10 Things to Add to the 2016 Scion iA for Under $20,000

The 2016 Scion iA is the latest addition to the brand’s lineup, and it’s slightly different from the usual Scion fare. As the brand’s first sedan, an evolution from the cheap and cute hatchbacks and coupes that made the United States’ streets a little more colorful, the iA might represent a new era of Scion. Then again, maybe not. The Scion iA might look a bit more mature than the rest of the brand family, but it still embodies the brand’s values. It’s easy to like, it’s easy to buy, and you can get a lot, for a lower price than you might think. The 2016 Saturn iA starts at $16,495 and comes in just one well-equipped trim level, which means it’s a simple, low-stress process to visit a dealership and pick out the one that strikes your fancy. Scion dealerships offer plenty of factory accessories to help customize a new 2016 iA, and the 106-horsepower wonder can cruise away fully decked-out for about $20,000.

1) Automatic Transmission

The 2016 Scion iA’s base price includes a six-speed manual transmission, which is probably the best strategy for extracting maximum enjoyment from the iA. Put frankly, the iA makes a modest 106 horsepower from its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and the third pedal will keep drivers a little more engaged. That said, a manual transmission certainly isn’t for everyone, so Scion offers up a six-speed automatic for just $1,100, perfect for buyers who want low-stress city driving or a relaxed commute. And, according to the EPA, the automatic iA gets slightly better fuel economy ratings of 33 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. The automatic transmission upgrade is the only option available with the car that mechanically alters the driving experience or the car’s specs, and it hardly breaks the bank, bringing the Scion iA’s price up to a still-totally-reasonable $17,595.

2) Navigation SD Card

Though the 2016 Scion iA comes fully loaded in just one trim level, the navigation system is one of the handful of options. The Navigation SD Card can be ordered as a dealer accessory for $419 (plus a dealer installation fee), and it upgrades the car’s existing infotainment system. The Scion iA comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen system that controls the car’s audio system with HD radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, rearview camera, and USB inputs. The Navigation SD Card adds a navigation system with voice recognition, making it easy to get around with fewer distractions. Of course, you can connect your smartphone and just use that for directions — the iA makes it easy enough. But when a more integrated option is available for a good price, it might be the best route. Add the Navigation SD Card to your new Scion iA and it’ll barely make a difference in your payments.

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3) Decorated Door Sills

Decorative door sill plates definitely fall into the “nice-to-have” category more than the “necessary” category. But as far as car door sills go, the 2016 Scion iA’s Door Sill Enhancements make for some fairly attractive entryways. The Scion logo is etched in the sill, which is then coated with urethane for a durable and protective finish. These door sills brighten up the car’s thresholds while offering protection from everyday scuffs and scratches that can easily gouge up the paint. Dropped keys, stiletto heels, road salt spatters — all can do a number on surfaces they contact, and this way, a common target will be better armored against incidental damage, for $170 at the Scion dealer’s accessories department. And since the installation is a simple peel-and-stick process, these door sill protectors can be picked up at the Scion dealership anytime.

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4) Alloy Wheel Locks

The 2016 Scion iA comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, which provide style and strength with an efficient, lightweight design. So it would be a bummer if they got stolen. Scion dealerships offer a set of Alloy Wheel Locks for $65, offering an extra bit of security that’s ideal for people who park on the street overnight, travel through unsavory areas, or simply desire a deterrent to petty theft. After all, no one wants to come out in the morning and see that great new car propped up on blocks. 

While no lock is foolproof, Scion's wheel locks are certainly better than nothing. Without any protection at all, you’re practically giving away your new wheels. Scion’s constructed these locks of hardened steel and designed them to resist prying and tampering. Replace one bolt per wheel with a lock, and you’re good to go.

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5) Arm Rest

The 2016 Scion iA features a great interior with attractive finishes and comfortable seating. Considering that the iA comes loaded up, even in base trim, everything a driver needs is within easy reach. Still, reaching can be hard work — changing the radio station, inputting navigation directions, adjusting the climate control. Sometimes, though, the right arm needs a space of its own (especially if you’ve opted for the automatic transmission and don’t need to shift gears). And sometimes, you need to be generous and offer an armrest to your passenger. The Scion iA Arm Rest is upholstered in materials that blend right in with the iA’s cabin, and is designed so that it doesn’t obscure access to the cupholders. Scion offers the Arm Rest in the accessories department for $195.

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6) Rear Bumper Applique

Car trunks get abused, and Scion knows this, even though the 2016 iA is the brand’s first vehicle with a full, traditional trunk. It might be a little easier to load cargo into a hatchback or mini wagon, but there’s no doubt that new iA owners will need to make the most of their space, too. Scion’s Rear Bumper Applique, available in the dealer accessories department for $77, helps protect the iA’s paint from scratches and minor damage caused by overzealous loading or unloading out back. It’s made of durable material for the best protection against ordinary, everyday usage, and it features a woven carbon fiber pattern to complement the iA’s athletic exterior. A cutout of the Scion logo allows the color of your new 2016 iA to shine through.

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7) Carpet Trunk Mat

Speaking of car trunks being used and abused, there’s an easy way to keep the cargo area of your 2016 Scion iA looking like new. Scion dealerships will set you up with a Carpet Trunk Mat for $85. It’s dark gray to complement the rest of the trunk and features a silver stitched iA logo for a custom look. Scion says the mat is durable and helps protect from stains (from spilled groceries, stray coffee mugs, or what have you). It stays in place thanks to a skid-resistant backing. And when the carpet trunk mat inevitably gets kind of grubby, it’s easy to pull out, wash, and then toss back in place. That seems like a small price to pay to help that new car euphoria last a little bit longer.

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8) Cargo Organizers

To help make the most of the trunk space in the 2016 iA, the accessories department offers two different cargo organizers. The Cargo Net Envelope retails for $49. It’s a pouch of sorts, made of cargo net, that stretches across the trunk opening and can hold a variety of items. Anything that might roll around in the trunk can be tossed in the net and be right there when you pop the trunk lid. The Cargo Tote, $58, is a soft-sided box with carrying handles and removable dividers. It’s perfect for holding grocery bags or anything else large, and folds flat when you don’t need it. Don’t drive a rolling garbage bin if you can help it. Keeping the Scion iA in clean condition is easy.

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9) Scion Service Boost Plus

Every new 2016 Scion iA (actually, every new Scion) comes with a two-year plan that includes scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance. It’s called Scion Service Boost. But if you’re the type to keep your new car for more than two years, you might be wondering what comes next. After all, it’s nice to have your car’s basic maintenance and major services already taken care of, isn’t it? If you’re planning on keeping your 2016 iA beyond the honeymoon phase, Scion offers an extended agreement, Scion Service Boost Plus, to pick up after the first two years ends. Scion Service Boost Plus starts at $510 for a three-year agreement and goes up from there, for up to five years or 75,000 miles.

10) Vehicle Service Agreement

Some buyers will want to keep the new Scion iA for a long time, and Scion’s got that covered, too. Scion offers a Vehicle Service Agreement through Toyota Financial Services that picks up where the factory warranty leaves off (so we’re talking three or more years down the road). The Vehicle Service Agreement for the 2016 Scion iA offers mechanical breakdown coverage, 24-hour roadside assistance, travel protection, and options for deductibles. The Vehicle Service Agreement starts at $1,375 for a six-year, no-deductible plan, but other plan lengths and terms are available. No need to worry now about your new Scion iA, when there're so many ways to help it age gracefully.