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Scion xA
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Comments
The Honda Element that I had began doing that after it had already been in use, like if I were parking (PARK) or had turned off the car somewhere only to turn it back on within 20 minutes.
The dealership told me it was the throttle body sensor and needed replaced. Basically the RPMs were slightly higher and I hadn't noticed, and that they weren't reading at rest when the car was not in use, so then I was not "allowed" to shift out of park.
That was my problem, so what exactly was yours :confuse:
Sometimes I look at the Scion xB and it starts working it's mojo on me! I can see why you might like it, I just can't get into that square-everywhere design. The xB does look better than a middle of the road car like Toyota's Corolla, though. It's better to have a car with some design integrity to it and the xB is an original, I'll say that much about it.
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)
Details: Flint Mica, AT, 17" Momos,iPod-friendly Stereo, armrest, spoiler and has side airbags. Gets 30mpg so far.
For a little car, it sure feels big inside.
The only thing I don't particularly care for is the sun visors. Too small!
I think it looks great, but I would like to go ahead and
get the lowering springs. Will it make for a stiffer ride?
Also, can I expect my gas mileage to improve with time?
I know the automatic is EPA rated at 38, but I'm sure
that was going 55 on a really flat highway:-)
Any advice for this new xA owner would be welcomed./John
The more surface street driving you add, the more your mileage will get pummeled.
17" wheels are not mileage friendly; weight!
I'd like to ask you about that JC Whitney automatic door opener you got for your xA. How does that work? Is it an easy install? I also thought the $500 security system was a rip so didn't order it.
Also, can you tell me if, when you open the lid on your CD holder (the box under the heater controls), does it light up at night? Mine lights up when I open the door but not when I'm driving and want to see what CD I'm pulling out.
I like this little car overall!
I don't think I'm going to lower mine (ride might be too harsh) but it could use better tires and maybe I'll get the shock tower brace as well as CAI and cat-back exhaust....but not from TRD....too expensive!
thanks
Joe aka Shiftright
Host
Maintenance & Repair Board
On the 2006 xA, I understand that there is an iPod plug standard, near the gear shift. Is that right? So, I am confused about what the accessory stereo with iPod capability does. Is it:
WITHOUT the extra stereo option, your iPod will work through the speakers if you plug it in, but you have to use the iPod to control song selection.
WITH the extra money stereo, its controlled through the steering wheel?
Is that right? Overall, could I go buy a 2006 xA and be able to hear my iPod through the speakers, right away, without buying any extra options?
Thanks!
Also, how is the 4 speed auto? Is the overdrive switch a sturdy item? Most cars don't have OD switches anymore...
Unless you are in perpetual snow conditions that are severe, AWD doesn't make a lot of sense for the amount of time you use it.
I've had the xA out in very nasty heavy rain and wind, and it's fine even with stock tires.
Thank you.
You (or someone) can visually check if the AC clutch has disengaged or not. If the AC clutch is wearing out, it will make a very annoying high pitched chattering noise.
So your mechanic's explanation is odd---whether engaged or disengaged, an AC clutch shouldn't make noise----so not disengaging doesn't explain your noise problem.
I called the disbributer who gave me an advocate representative who contacted dealer and really got them moving. (number should be in Scion paperwork on Scion website.) After a total 6 visits (2 with help), they solved the problem--it was the outside dash, just on other side of speedometer where plastic parts meet. The colder it was the louder the plastic rattled. When it was warmer, by the time I could get it to dealer, the plastic warmed up and they couldn't hear. With advocate intervention by phone, they kept car overnight and once over weekend until they could figure it out and drive when very cold. If they dealer didn't solve, they were going to send Scion field rep. It was very easy working with advocate--really wanted to solve and evidently got them believing it should be.
My suggestion is get them moving that way. I'm near San Fran., dist. in Torrance, s. CA.
Don't let them get away with not fixing it!
Hope this helped.
Also, is Speed Control the same as cruise control?
Thanks,
Max
Yes, speed control is another term for cruise control. The Rostra (www.rostra.com) is a popular aftermarket cruise that works well with Scion vehicles.
I have to say the xA has been growing on me, at first I thought it cramped but I went yesterday to give the car a fairer shake and spent some time with it. I can fit OK in the back with the driver's seat set to where I'm comfortable, I couldn't when I first tried it but then again I hadn't spent a lot of time on it. I'm between the '06 Kia Rio5 (a surprisingly splendid little car) and the xA. I went ahead and test-drove the little xA, and I must say it rides a lot better than a car with that short a wheelbase has any right to. I've heard the ride described as choppy, and that term was far from my mind as I took it out on the freeway. It's nice and nimble, and holds its ground against irksome Wisconsin crosswinds. I felt them, but the Scion stayed put.
