I really like them but something inside me keeps telling me they can't be that good for that price. I just keep getting this feeling that they are a cheap car & that my money would be much better spent on something else (plus everyone and their mother... besides the people here of course.... are telling me 'NO!' when I tell them I'm interested in the Scion).

I'm afraid that the low-power engine will be REALLY hurting in a couple years.

I'm worried that the flat panel sides will get TONS of dings in them.

yeah, then I advice you not to get it. I myself love it. and the fact that its Toyota.
try getting an expensive car. you'll love it. get the one that everyone is telling you to get. I'll bet you'l be happy.

The people that are telling you no apparently don't realize that Scion is a Toyota product. Everything on the car except the major brand badges has Toyota on it. The XB has been out in Japan for several years so the car is proven. The engine is the same one from the Echo so it is proven. Plus, it's a TOYOTA! They are known to be the most dependable longest lasting cars you can get for the money.

As far as the dings; every car gets dings no matter how the sides are shaped. Actually with them being as flat as they are they might help keep from getting dings becuase there isn't all that extra curve sticking out for doors to hit.

Well i have had mine for about 3 weeks now and love it. It was well worth the money, and an incredible value. I don't care what other people think about the cars I drive. If that is important to you then ask them to pick out a car for you and don't worry about the decision making process. If you don't care what people think then by all means make up your own mind and scroll through some of the posts on these boards about what people do and do not like about their Scions, and take a test drive at a local dealer. As far as door dings you won't get any more or less with any other car. Just make sure you park in spots that reduce the risk of door dings, like furthest possible spot and so forth. GOod luck on your decision.

yeah, then I advice you not to get it. I myself love it. and the fact that its Toyota.
try getting an expensive car. you'll love it. get the one that everyone is telling you to get. I'll bet you'l be happy.

:roll:

Sounds like you're unsure... dont get the car then.

I knew the INSTANT I saw this box that this was the vehicle for me!! It fits me and my personality. "When in doubt, don't."

I really do like it... but there are other cars I like too.


Honda Element: I dig the plastic panels on the outside (less to get dented) and more power.

Mitsubishi Outlander : More power. 60 months /60,000 mile basic warranty, 120 months/100,000 mile powertrain warrrant. And free scheduled maintance for 36 months.


HOWEVER, I love the look of the xB and I really like this MPG (though I have seen people around here saying they are getting really crappy mileage).

Maybe you should just get the Scion and with the money you save you might want to invest in some SACK & BACKBONE. :lol:

Get what appeals to you, don't worry about the rest.

Most cars don't get the advertised mileage. I have an auto xB and normally get 28-29mpg, which is pretty damned good.

If your worried about dings in the doors try walking alittle farther to the front door of where your going. I always park in the outland, all the lazy careless bastards park up close.

I really like them but something inside me keeps telling me they can't be that good for that price. I just keep getting this feeling that they are a cheap car & that my money would be much better spent on something else (plus everyone and their mother... besides the people here of course.... are telling me 'NO!' when I tell them I'm interested in the Scion).

I'm afraid that the low-power engine will be REALLY hurting in a couple years.

I'm worried that the flat panel sides will get TONS of dings in them.

I thought you were referring to this when I first saw the subject title but I became hesitant to get an xB after seeing some of the rear-end accident pictures posted here or the other websites. If I use it as a commuter car, that's fine but I surely don't want to put my two boys back there...

You seem to have a hangup with power. If power is that much of a concern then I would not recommend the xB. It's not that bad but there'll be too many times that it will disappoint. In my younger years I wouldn't have been able to stand an xB because it would have been too slow. However, the extra money you save by not buying the other vehicles might be enough for you to buy a motorcycle which should have enough power for you when you want it.

I sold my gas guzzling 1990 ford mustang and i don't miss the power when I fill up my xB. I got too many tickets with the mustang and I had to get something to slow me down.

I really do like it... but there are other cars I like too.


Honda Element: I dig the plastic panels on the outside (less to get dented) and more power.

Mitsubishi Outlander : More power. 60 months /60,000 mile basic warranty, 120 months/100,000 mile powertrain warrrant. And free scheduled maintance for 36 months.


HOWEVER, I love the look of the xB and I really like this MPG (though I have seen people around here saying they are getting really crappy mileage).


My choice was the same as you.
Test drive all 3 on the same day, then decide.
Good Luck
:D

I sold my gas guzzling 1990 ford mustang and i don't miss the power when I fill up my xB. I got too many tickets with the mustang and I had to get something to slow me down.

