resorted to fraudulent means to obtain insurance using their no-fault liabilities. However, this is not to say that good deals are unavailable. If you ask around, you will be able to find very profitable insurance deals in the market. The more time you spend investigating, the better your options will be.
While it is not possible to discuss with every insurance company regarding your quotes, it is possible to do a detailed comparison through a website. This will make things very comfortable for you as you will also get familiarized with many of the commonly seen jargon in the market. When you can talk your way through a policy clearly, you can definitely negotiate better on what payments should be made. When you have gathered enough information, you can shortlist few policies and check out what are the discounts you can get on them. The discounts offered will also differ from one insurance provider to the next.  Make sure you check all the resources available before making a decision on the best deal.

Top tips to get the best insurance rates without cutting corners

People are always looking for the best deals when they buy anything new. Especially with the recent economic crisis, more and more folks are becoming more careful of what they spend on and how much they spend. Many Americans overlook the fact that there are bargains to be had and deals to be made in Auto insurance. There are very simply methods by which you can get the best possible deal on your car and insurance requirements. All you need to do is spend a little time considering the pros and cons of the situation. Bear in mind that company guidelines are different and hence discounts also tend to vary.
Here are some simple ways to save on your auto insurance costs:

1. Alarm and security credits: Many people overlook the already existing safety features of their car. If you have a lot of alarm features on your car, then your auto insurance costs will lessen as it is more secure, make sure you discuss this with your insurance agent.


2. Driving records: If you have a history of no accidents and no offenses in all the years you have been driving, it is time to negotiate your insurance quote when you renew it. Consider other options and spend good time comparing costs with different companies instead of blindly renewing it with the old company.


3. Multiple policies: this is a really good way to cut costs. Consider talking a multi-car insurance from a single company if you have more than one vehicle and negotiate the amount you will need to pay. Clubbing home insurance or boat insurance as well from one single company will also help in availing discounts.


4. Paid in full plans: Many people do not realize that when an auto insurance premium is paid in full for a year, there is considerable money saved than paying it every month. The costs for every month will be higher if you compare.


5. Defensive driving courses: this is something everyone can take to prove to the insurance company that you are a skilled driver. Make sure you are aware of the courses which can allow you to be eligible for discounts.


6. Good grades help: most students are not aware of this. Since insurance companies don’t really have much to judge a new applicant or a college student by when they apply for a policy, grades tend to be a factor. If you have good grades, you are likely to get a better discount.