The Rio5 is a little softer, and has a bit more space, but the xA has a timing chain instead of a belt (which in the Rio needs replacing every 60K) and the stock stereo is much better. I really like both cars, but I'm leaning toward the little xA...even that silly center-mounted speedo started to grow on me, just in a what-the-heck-is-that-about way. There's a good variety of aftermarket goodies for the Scions, if I get a wild hair to trick it out a little. And I just can't see going wrong with a Toyota vehicle, somewhat akin to not being fired for buying IBM. The Rio5 is a sharp sharp little scoot though, and I find it appealing still. The outgoing Hyundai Accent has scored really well in reliability, so I see no reason to suspect the new Accent/Rio platform will be a step backward at all. Fun, handy little cars...the new Fit should be great too, but I don't like the non-standard radio. I have a car now with a non-standard radio opening...never again. I need to be able to easily pop in a nice Pioneer or Alpine or whatever when I break the stock one.
Todd in Beerbratistan
For the content it has, even without being able to negotiate the price, it is a bargain.
I had one and always enjoyed the nice touches - the interior quality, the sound proofing, the Toyota (almost Lexus level!) fit and finish.
When I traded it in, I got an incredible trade-in amount, which confirms that Toyota's DO hold their value much better than many other cars.
Even Japanese cars have first year teething problems these days. My xA had a weak airconditioning set-up. This is reflected in Consumer Report's score cards. The xA right now is VERY seasoned and has moved up in the CR gradings.
I think you'd love it.
I researched the Scion xA and I still love the xA RS 1.0 and 2.0. AAMOF-when does the Scion xA RS 3.0 come out? What color will it be?
For that car I could be tempted to wait for it and put off the '06 Rio purchase. Great little cars. Not a harsh word against them will leave my mouth, dudes.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I did see a pic of a Sapphire Blue Kia Rio5 (right-hand drive) with custom 2-tone leather (dark blue inserts, tan trim) and red(!) carpet. Looked pretty neat!
Todd in Cheesecurdistan
That leaves the two manual-trannied Rio LX sedans, 5-speeds both of them, one Sapphire Blue and one Silver. The Silver looks pretty good on a Rio LX sedan, because Kia puts those new large, black door mouldings on them. The black and silver blend nicely. You know, I like the sedan's body style just a tad more over the Rio5's. But the Rio5 offers bigger tires, metal pedals and a rear spoiler and a beefier, sportier suspension with improved handling characteristics. So I would still be open to the Rio5 if he can't fit into it. BTW-it's bigger than people think up there in the front cabin area, he'll fit into it. So, my plan will be to get a Rio LX sedan and, down the road a piece, look for sales and buy a nice tire and wheel combo that will look cool and improve handling. The thing is, I'm not a highway star, anyway. The sedan's ride and handling of the twisties will already suit me just fine from the start.
Back to this topic and the Scion xA. I don't think you can go wrong with one of these. And, yes, one can put some EP-10 alloys on and a spoiler, etc. The RS xA's also have the "glowing" dash lights for extra accent, which is gimmicky, but kind of cool as well.
The Scion xA would fit my needs pretty nicely and, I just saw while dining and shopping in Idaho Falls, ID, the other night, the Toyota dealer there stocks Scion's now. Previously the only Scion dealer in the lower western, central and eastern Idaho areas was in Boise, Idaho. So I would have a Scion dealer to deal with only 50 miles to the north of me.
Robert Allen Kia is in my hometown of Pocatello, ID, though, so that is very cool.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I did see my local Scion dealer (Smart Toyota-Scion-Volvo, Madison WI) has additional options for Scions, including custom leather interiors in any color you like. They must bring an upholsterer in for that...Toyota dealer I used to deal with back in Michigan did that. I almost had that done to my old '93 Paseo back in the day...
Todd in Beerbratistan
Looks like a toss up to me....
I do like the Fit's guage cluster though, aesthetically. Honda even copied Toyota in omitting the coolant temp guage, which is curious. Not that you get much useful info from a temp guage, but I like having one. Not a dealbreaker, but strikes me as odd nonetheless.
Todd in Cheesecurdistan
Ah well....
Todd in Beerbratistan
I will go to work on selling the idea. I'm just waiting for the right time...and some warmer weather!
We're at about 15 degrees right now, at 2:00PM! Eeek!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I fell in love with the 06 Xa the dark grey color. I went to the dealer and they said there is no discount or price haggling. The price you see is the price you pay. It was 14500. Is that true? I am planning to buy it within 72 hours but I just want to verify this.
Tony
reality. We've narrowed down to these three. Yes, I know Matrix is more expensive (and larger) than Fit or xA but we might buy a young used one if this makes sense. Would appreciate your feedback, advice, warnings, encouragement, etc. Thanx in advance!!
It's a good deal, since the markup in them is small.
Most dealers make their real money on them by "packing" them with accessories, like $2,000 "pimp my ride" wheels and tires.
If you can get one you want, enjoy!
Keep in mind that since pricing is fixed, you might as well order if necessary to get EXACTLY what you want - side curtain airbags, for example.
The Fit will come with side air bags stock.
You can easily order (or maybe even find) an xA with side air bags (torso, not the more important side curtain airbags - the Fit will have both side curtain and side torso). The xA also comes with antilock brakes, and based on all the skid marks I see on the freeway, those are something I'd definitely want to have too.