It's not really the power to go fast that I would miss.... it's the power to haul and pull stuff.

Like what some have said, if you are unsure dont buy it. If you do, then you may be dissapointed once you have one. You cannot haul a trailer or anything on the xB as per Toyota's recommendations. It does have a big interior cargo bay once the rear seats are down.

Have you thought about the Suzuki Aerio Wagon (more power but gas mileage is not as high)? Or the Ford Focus ZX5. If you are leaning towards the tC, dont do it. You can certainly get something else with more stuff than the tC.

Ohh, I have an xB since Feb 2004. I will reach 18,000 miles tomorrow and loving the xB since Day 1.

depends on who you're buying the car for: Are you buying it to impress others? If so, take a poll of what they like the most, and go get whatever that is today (it's bound to change too...)

If you are buying for you, decide what it is that you really need. Do you need good gas mileage? What about decent resale? Confort? Room for friends? Insurance costs?

Think about your total cost of ownership. I know many people making payments on their Mercedes and BMW because that's what the suburbs say is cool. I for one like not worrying about what anyone thinks and use my money for other things...it's much better taking the family out to dinner and events every week instead of making a big car payment.

Too Slow

depends on who you're buying the car for: Are you buying it to impress others? If so, take a poll of what they like the most, and go get whatever that is today (it's bound to change too...)


Yeah, that's exactly what I'm looking to do. I mean, it's like you're reading my freaking mind!!!! :shock:


I don't know if you read any of my other posts (in this thread) bu I'm not looking to get a BMW or a Benz.

I'm looking to get something practical that won't get real sluggish if I pack it to the gills with camping gear (and my wife) which is something I do quite often.

Right now I have a Focus ZX5. If the xB had about 20 more HP then I think it'd already be in my driveway ;)

the elements' side windows do not roll down..hahah and i hate the interior!! :roll:

I really do like it... but there are other cars I like too.


Honda Element: I dig the plastic panels on the outside (less to get dented) and more power.

Mitsubishi Outlander : More power. 60 months /60,000 mile basic warranty, 120 months/100,000 mile powertrain warrrant. And free scheduled maintance for 36 months.


HOWEVER, I love the look of the xB and I really like this MPG (though I have seen people around here saying they are getting really crappy mileage).


Gilmour25,

I understand your concern about the dings, but you should also realize that the xB is also narrower than many cars out there & fits in a traditional parking spot with more room on the sides to spare for idiots to swing their doors. I had the same initial fear, but I have owned mine for about 6 weeks now and mine is doing fine. I'm just careful where I park and try to avoid spots, close to the door, spots that are in between 2 other vehicles, and avoid parking next to 2-door vehicles (usually longer doors).

Mitsubishi does have a very good standard warranty, but their resale is not what it used to be due to their constant promotions i.e. zero or low interest rates---"why buy a used one when you can get such a deal on a new one." Look into it.

The Element is made by Honda, which is a good thing. Honda is known for quality & reliability. However, they're more money. get worse gas mileage, and the plastic panels have a textured finish. That means that they cannot be repaired if scratched- they must be replaced--- You cannot replicate the texture properly. Plus they fade.

I am not trying to recruit you into our group. On the contrary, I feel that it is rather wise of you to investigate all of your options. I would like to see you purchase a vehicle that you would be happy with in the long term. Not to bore you with my back ground, but I am 30 and have always driven classic american cars. I had never owned a new vehicle out of choice. I had always been of the opinion that newer cars were mostly plastic & cheap and were not worth the money. However, circumstances arose in my life in which I needed a reliable car with a warranty, resale, style, MPG, & it had to be fun. This was the biggest financial commitment I had ever made. I did my research, looked at my options, & I can honestly tell you that I have absolutely no regrets about my huge purchase (huge to me, anyway).

Hope this sheds some light.

Sorry, I wanted to mention-----

I have a 5SPD ( highly recommend for the pep) and I get around 26-27 MPG in the city. & I drive in a "spirited" fashion. 8)

Hope this helps :!:

yeah, then I advice you not to get it. I myself love it. and the fact that its Toyota.
try getting an expensive car. you'll love it. get the one that everyone is telling you to get. I'll bet you'l be happy.

