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Comments
You said they also had ones under $18K with hubcaps, so there isn't anything to complain about.
and yes, it was the factory sticker, not the dealer add-ons type.
complaining...i'm so not in the market for an xb.
Don't get me wrong. I sell Toyotas and Scions and they are great cars for the money. I just hate what Toyota/Scion USA does to our market sometimes.
Mack
Mackabee
Quote from:
http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/12930/first-drive-2008-scion-xb.html
They are not on the same platform. The have a different wheel base, different wheel bolt pattern (tC is 5X100, 2008 xB is 5X114.3), different brakes (2008 xB uses Rav4 rotors), etc. This is off of Edmunds:
Exterior tC xB
Length 174 in. 167.3 in.
Height 55.7 in. 63 in.
Wheel Base 106.3 in. 102.4 in.
According to Autotrader, the tC's compression ratio is 9.6 and it has an 4-wheel independent suspension.
Also according to Autotrader, the 2008 xB's compression ratio is 9.8 and it has an independent front suspension. The rear is a torsion beam type, I know because I have looked under my car.
From trdsparks.com, you can see the independent rear suspension of the tC in this PDF (scroll down).
http://www.trdsparks.com/install/19425inst.pdf
Here are some pictures of the NON-independent 2008 xB rear suspension.
http://www.scionevolution.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14583
I agree the tC is based on the Avensis...but the 2008 xB is not. Unless you figure out how to copy-paste this "literature" or maybe take a screenshot (hit the "Print Screen" button and go to edit->paste in MSpaint, save as .jpg file).
I take what CarandDriver says with a grain of salt. I cancelled my subscription to them a long time ago.
What I said was the tC is based on the Avensis and the NA xB is just a four door tC. Look at the styling cues!
Sure they have a different rear suspension but the chassis, frame, and subframes are the same.
Mack
One of MANY examples is the Honda Pilot / Acura MDX / Honda Odyssey / Honda Ridgeline. They are all on the same platform. Most of them look NOTHING alike.
The xB only has a front subframe, not a rear, so if they are shared, there is only one. (I don't know if they are shared, I don't have a tC to compare and cannot find pictures offhand) Also, there is no "frame" as they are both unibody cars. Assuming you are referring to the unibody when you say "chassis", there would still have to be massive modifications to the chassis to go from tC to xB. The wheelbase is 4" shorter, the roof is much higher (all of this is included in the unibody). I am sure whichever car the xB is based on required significant modifications, it is not "the same" as any car.
The Auris is within 1" in length and has an IDENTICAL wheelbase. It has a strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, JUST LIKE THE xB.
From:
http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/news/publish/AURIS_THE_NEW_TOYOTA.shtml
To convert mm to inches, divide by 25.4.
Look, I really don't mean to offend you, but I would tend to believe well established news sources (though they have been wrong in the past) before I would take the word of a disembodied voice from the internet.
That's just like saying "with all due respect". I am hardly a "disembodied voice from the internet." I've been on these forums since their inception and am well respected by other users and the hosts. Some of them have valued my insight and opinions so much that they've become customers. If you don't want to believe what I say that's your prerogative, and I'm ok with that. If you still have doubts go to my carspace and check it out.
Mack
I believe you have been around for a while, and I believe you are a sales consultant for Toyota/Scion.
That doesn't make you infallible.
Post a link, a screen shot, or copy-paste the text from the literature. "I'm right because of who I am" doesn't fly.
Mackabee
of all the cars to mod, why supercharge an xb?
oh wait, you race the rough shifting accord hybrid.
anyone who knows anything about hybrids wouldn't try anything against an accord hybrid anyway.
I could see ordering the S/C for the xB and really wowing your friends with some drag racing. Of course, after that installation you will get about the same gas mileage as an early-90s Previa.
July xB sales, down 20% from last year's same-month sales. July was a down month industry-wide, and one month does not tell the story of any model on the market, but still Toyota can't be too happy.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
http://www.pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2007080113917
Mackabee
Chris
I would imagine this issue has been discussed before but I couldn't find it.
