Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Scion xB - Hip to be square

1161719212225

Comments

  • 68mpolo68mpolo Member Posts: 21
    just wondering how many total miles it usually takes before you guys fill up the tank on the xB.

    thanks.
  • davkendavken Member Posts: 2
    Dear iteach2, Sorry I did'nt reply to your question. It's been awhile since I logged on to this website. To answer your question, my sunroof came as an option. Desert Toyota in Las vegas had it installed by an authorized Webasto dealer. Webasto specializes in after market sunroof. You can contact them over the net. I believe that it comes with a liftime warranty or the life of your car. I E-mailed them about taking it through a car wash, and they said it was OK. So far no leaks. I think I paid the dealer about $1,200.00 to have it installed. If your log onto Scionlife, you can read about some guy who installed his own sunroof. Good luck.
  • rob999rob999 Member Posts: 233
    I've test driven an xB but unfortunately did not have an opportunity to take it on an extended freeway cruise. I regularly drive on highways where the posted speed limit is 75 mph. For you owners, how does the xB do on extended high speed cruising? I'd feel more confident if it had the 2.4 from the tC.
  • malachy72malachy72 Member Posts: 325
    at 300 miles.
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    After driving a couple Corollas, a tC, an xA 1.0, and a xB. I oredered me a xB. Hopefully I will get it before March.
  • crazedcommutercrazedcommuter Member Posts: 281
    I commute about 100 miles a day to work and back. I was looking for a vehicle with good mileage and a seat that didn't make my butt fall asleep after 75 minutes behind the wheel. I was looking at WV Golf diesels and liked the mileage but was not too crazy about the price and VW's reputation for crummy quality and service. I stopped for gas one morning and started a conversation with an Xb owner who stated that he gets 34 mpg with the 5 speed and has a ton of room. I guess my main questions for you Xb owners is: Is this a comfortable rod for a hour commute? Also can the XB cruise at 70mph? I'm impressed with the utility of the vehicle and just need some basic info. Thanks to all.
  • malachy72malachy72 Member Posts: 325
    my wife thinks the seats are like living room furniture, very comfortable.

     

    Your experience may be different. I am getting between 31 and 34 mpg in mixed but mostly highway driving.
  • crazedcommutercrazedcommuter Member Posts: 281
    Thanks for the update. Does your Xb have an auto or stick? I haven't driven it yet and I need some feedback on either tranny. Also how does it cruise on the open road? Will it cruise at 70 mph ok?

     

    Again, as always, Thank you
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    I don't possess mine yet. Its coming. However, I have driven both. The manual is faster, but either transmission will propel the xB. After all the xB does have 108hp. Thats more than my wife's 95 Corolla.

     

    I looked at the new Corolla, Camry, xA, and the tC. I chose the xB for its utility and comfort. This is my 15th Toyota. I drive 80 miles a day minimum. I took the xB for an extended test drive through city and on the interstate and was never disappointed. The big question is it better than the Celica that I just sold today.
  • romuloromulo Member Posts: 3
    You are making the right decision.

    I owned a Santa Fe for four years and gave a lot of problems and also the Santa Fe eats gas like an 8 cylinder car. Additionally, the road noise on the Santa Fe is absolutely horrendous.

    I am also going to buy me "The Box". I currently own an Expedition and with the prices of gas I need the box for errands. I already test drove it and I am very pleased with the results.

    Smart move on your part.
  • romuloromulo Member Posts: 3
    Hi, I don't know who you are but your comments are very good and I believe you have a very good knowledge of cars.

    I just want to thank you for your observations which I now read very attentively.

    Thank you so much for your input.

    Much appreciated.

    Gil Lucas
  • romuloromulo Member Posts: 3
    Hy,

    I asked the toyota dealer in South Florida (Miami) how much adding the cruise control would cost and I was quoted $359.00 dealer installed.

    Indeed $575 is way high.

    Gil Lucas
  • crazedcommutercrazedcommuter Member Posts: 281
    Yea $575 is too high. The dealer in Hagerstown, Maryland quoted me $499 and I think that is too high based on the above posted quote. It looks like there is some "wiggle room" in the options price, and I thought all Scion's prices were standard! I just test drove the auto tranny last night and was impressed at how smooth it was. The pickup is comparable to other compact cars of the same class, plus the Box looks cooler and has a ton more utility. I ran it up and down I-70 at 70-80 mph and then around some twisty 2 lanes and it handled nicely. Wider tires and the strut tower brace should just make it handle better than it already does. I think I'll order the auto trans when I go back because of the traffic snarls around the metro DC area. It's just a personal preference because I see no sense sitting in the rush hour stew with a stick. This is a good all around vehicle.
  • malachy72malachy72 Member Posts: 325
    I have the 5 speed manny. I can put it 5th at 40 mph as the gear ratios are low.