:roll:
:lol:
"(plus everyone and their mother... besides the people here of course.... are telling me 'NO!' when I tell them I'm interested in the Scion)"
now this is :roll:
good luck! you can't get everything in one package, theres always pros and cons.
you expect (good gas milage= power) = inexpensive, its like your looking for hybrid V6 or V8 that has a price below $15K?
:roll: :roll:

Sorry, I wanted to mention-----

I have a 5SPD ( highly recommend for the pep) and I get around 26-27 MPG in the city. & I drive in a "spirited" fashion. 8)

Hope this helps :!:

Hrm, this is what makes me wonder. I have a 5speed and I get 32-33 MPG in the city and I get around 35-40 MPG cruising on the highway... so I think that driving style probably plays a big part in fuel efficiency.

If you have already test drove an xB and you have ANY doubts, then don't buy it. You'll probably end up reselling it if you try to "live with it". A lot of people try to make decisions based on statistics, looks, etc, but those don't matter. xBs are lighter and smaller than either the Mitsubishi or Honda Element, so power is less of a factor during acceleration. None of these cars are particularly fast, so I'll assume that towing capacity is more of a concern for you. If it is, then an xB is definately out of the question. It doesn't have AWD either, so you can't really compare it to any of the SUVs...

Just get in the car and see if you like it. That's about all you can do. It shouldn't matter what our opinions are because it's your car. It has to suit your lifestyle, not ours. If you already have doubts, then you're really just trying to justify making a purchase on something that you don't want.

Maybe you should look at something like a Saturn VUE. Those get pretty good gas mileage, have a lot of pep, AND have dent-resistant plastic panels. :D

good luck! you can't get everything in one package, theres always pros and cons.
you expect (good gas milage= power) = inexpensive, its like your looking for hybrid V6 or V8 that has a price below $15K?
:roll: :roll:

My 2002 Ford Focus ZX5 was approx $15K (with in-dash 6 disc changer, 16-inch alloy wheels & cruise control), has great storage for such a small car, 130HP engine and gets approx 25-30 MPG (automatic transmission).


I would get a new one but it seems like all the Ford dealerships in this area are total asshats (want to be your best friend until the smallest thing goes wrong, then they don't give a $hit about you) plus I'm a little bored by the new interior styling.



rollotomassi, thanks for the well thought out response. It sounds like you were in the same boat I'm in now. Buying a new car is a BIG deal for me so I'm just trying to do my research instead of saing "OH! That's cool!" and then running out and buying it.

:: The Little Engine That Could..n't
:: 1.5L is almost as much displacement as a bottle of Pepsi.


It's things like ^that^ that have me concerned about buying an xB.

it's a toyota! lol

yes it looks odd to soem people. everyone kept telling me no i don't like it or you will hate it.

AHA I FOOLED THEM!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!


I LOVE MY TAOSTER!!!!!

Gilmour,

As a former Ford owner I'd have to seriously recommend the xB to you. As with any vehicle, there will be pros and cons, things you like and dislike. You can't have everything in one package, but for the price of the xB, what you get is pretty nice.

Toyota's reliability is unrivaled, and the xB, even with such a small displacement engine will most likely last MUCH longer than the engine in your Focus (Not sure which engine is in the ZX5, but if it's mated to an automatic tranmission it's most likely the F-4EAT, which you will grow to hate sooner or later when it breaks, more than once. I went through 3 of them in my ZX2)). Ford also has problems with warranty work, they like to lie to you and sneak out of things. This is not my experience with Toyota, as they have always been more than happy to answer my questions and look at my cars for me. If you're looking to "haul" stuff, the xB has sufficient room inside with the rear seats folded down. Power everything and MP3 capability in stock trim is pretty decent also. Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control standtard are also nice ( the car even has a yaw rate sensor lol, I know, I checked). Excellent gas mileage and low insurance costs also help out. Comfort is also very nice in the xB for an economy vehicle, there's plenty of room to move around, and there are windows everywhere, so you have no issues with visibility while driving.

With the 5-speed transmission the xB isn't too shabby. It will move adequately, and in 5th gear on the highway, there is a decent amount of power on tap. Nothing mind-blowing, but decent enough to pass or move out of the way. Also, the handling is pretty nice in the xB, and it's small on the outside and big on the inside, giving you the option to carry groceries and passengers and still fit into "compact only" parking spaces with ease.