The Matrix is extremely difficult to locate with side air bags, which are an option.
The Fit and the xA seem to be neck and neck on features and performance. You'd have to drive both. The Matrix's main appeal would be mostly in more room behind the back seats, if you need that. I find the xA more fun to drive than the Matrix.
It has the audio upgrade, including being iPod ready and it has foglights. Once again the salesman didn't even know what the car offered, but I studied the list of extras added. The stereo is nice and it has steering wheel audio controls, which I think would be really nice to have.
I told the salesman that the only thing I didn't like were the factory hubcaps, thinking that I could just buy some nice rims somewhere in Pocatello later. He had a novel idea instead of that, get this, he said that what I could do was go down the street and pick some out at Jack's Tire and Wheel during this little exercise and that we could just finance them in and pick the car up all ready to go sometime after that. He mentioned that that would save me money. I'll get the exact figures but, although I like Scion's fancy EP-10 wheels, I have a feeling that the ones I'll pick out are gonna be far less pricey than the Scion EP-10's.
I have to get my wife on board with this still, but I want to pull the trigger. She likes the '01 Kia Sportage 4x4 and we are a one-car couple. I do all the driving, too. We will save on gas and we'll pay less monthly for the car payment as well. I like the Polar White and especially with the fog lights up there. It's not a slam dunk but I am going to pursue buying this one, I just want my wife to be happy with the decision I have made. She doesn't drive. Keep y'all posted how it goes. This is not like an open 12-foot jumper right in front of the hoop. More it will be like a reverse layin with heavy pressure from Bill Russell underneath the basket.
Mr.Shiftright, did you get an automatic or a manual tranny with yours? Mine will(see what I mean, I am speaking in the possessive here)be a 5-speed. The 5-speed, coupled to the little 1.5 liter 4-cyl.did an admirable job of accelerating the little Mini-Cooper wannabe up the freeway onramp. I gave it a good spin and tested out the clutch action and schtick response. Probably take it for another spin tomorrow to be sure I like it. Oh, it has a factory-installed armrest, too! Apparently Scion got the word from buyers that we want driver's armrests! It worked fine.
Mr.Shiftright, what color did you choose? Also, what kind of gas mileage are you getting with it?
I said a few days ago on here that you won't hear a harsh word come out of my mouth about these xA's and I'm not gonna say a harsh word about them still. Pretty impressive little rigs, the 2006 Scion xA's.
I'll keep y'all posted in here what I decide to do.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Since I own an xB, these are some suggestions. Get the strut bar. Also get yours without the crappy Good Year Eagle Tires. This can be avoided if you get aftermarket wheels and tires, but don't forget to see how much those replacement tires are for future consumption. Example, the Scion tc tires are around 170 a tire for replacement, and the more low profile they are, the more they are to replace.
You can get the armrest from Scion, but others like crazedcommuter have gotten an armrest from an outside source (zeta Products).
Also get the cargo mat if you don't want things to slide around the back of the car, even though the xA is smaller than the xB.
I have a manual and you will always have more power with it, but the automatic does a remarkable job and it does get 1 more mpg.
My xB gets 32-35, with most tanks being in the middle.
I test drove an xA 1.0 and it was cool. I wonder if the recent one has a moonroof.
I hope this info helps.
5 speed is the way to go on these....I don't give up the left lane to anyone except real nuts headed for the chain gang...otherwise the xA is fine on freeway up to 80-85 mph....after all the little guy gets wound up pretty tight....
Acceleration, ditto...there's nobody crawling up my back, ever, so it's good enough to get the job done. I estimate that with a good driver and a 5 speed you can do 0-60 in about 8.8 seconds.
Gas mileage is averaging 29-33 mpg and if you drive over 60 mph that's what you should count on. The EPA of 38 mpg seems out of reach for any realistic driving in California. Maybe on the flats of Kansas on a windless day at 60 mph, yes.
But gas mileage has to be realistic. My friends with Priuses, if they drive normally, get about 41 mpg. So I'm very happy to be 8 mpg less for half the price of their cars. And I have my foot mashed to the floor most of the time, and also do a lot of hill climbing in San Francisco.
The automatic might get a bit more gas mileage because they gear it higher---but then you lose the acceleration factor, and it could cost you 2 seconds 0-60.
Yes, shifty, I grew up north of Seattle and I would take the '66 VW 3-speed to Seattle for weekend fun. I learned how to drive a stick very effectively driving in Seattle because I had to. The Seattle drivers would come right up behind me on inclines and not give me more than about 6 inches leeway back there when the foot had to be firmly placed on the brake pedal holding me still! I'm sure you know what I mean, shifty!
This little xA is fun to drive and if(I mean when)I get that Polar White '06 xA with a 5-speed I am gonna really dig driving it. That's one angle I need to push with the wife..summertime Idaho driving fun to beautiful Yellowstone and Teton destinations! Yes! More thinking like this!
25 mpg compared to 32 mpg! Come on now! i-Pod ready and neat little foglights up there. Gentlemen, I have my work cut out for me, but I want to do this in the next couple of days. I kind of like the challenge!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick