My dad and I went to the local dealership to have a look-see at the xDs and we ordered one. They're gonna look for one in BRM and call us when they get one. They did actually have one in BRM but it was stick (my that wants me to get an auto) and an auto one that came with $2k-ish rims. Hopefully, they'll have it within a week!

 

Those rims should be able to be removed from the car if you wanted that xD without the rims. They'll do basically anything to get you to buy then and there

Where in Pasadena are you from? I used to live there 14yrs ago near the Rose Bowl

 

I live in Upper Hastings Ranch in the northeastern corner of the city.

 

Right on man, you're going to love it....I bought the same car, Barcelona Red Metallic with auto. It's pretty peppy with the auto, especially if you use the shifter creatively. I put DF210 Tannabe springs and some 18" wheels on mine after I bought it, handles like a sports car now, and I get compliments everywhere I go. Mine is here...

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=213061

 

Got it! Will try to get pics tommorrow!

 

so i test drove both the auto and the stick, and i have to say trying to merge on to a highway with the auto was probably the most frustrating experience ive had in a car......it was fine in like first and second gear, but i really was amazed at the difference between stick and auto in that car.

not that i am an auto hater or anything, but even in my daily commute, i prefer a stick

 

I'd have to agree.

 

I am an autohater, but I think that people should consider the stick on this car just for the 5spd vs 4spd, that is going to make a huge difference on a car with a small engine like the xD.

 

Pictures as promised:

 

Ooo niiice! How do you like it so far?

 

It's nice. My only complaint about it is the lack of freeway-merging finesse. =)

 

Really? I find it easy. Then again, I think most of the on-ramps up there are pretty short in the older parts of Pasadena, right?

 

I enter the freeway at the Michillinda entrance. The ramp is pretty long, but I had three passengers in the car which likely explains it.

 

You would probably have less issues if you had gone with a manual transmission.

 

I know, I know. I wanted a manual transmission, but after months of pointless arguing, I just shut my mouth and went along with it. My dad wanted me to get an auto.

 

What were his reasons?

A manual is easier to work on, easier to maintain, cheaper to maintain, cheaper to replace, more efficient, and keeps the driver involved more, than an automatic.

You should have never given up.

Congrats on the new ride though!

 

I think the main one was that they roll back on hills. That, and my sister will get the car in a few years, I think.

 

They roll back on hills if you don't know how to drive stick.

I'd have argued that your sister should learn to drive stick. It'd make her more apt to pay attention to the road instead of other things like makeup and her cell phone.