If I had the choice between the Mistubishi, the Honda, or the Scion, I;d take the Scion. The Outlander is a nice vehicle, but Mitsubishi is known for haveing low resale values and hard to deal with service techs not cooperating with customers for warranty work. Their warranty is the best because it needs to be. The honda may be larger, and have more power, but it is also heavier, and gets worse gas mileage and is most likely higher on insurance in addition to the bland interior and plastic paneling on the outside that can be easily marred and ruined. Scions are starting to show excellent resale values per KBB, and when you bundle that with Toyota reliability and customer satisfaction when dealing with warranty issues, for just over $14,000 the xB makes a great vehicle.

hello friend,

good for you for doing your research. i bought one and enjoy it greatly. i have an automatic and the power does lack some times. especially on the beltway. if you drive conservative it's fine, but don't get fast and furious w/ it. i'm sure w/ a manual it's better but, in most cases an automatic is more practical for families.

if you camp and what not then i would recomment the element or maybe even the vue as they have more power and towing capacities. AWD is also an option on both i think.
if the panels on the element get scratches the live with it until you can't no more and then have them painted to match the car. then it will look like a new ride, much cleaner IMO.

true these options are more expensive but, it is a long term commitment so it might be worth the extra hundred a month to you.

so unless you want to super/turbo charge the xb to give it more pep, you might want to go w/ something w/ more power out the box. hope this help and good luck. :)

oh and incase you do go w/ something else. be sure to stay tuned to scionlife for all the latest news. you never know when you might "need" a second car. peace 8)

I really do like it... but there are other cars I like too.


Honda Element: I dig the plastic panels on the outside (less to get dented) and more power.

Mitsubishi Outlander : More power. 60 months /60,000 mile basic warranty, 120 months/100,000 mile powertrain warrrant. And free scheduled maintance for 36 months.


HOWEVER, I love the look of the xB and I really like this MPG (though I have seen people around here saying they are getting really crappy mileage).

When you talk about the element having more power, sure, it had 50 more HP, but did you know the Lightest element is the DX 5-speed, and that weighs 3331lbs (http://automobiles.honda.com/models/specifications.asp?ModelName=Element&bhcp=1&BrowserDetected=True) almost 1000 lbs more than the 5-speed xB (2350 lbs http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=6642&page_number=2) This means the element, even though it has SIGNIFICANT more horsepower, would probably have the same or similar acceleration (0-60 in 9.0 sec for 5-speed on both vehicles, which, coincidently is the same 0-60 as a zx5) If you're looking to haul loads of stuff, you can't beat a truck. get a 2wd 3/4 ton diesel, and you can pull as high as 23-25mpg on the highway, 17-19 in town... and that's hauling a full trailer!

:: The Little Engine That Could..n't
:: 1.5L is almost as much displacement as a bottle of Pepsi.


It's things like ^that^ that have me concerned about buying an xB.

Since it's my signature, I don't want it to be a contributing factor towards NOT buying a Scion. It was meant as a joke, but in all honesty, if you're using this as a commuter car, then 108hp is MORE than adequate. I usually shift around 3500rpm and I still outrun a lot of people at stop lights without trying.

There are many popular cars on the market with worse power/weight ratios. For example, the base Mini Cooper has about 115 hp, but with all options and the panoramic sunroof, it weighs around 2600-2700 lbs, almost 300 pounds more and even less interior space.

Scions are definately not fast, but you have to expect that from an economy car. Even with a 108hp 1.5L engine, it is still probably on par with a number of other economy cars like the Saturn Ion, a Honda Civic, a Toyota Echo, Toyota Prius... and I know that my car is definately much faster than my sister's Honda Civic Hybrid.

But I do recall that you were concerned about towing capacity, so that would put all of these cars out of the question. You need a truck/SUV and the Scion xB isn't one.

In all honesty, I'd like to ask if you have driven one yet. The power can easily be felt (or not felt) once you drive one. It's designed to be economical, not powerful. You buy one for the value and the utility. If it meets your needs, get it. If it doesn't, then don't.