     

    I can accelerate up a grade in 5th from 60 to 65 mph, no need to downshift.
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    One of these days, my xB is going to come in.

     

    Roughly $1330 was fees and sales tax. The car is still a good deal. However, 4 and some payments on the car is just paying to ship it, tax it, and handle it. Now consider the dealership I went to had cheaper fees.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Spent 16K on a Malibu Maxx instead. Interestingly enough both have about the same amount of interior space and tons of flexibility, but the Malibu only pulls about 2000 rpm at 70--- makes for a lot less racket.
  • 307web307web Member Posts: 1,033
    Is a redesign coming soon? I know it has only been here a short time, but it is an older design that has been on the market in Japan for years. It seems to have a late-90s look.

    It could at least use a stronger engine and side curtain airbags.
  • mhenningmhenning Member Posts: 1
    It's not too bad. It is no hot rod, but I commute about 30 minutes each way to to work. Mostly interstate and speeds of 75-80 in the morning. It manages those speeds fine, but passing someone going 55-60 can take a bit longer than you might expect. I have the automatic though. You should really pressure them to let you test drive it on the interstate, that was my main concern before I bought mine also. I was pleasently surprised that it gets along as well as it does with that tiny little engine. It's very quick and scooty around town I think.
  • crazedcommutercrazedcommuter Member Posts: 281
    How is yiur gas mileage witht he stick? Is the stick a pain to drive in bumper to bumper traffic?
  • crazedcommutercrazedcommuter Member Posts: 281
    I looked at the Maxx and liked it but could not make a decent deal with any chevy dealer, although I just received a mailing about a $6k discount and 0% finance. I read the fit and finish was subpar and there were problems with parts falling off.
  • micwebmicweb Member Posts: 1,617
    You said: "Spent 16K on a Malibu Maxx instead. Interestingly enough both have about the same amount of interior space and tons of flexibility, but the Malibu only pulls about 2000 rpm at 70--- makes for a lot less racket."

    Wow, if I'd been able to buy one at that price I'd be owning one now (actually the normal sedan which I like better). But GM priced them too high and was too slow rebating them when they came out. I wasn't willing to pay "list". But at that price - I'd do it (or would have done it). Let us know the details - your equipment and the sticker price. let's go off topic for just a moment....the whole appeal of the Scion is the "set" but "good" price, but deep discounting the fine Malibu makes it worth considering...as you did.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    The 5 speed xB was cranked up a lot more than the automatic. Think it runs at least 500 rpm faster at 70.

    Base Maxx has trip computer (with mpg, miles to fill, two trip meters, etc), movable pedals, power seat (up and down only), back seats that recline and move back and forth 7 inches, automatic headlights, nags at me to watch out when its wet and temps near freezing, back that makes into a picnic table, power locks mirrors and cruise, front seats that flip and turn into tables and a back fixed sunroof with strange little rollup shades-- a veritable swiss army knife full of crap.

    Lots of people hate Chevy dealers, but I've had good luck with past cars. Stronger bunch around St. Louis than Toyota and certainly Hyundai. Plus even though it's odd looking (a bit like a giant Chevette)-- though not as strange as an xB it's a Chevy underneath. Any local garage should be able to work on it when the short 36K warranty runs out.

    Seating surfaces aren't up to the xB's quality, especially in the base car and I miss throwing the 5 speed Elantra around, this still seems a bit too large but I'm liking it more and more.

    I'm averaging 25 mpg around town-- pretty damn good for a car with a 3.5 liter v-6 and an automatic. Does just about as good as my '01 Elantra.

    If I'd still had my GM card and was still a Chevy owner I could have picked it up for a bit over thirteen. Too bad the Maxx is so odd for the typical Chevy buyer that sales are disappointing. Wouldn't surprise me to see it dropped when platform changes are made. Too bad, since it's the spiritual heir to those big old Saab hatchbacks of the eighties and nineties.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    Is posted on the Scion site now. I'm still not impressed. Not worth the $ IMHO.
  • dialm4speeddialm4speed Member Posts: 110
    Scion: The new word for Ugly!
    The strange thing is at the autoshow last year, middle aged folks were loving this piece O c**p! I thought this was supposed to be for kids?
  • crazedcommutercrazedcommuter Member Posts: 281
    Adults found out that this was a great little runabout and commuter car. Easy to park, easy on gas and lots of room for your stuff. Maybe a little research and education would cure your bitter attitude dude.
  • stevengordonstevengordon Member Posts: 130
    I couldn't agree more, crazedcommuter. It's difficult to find a vehicle with that combination of room and mileage, at an affordable price.

    It appeals to practical people, but maybe not to trollers.
  • malachy72malachy72 Member Posts: 325
    I'm getting is between 31 nd 34 mpg. The tach says 3100 @ 60 mph, although I seldom travel at that speed.
  • dialm4speeddialm4speed Member Posts: 110
    Don't need education to know that thing is butt-ugly! Just proves that Americans will buy any piece of foreign junk! I guaranty that if that same cube on wheels had a Ford, GM or Chrysler name badge nobody would touch it!
  • dialm4speeddialm4speed Member Posts: 110
    Yeah it appeals to some loooozars but not to people that like real cars.
  • crazedcommutercrazedcommuter Member Posts: 281
    You said,
    "I guaranty that if that same cube on wheels had a Ford, GM or Chrysler name badge nobody would touch it! "
    That's because everything would fall off it. Door knobs, handles, tranny leaking, bad head gaskets, etc. all seem to be trouble on American cars. I know , I own 2 Chevy's and a Ford. You don't have those kinds of issues in the Toyota cars. They still have their problems. but not to the extent of the Big 3 makers. Resale is always better on Honda's and Toyota's too. Most American cars lose 20% of their value in the 1st year of ownership. By the way, It's quite obvious that your education needs a little work. I guaranty it. "Let's get 'er done!"
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    My xB came in. The package is a great value. The best part your neighbor doesn't have one, a la Camry or Taurus.
  • aathertonaatherton Member Posts: 617
    Here are some collected comments on the xB with manual transmission:
    "I can put it 5th at 40 mph as the gear ratios are low... I can accelerate up a grade in 5th from 60 to 65 mph, no need to downshift... (but) 3500 rpms @ 60mph was a bit much... The 5 speed xB was cranked up a lot more than the automatic. Think it runs at least 500 rpm faster at 70."

    So the xB with manual must be a very different experience than the xB with automatic. Manual would be for quick, sporty driving. Automatic would be for quiet highway cruising and better mileage.
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    Mine is manual and its still quite at any speed.
  • aathertonaatherton Member Posts: 617
    At 500 rpm less, would the automatic be even quieter?
  • malachy72malachy72 Member Posts: 325
    I like having one of the few on the road. I'm seeing a few more and it disappoints me.
  • ghuletghulet Member Posts: 2,564
    .....what's the verdict with regard to automatic versus manual, as far as highway RPMs go? I drove my neighbor's Mazda Protege the other day, which I loved, except for the noise because going 70 the car was at like 4k RPM. Made for nice power reserves at that speed (also a 105hp motor), but besides the racket, that can't be good for the engine or for gas mileage (which is also disappointing on the Protege for the car's size). I'd rather have a little less power and a little more quiet, but I love manual transmissions, so what to do?
  • aathertonaatherton Member Posts: 617
    There have been several posts about paint scratching easily. Is there something wrong with the Scion paint? I wonder what the dealers say.
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    I have the manual. The shifts are very short and concise. I have two cars, a truck, and a travel trailer. I drive just my personal car 20,000 a year. The xB seems perfect for my daily travels. You just have to park it safely. LOL

    I got five options with the vehicle. Fog lights are a must. I'm 34 and going blind each day. I also put the strut bar in. The cheaper options were the rear bumper applique, door sill extensions, and the carpet mats. I also bought a titanium shifter to match the interior, but I really like the one that came with the car.

    My last car was a 91 Celica GT. It had more HP at 130 and got 32 mpg. However, I believe that my xB will get better mileage as it gets broken in. Performance is about the same.

    At one time I owned for 10 and a half years, an 89 Corolla GT-S. It turned 3400 at 60, but it readlined at 7700 rpm. It was noisy on a long drive. The Scion xB is much much quieter. I think the big reason is the sound deadning (spelling?) material.

    If I am not mistaken, the Auto does have better gas mileage figures. I may be wrong, though.
  • crazedcommutercrazedcommuter Member Posts: 281
    Yea I agree with the fog lights. I'm usually on the road by 4:30 am and they help on the 2 lane roads. The auto tranny is listed as getting 1 mpg more than the manual. Did you find any wiggle room in the option prices? Some of the posts on this board show a considerable difference in pricing, most notably in the cruise control option. Because of the amount of miles I drive, I'm seriously considering the cruise, along with the strut bar, fog lights, mats, and the door sill extensions.
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    The wiggle is different among options. For example, the shifter I bought is 50 when you buy the car, but its 30 if you buy it yourself. On the other hand the fog ligts are cheaper to add with the car so someone can put them in. It just depends.

    The rule of thumb, if it needs professional attachement, buy it with the car. Otherwise, I would compare price it. If its significantly cheaper, then I would buy it after getting the car.

    There is no wiggle room on the options when you get the car. However, I did notice that the dealership did cut down the Fog Lights by $75. I still haven't figured that one out yet.
  • stromsonstromson Member Posts: 1
    This should probably be in the Accessories and Mods discussion but it's not had a lot of attention so I thought I'd post here instead(hopefully the host won't eat me for it).

    The question: Has anyone bolted in a supercharger for their xB?

    If so, I've got a couple questions:

    -Is it worth the $3k+ and 7-9 hour install?

    -Can an amature(sp?) mechanic manage the install or should it really be left to a pro?

    -I'm assuming it the SC requires a jump to at least 89 octane, does it require full premium or would the middle grade be good?

    Thanks in advance for any help!
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    This should probably be in the Accessories and Mods discussion but it's not had a lot of attention so I thought I'd post here instead(hopefully the host won't eat me for it).

    Just kidding - perfectly appropriate question for this discussion :)

    kcram
    Host - Wagons
  • hansiennahansienna Member Posts: 2,312
    The Scion xB is NOT junk but a well designed, PRACTICAL , comfortable, spacious, fuel efficient vehicle.
    Question: Is Cruise Control available as a factory option? I did not see it listed in either the Scion brochure or at Edmund's pricing for the Scion xB.
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    Cruise is an option. Its 350, I believe.

    I picked up a cargo mat today for mine.
  • crazedcommutercrazedcommuter Member Posts: 281
    If you can get cruise installed for $350 go for it. The dealer in Hagerstown quoted $499 for the cruise. He also low balled me on my trade. He said that Edmunds values are not an accurate picture of trade in value. I think they did this because they can't make that much on the price of the Scion, so they try to make it back on the trade. I got up and walked out and will try another dealer in the DC area. They called me back twice that night praising their service dept. and the wonderful staff, but never offered anymore for my trade.
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    I have heard several times how the dealer doesn't make any money on the car. However, all dealers will undercut your trade in. Just sell it yourself. I sold my 91 Celica outright for $2500.

    You may get lucky and get a reasonable dealer.

    I only have 120 miles to 1000. Then I can drive faster. I have had vehicles including tractor trailers get on my bumper just to see what I am driving. I actually had all three lanes on the interstate staring the other day. The car attracts lots of attention.
  • hansiennahansienna Member Posts: 2,312
    Scion xB demand has exceeded Toyota expectations and will probably sell at or above MSRP for a few years just like the 1999 Odyssey did.
    Toyota will not increase delivery to the USA as Chrysler did with the PT Cruiser.
  • big_guybig_guy Member Posts: 372
    The Scion brand uses their "pure pricing" system for all Scion sales. There is no negotiation on the price of the vehicle and it is unlikely that the sytem will change in the near future (although you can always try to negotiate trade-in values and the price of dealer installed accessories). From what I understand, Scion will run with a particular make of vehicle (xA, xB, tC) for only a short time and then that vehicle will be phased out of production. There are already rumours that say the xB will stop production in its current form by 2007.
  • crazedcommutercrazedcommuter Member Posts: 281
    What are the break-in specs on the Xb? Is it "stay under 60 mph" for the 1st 1000 miles? Does Toyota want you to change the oil at 1000 miles also?
  • tundradudetundradude Member Posts: 588
    Technically its 55, but I use the 60 rule. Although, it sometimes hard to do on these 65 and 70 mile an hour roads. A couple times I have had to go over it. I believe I have done the proper break in about 90% of the time.

    Personally, I do oil changes every 3000 no matter what. Toyota's interval is 7500 as far as I know.

    I have 850 miles on mine now.
Sign In or Register to comment.