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2008 Scion Xb

312 messages,  Last post on Jan 25, 2013 at 3:47 AM

You are in the Scion xB Forum.

What is this discussion about? Scion xB, Concept Cars, Future Vehicle, Hatchback

Messages Page 30 of 32

#283 of 312 Re: Cargo Floor in the xB [djba] by texases

Sep 18, 2007 (8:36 am)

Replying to: djba (Sep 18, 2007 8:31 am)
At 200 lbs total I wouldn't expect a problem, but I don't have direct knowledge. An option would be to add a 1/4" - 3/8" piece of plywood, cut to fit, to distribute the weight.

#284 of 312 Re: Cargo Floor in the xB [djba] by caliberchic

Sep 22, 2007 (9:04 am)

Replying to: djba (Sep 18, 2007 7:52 am)
If you like a boxy design how about a Nitro? I just purchased one and I'm 99% sure it was more cargo than an Element, I have a few friends that own Elements and they say it's too small for them.

#285 of 312 Re: Aftermarket center console for 2008? [cbianchi1] by sactoeric

Sep 25, 2007 (4:14 pm)

Replying to: cbianchi1 (Sep 09, 2007 9:43 am)
There isn't one yet, but check out this option:
 
2008 Scion xB armrest mod

#286 of 312 New owner's view by dctalk

Nov 14, 2007 (6:26 pm)

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.

#287 of 312 Re: New owner's view [dctalk] by bearcrkrd

Nov 14, 2007 (9:23 pm)

Replying to: dctalk (Nov 14, 2007 6:26 pm)
Overall, not much going on in the xB forums. Thanks for a Great post!!

#288 of 312 Re: New owner's view [dctalk] by ldl

Nov 16, 2007 (8:28 am)

Replying to: dctalk (Nov 14, 2007 6:26 pm)
Thanks for the great review. I've owned my '08 xB since May and have 6,500 miles on it. I'm right with you on your assessment for this vehicle. Great value.
 
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.

#289 of 312 Re: New owner's view [ldl] by hbgti1

Nov 17, 2007 (2:14 pm)

Replying to: ldl (Nov 16, 2007 8:28 am)
I've had mine for less than a month. The thing that suprised me the most was the gas mileage. I have a 5spd manual and over the first 700 miles my running average has been 33mpg. I've been taking it easy trying to keep revs below 3k RPM. I would say that I drive a good mix of hwy/city as the computer calculates my average speed of 24mph. This correlates well with my 22 mile commute to work which takes on average of 50 minutes. When I finally decided to buy the xB, the gas mileage was my only concern, but now that I know that it's capable of getting the same mileage as the car it replaced ('99 Escort), I am more than pleased with it.

#290 of 312 Re: New owner's view [hbgti1] by jaxs1

Nov 17, 2007 (2:48 pm)

Replying to: hbgti1 (Nov 17, 2007 2:14 pm)
I was concerned about low mpg with the automatic, but what was the deal killer was the flimsy, undersized fold down armrest.
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.

#291 of 312 Whoa... by iluvmysephia1

Nov 22, 2007 (6:31 pm)

the deal killer was the flimsy armrest?
 
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?

#292 of 312 Just past 11,000 miles on my '08 xB by icey

Dec 05, 2007 (7:37 pm)

I sold off a 2004 Ford Windstar for my 2008 xB and so far it was one of my better decisions! Cheap at $16,500 for what it included.
 
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

Messages Page 30 of 32

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