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Scion xA
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Comments
There are two cheaper options. Rotella -T full synthetic 5-40 is made by Shell with diesel and heavy duty gas applications. It is not a true full synthetic like Mobil 1 (built up from molecules) but one of the alternate "re-engineered" conventional oil synthetics. This oil is about $3.50 a quart in 4 quart jugs from Wal-Mart; Mobil 1 is $5 a quart.
The cheapest option is Chevron Supreme 10-40 (or whatever appropriate weight they stock) from Costco. Chevron has had some of the most advanced refining techniques - the process they developed is known as "hydro cracking" - and produces an oil that is very uniform. It is considered a Type II+ product, not a full Type III "re-engineered" synthetic or a true "built from molecules up" Type IV product like Mobil 1.
In choosing an oil I would take into account three factors:
1. You apparently used conventional oil in your old car on the same route and never had problems.
2. "Conventional" oil recently got a significant upgrade from SL to SM which essentially means major brands are using a base stock oil much closer to "semi-synthetic" anyway.
3. On the other hand, modern cars like the xA run at higher operating temperatures and tend to have narrower oil passages in the cylinder head where the oil can be exposed to significantly higher "spot" temperatures that can break it down.
All things being equal, I would probably use Rotella -T. It is NOT an "energy star" oil because it designed more like a "high mileage" oil with extra wear additives for extra engine protection. A lot of people swear by it, and you can research it on the Shell website or other websites. One caution - part of the recent changes in oil grades have been to reduce antiwear additives that are known to shorten catalytic converter life for the redesigned converters that use less platinum (read: cheaper). My VW has an old fashioned platinum rich converter for which the new grade oil is not necessary. You would need to check your XA manual to see what oil grade is required for the xA, and possible call the Shell technical support line for guidance. Otherwise you could risk shortening the converter life.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I really liked the xA 1.0. It was nicely done and it drove good too. Even though, I bought the xB, Toyota did a great job with the 1.0 package.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Niels
test drove the Chevy Aveo and I really loved that car. I have to say the Chevy Aveo is a much better handling car.
In the end, I bought the Aveo w/ AC and an auto for $8500 before tax/license. The equivalent xA would have been about $5500 more (and would have had pw/pl, which I don't really need). And in this segment, that is a ton of money.
Would love to see Scion bring out cruise as an OEM feature for the xA, it turned me away when I first started looking that cruise wasn't available.
And a moonroof, but that I suppose I could live without at the price. I am very curious to see one of these RS 2.0s up close and personal.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I'm waiting for cruise control before I buy one.
fdanna - You're right, the Scion gets slightly better gas mileage (3mpg in mixed driving?), and is likely to be more reliable. But it also would have cost me about 50% more. I think the xA/xB/Echo are great cars, but you pay for the privilege.
I'm taking a chance on the Aveo, but at this price, it's not a big one.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I think they have a 'sport' version of the echo hatchback in Canada, but I don't remember what it's called. Center exhaust even. Neat little thing.
There are already some pictures out of the new Echo, looks nice. Don't know when it will be here though.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
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Fuel economy is close-enough that it's barely worth mentioning, horsepower is about the same, and the exterior and interior dimensions seem to be pretty close all around..
On the Aveo's side, it has a smaller turning circle, quite a bit more cargo room (helped by rear seats that flip and fold), and the PRICE. Because no matter how you package these two, they are economy cars. I paid $8500 for my 5-door Aveo w/ A/C and automatic. Your xA was 40% more. $5600 is a ton of money in this segment.
If the xA was sold at $8500, would you pay $5600 for ABS, power windows, power locks, a nicer stereo, and a tiny rear sway bar? I could put the power stuff, the stereo, and the sway bar on for about $500 if I really wanted them. The ABS, I admit, is a valuable addition.
What you really paid for, was almost guaranteed Toyota reliability - and I'm sure you will get it. I took a gamble - and I am hoping it will pay off.
Otherwise, get an xA.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I'm curious because I'm concerned about it fading for such a dark color but the design of the dash itself seems a bit difficult.
If you go with the xA and the dealership doesn't have a side airbag on the lot, I was told it could be at least a month because you have to order your car.
The current model is super fine. If you care about such things, Scion indicated it is going to spruce up the Scion on a more accelerated schedule because it isn't selling as fast as originally predicted. This may be a sheet metal refresh, or may be a move to the newly introduced Vitz released in Japan.
There are two schools of thinking as to when the new Vitz will make it over here: in early 2006 as a 2007 model; or on a normal 2007 release date.
However, there is also word the 2006 xA will be out in June. Unless you have an immediate need, I'd wait until at least June to see what the model changes are. I'd also Google "Vitz" so see what the 2007 xA MIGHT look like.
Finally, Honda is coming out with a competitor, the Fit or Jazz, which may be based on the first model released in Japan or on the newly released upgrade. It was rumored to have been released this spring, but now rumors are pointing to spring of 2007 (to let Honda clear out any inventory of 2005 Civics, which are being replaced by a bigger, better Civic). The Fit will be competitively priced, but may or may not have side curtain airbags. Honda's goal is "Safety for Everyone" or something like that, and they are promising side curtain airbags across the product line. Honda's plans have to be taken with grain of salt since they say they need an entry level car now that the Civic has grown to original Accord size, but on the other hand the xA's sales have been disappointing, suggesting America does not have the same love affair for small cars that Europe and Asia have....
In any case the xA is a fine car, and we only sold ours to reduce our "fleet" from four cars to three (plus my wife needed an auto tranny).
http://autodeadline.com/detail?source=&mid=WKA2005042030952&mime=JPG
though w/o the moonroof, I'll pass.
s.
I notice in the sales brochure that it's possible to replace the oem shocks and struts with a set that will provide a "more compliant ride". Anyone have any thoughts on or experience with this option? :confuse:
thanks
Tom
basic car. Other than the color I don't see much to justify the extra cost of the 2.0 over the regular car.
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Bill