2008 Scion Xb

Replying to: djba (Sep 18, 2007 6:52 am)

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• djba (Sep 18, 2007 7:31 am)
  • texases (Sep 18, 2007 7:36 am)

Replying to: texases (Sep 18, 2007 6:55 am)

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• texases (Sep 18, 2007 7:36 am)

Replying to: djba (Sep 18, 2007 7:31 am)

Replying to: djba (Sep 18, 2007 6:52 am)

Replying to: cbianchi1 (Sep 09, 2007 8:43 am)

Since many people on this site are looking for evaluations of prospective vehicles, I'd thought I'd offer mine as a new owner of a Scion xB. I have about 900 miles on the 08 after a bit more than a month, including city and highway miles. I have driven the first generation xB and I have to say that the new model is vastly improved in just about every way. Yes mileage is less (I've been getting about mid-20s in the city and 30 on long highway trips), but the improvements outweigh that in my view.
 
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.

Replies to this message:
• bearcrkrd (Nov 14, 2007 8:23 pm)
• ldl (Nov 16, 2007 7:28 am)
  • hbgti1 (Nov 17, 2007 1:14 pm)
    • jaxs1 (Nov 17, 2007 1:48 pm)

Replying to: dctalk (Nov 14, 2007 5:26 pm)

Replying to: dctalk (Nov 14, 2007 5:26 pm)

Replies to this message:
• hbgti1 (Nov 17, 2007 1:14 pm)
  • jaxs1 (Nov 17, 2007 1:48 pm)

Replying to: ldl (Nov 16, 2007 7:28 am)

Replies to this message:
• jaxs1 (Nov 17, 2007 1:48 pm)

Replying to: hbgti1 (Nov 17, 2007 1:14 pm)