I have been a DJ for a long time. (I am approaching 60 ... grin.) I am downsizing my DJ setup and as a result, I can drive something smaller than a minivan. I have been considering an Element but, when I drove one, there were several things I didn't like about it.
My concern with the xB is the cargo floor. I am not sure it would stand up to the weight of my equipment.
I have also considered the Jeep Wrangler 4-door. Does anyone have any comments about the xB's cargo floor or about other options I should consider?
Thanks in advance.
2008 Scion xB armrest mod
Looks seem to be an issue. I liked the look of the original xB and when I first saw the photos of the new model I didn't like it. But the photos don't do it justice. In person, so to speak, this is a good-looking vehicle. Yes, I said good looking (mine is silver). I've come to like its appearance much more than the 1st generation. It's also roomy and well-appointed for the price. I got the stock automatic and only added fog lights and an (overpriced) alarm for a smidge over 18. (I also bought floor mats online for 40% less than the dealer would have charged from a Toyota dealer in CA).
Fit and finish seems to be fine for the price point. Seats are reasonably comfortable, again for the price. No passenger armrest (tough), and the driver's armrest is not particularly substantial. Don't know how long it will last. Like all new autos, the #&*@$ headrests shove your head forward if the seat is in an upright position. The only way to compensate is to lean the seat back, which means you have to move the seat forward to reach the steering wheel, leaving your legs unable to stretch to a comfortable position since they are now a bit too close to the pedals. This is true of every 08 car I test drove, including vehicles that cost twice as much. Telescoping steering wheels should be mandatory to compensate for these new headrests so your legs can stretch a bit more. And yes, the brake pedal is just a tad too close to the gas pedal on the xB.
Other than that I can't find any big flaws. The engine has reasonable power and pickup. Highway driving and passing are easy. You'll hit 70+ in a flash. I never noticed any excessive wind noise at highway speeds. There is a bit of thrashy engine noise in the lower gears. It handles well, but the ride is a bit bouncier than I would have thought for its size (but not as bad as the previous model by any means). And for urban living, it is about the right size. Roomy inside, easy to enter and exit, a short turning radius, easy to steer and park, yet no lengthier than a compact car. Another advantage is that, while it's not SUV height, you do sit higher than the average sedan. And I for one like the dash. Everything is easy to read and there's no problem with the gauges being off-center.
The stock stereo has decent sound. I don't expect Hi-Fi-quality sound in a car and thought the upgraded sound systems were overpriced. All I need is to plug in my iPod and I'm happy. You can control it from the front panel when it's plugged in the special jack, and can control volume and next song selection from the steering wheel, plus song title display on the dash. More than adequate for the average iPod user. And you can always get a portable GPS if you need it. No bluetooth, but I can live without it. I never use a phone while I drive, period. Wish others did likewise as they drive like drunks down the road.
Overall, I'm pleased with my purchase. I think for the money, the xB is the best automotive bargain out there. I would take the xB over the xD and the Matrix as the better value among comparable vehicles, in my view.
As far as the headrests I have the same complaint so I did something about it. I removed the head rest completely turn it around and reinsert it. You no longer have to bump into it however its now a couple more inches away from the back of your head. Also you hardly notice the difference in appearance.
Let me know if this works for you.
I wanted a reasonably priced and reliable car with stability control and if it had a nice wide and comfortable armrest, I might have bought an xB even if it barely got 30 mpg.
When people say cars today are appliances and are "throw-away" cars, maybe they have a point. If a lack of a good armrest kills an automobile purchase deal, maybe you never really liked the car in the first place, eh?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
My mileage is way up from the minivan, which one would expect, but since I was mostly in the van alone it made sense to dump it. Like clockwork I put 10.5 to 11 gal of gas in the xB for every 320 miles. That's 29 to 30 miles per gallon, which is 1 mpg more than the avg MPH on the dash. It will hit 34 mpg with the cruise set to 65 mph on the higway, and my drive is mostly highway.
I'm 6'6" and while this IS a small car, I fit fine. I actually feel a little 'smaller" in the xB than the Windstar because I sat much higher in the van.
I liked the original xB, but I like the '08 much better and am not ashamed to admit it. The 08 xB moves out just fine, the traction and stability controls work excellent too. (I had a chance to test them today in Chicago!)
The passenger side needs an armrest, and I don't know why they did'nt make one similar to the driver armrest. Yes it's small, but it seems to work fine. I'll probably raise the center console somehow to provide the pass with some type of rest or have an interior fabricate one on the pass seat.
The iPod connection works great and the standard radio is fairly decent.
I wish Toyota stocked more of the accessories. Every time I'm there they only offer to order stuff, while I'd like to look it over and buy on the spot.
The 08 xB definately needs mudflaps and a hood guard, both of which are not available just yet. I fabricated a magnetic bra for the front of the hood, but have had it stolen twice. (No, they did'nt fall off.)
The MPG is fine, and the mpg on the sticker is easily acheived, unlike pre 2008 MPG stickers. It's not a 35 or 40 mpg vehicle, but I'm getting twice the mileage of my Windstar so my fuel costs have dropped dramatically and $3.50 a gallon fuel doesnt feel so bad. Oh I've also dropped my carbon output, so at least I'm trying to pollute less. My next vehicle in 3 to 5 years will probably be the about the same size and get 40+mpg, so I'm working my plan. I sure hope that GM comes through with the Volt!
I almost bought the Matrix/Vibe (Corolla engine) but I found the Xb more comfortable and roomy. It's really a great vehicle and fairly fun to drive. I'm looking forward to customizing it somewhat and while I'm over 50 y/o it kind of makes me feel like a kid again!
bill
2008 will get a 5.0 Special Edition in gold Rush Metallic with factory
roof, body kit,color tune interior and dash
Alas, Scion have decided to ruin the XB. Boxy designs are classic. They don't need updating. That's the whole point of a boxy design. Now the once cute XB looks like a futuristic hurse! I don't want a coffin carrier, no matter how up to date the design.
It looks more feminine as well. So many of the small SUV's are so...feminine looking with their swoopy madness and flowing curves. I want something that looks more trucklike, boxxy, and manly! Grrrr.... But I don't want some behemoth that cost a fortune to buy and fuel. My options are limited to say the least.
However...Honda has come to my rescue. I gave the Element a look and it's quite a deal! Comes in under 20k with the features I want. It's the perfect size and it has a manly utilitarian shape that realy fits my needs cargowise. I love...the sweepable floors!
So sad that Scion had to go ruin the XB. If they were hell bent on making it bigger, why not give it more gargo capacity? No. They wasted room on the hood, stretching the nose out longer! It doesn't seem to have the high roofline it use to have either.
Oh well. If VW's had Japanese reliability and didn't cost a fortune, they'd have a buyer in me IF they brought back "The Thing"!
I'm sick of all these look alike feminine looking mini-utes like the Rav4, Sorento, Sportage,Rogue,Santa Fe,CRV etc. You have to check the name to see which car is which!
The way for someone to "break out of the box" so to speak is to actually create a box. I like the looks of that Dodge Nitro. I saw it online and it seems like a buthed up version of the Element. If I had any faith in American auto quality, I'd very seriously consider one! Unfortunately, I was badly burned by U.S. cars in the past and made a solemn vow to NEVER even consider them.
I drove an xB as a loaner car last time when I had my Solara serviced. Liked it! But I didn't try out the rear seats. Now I wonder if the rear seats are big enough for 2 skinny adults (5'1~5'3, 95~105lb) + 1 car seat. Any owner can share some experiences with me?
Many thanks! :P
I'm more concerned about the width (shoulder room). Maybe I should borrow a car seat and bring it to the dealer.
Apparently Scion believes that this is normal behavior, though they said that they added some grease. As this was done late in the season, I don't yet know if it will have any effect. They warned me that there have been customers whose doors have become frozen shut.