I can understand your indecision, especially if your only solution is to find a car that meets ALL of your needs. It was hard for me to purchase a new car because I wanted something fast, comfortable, and economical... and then I wanted a convertible. So, knowing that I probably can't find a Porsche Cayenne hybrid cabriolet SUV, I ended up going redneck and having 7 cars parked in my lawn. :D

But I do recall that you were concerned about towing capacity, so that would put all of these cars out of the question. You need a truck/SUV and the Scion xB isn't one


Engine Bogging under load - This appears to be your main concern. Don't get the XB. There's an XB-limo in a thread on this site. People kept wondering if it was using the same engine because it'd be a lot to haul. Others were saying how slow their box was with 4 people in it and couldn't imagine how the limo would move fully loaded.
Do some research on the ft-lb torque and how low the rpm's are to develop this torque.
Besides that, you mentioned the Element and Outlander as other candidates (both SUV's) The XB is not. Anyway, heres some stuff I dug up.
XB - 105 @ 4200 / 2395 lbs = .0438
Element - 161@4500 / 3468 lbs = .0464
Outlander - 162@4000 / 3461 lbs = .0468
Toyota Highlander - 165@4000 / 3750 lbs = .0440
Saturn Vue - 152 @ 4000 / 3630 lbs = .0418
Nissan Xterra - 154 @ 4000 / 4034 lbs = .0382

Your Outlander is looking good.

I'm looking to get something practical that won't get real sluggish if I pack it to the gills with camping gear (and my wife) which is something I do quite often.

Right now I have a Focus ZX5. If the xB had about 20 more HP then I think it'd already be in my driveway ;)

I have a Focus ZX3 and an xB. The xB 5 spd has almost the same power as my ZX3 5 spd , but the xB has a lot more room inside. I really liked the ZX3 when I first got it, but it doesn't even compare to the xB in my book. :wink: If you get an xB make sure you get the 5 spd :wink:

In all honesty, I'd like to ask if you have driven one yet. The power can easily be felt (or not felt) once you drive one. It's designed to be economical, not powerful. You buy one for the value and the utility. If it meets your needs, get it. If it doesn't, then don't.

I was wondering this also: Have you driven any of the vehicles yet? Driving the xB really influenced my decision in buying one. I really like the way it handles, I think it's fun to drive. I have had no problems driving at the speeds I want to drive and no problems passing. I don't know what you are wanting to tow but won't you probably have to go with a SUV or truck to do much towing?

I can understand your indecision, especially if your only solution is to find a car that meets ALL of your needs. It was hard for me to purchase a new car because I wanted something fast, comfortable, and economical... and then I wanted a convertible. So, knowing that I probably can't find a Porsche Cayenne hybrid cabriolet SUV, I ended up going redneck and having 7 cars parked in my lawn. :D

7? I am only up to four parked in my yard to get what I want. Plus, a boat and a small trailer, slowly working up to redneck.


I am not sure if you are looking for reassuarance for buying an xB, but going to a forum dedicated to a particular type of car is not going to get you the best unbiased advice. Although, there has been some good advice given so far. Drive it and let the box speak for itself.

If you're looking to haul stuff, want decent gas milage, and power, look into the Ford Escape Hybrid... It's supposed to be about = to power as a V6 and you can tow stuff...

No problem, Spence.

I do feel that you are now in the same frame of mind / boat that I was in when I purchased my xB. Hopefully time is not an issue with you. Take your time, do your research, & feel comfortable about your decision. That is one of the most important things, if not THE most important thing of all.

We would love to welcome you to the family. If you decide to go another way, I still respect you for making an educated decision. Good luck and if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help. 8)

Mike

Thanks to everyone for their responses (even the jerky ones ;) ).

After talking it over with my wife I think I'm going to go with the Element. Do you all hate me now? :twisted:

Thanks to everyone for their responses (even the jerky ones ;) ).

After talking it over with my wife I think I'm going to go with the Element. Do you all hate me now? :twisted:
hate is such a strong word.... maybe pity? :lol: j/k

Kudos :D Good choice. I like the flat rear cargo space. We wont hate. It's your family's choice and money. You may want to check out: http://www.elementownersclub.com/

I wonder what they would have said if you also asked them whether you should buy the Element or xB :?: :D Ahh the good ol' days when some SL members defended the xB on that site.

I really do like it... but there are other cars I like too.


Honda Element: I dig the plastic panels on the outside (less to get dented) and more power.

Power/weight ratio is actually about the same as the xB. Try driving the Element and CRV back-to-back and you'll get a surprise. Despite the fact that the engines are almost identical, the CRV engine makes its maximum torque 1000 RPM lower than the Element. It feels a _lot_ quicker in normal driving. The CRV is also a better-designed vehicle.

Mitsubishi Outlander : More power. 60 months /60,000 mile basic warranty, 120 months/100,000 mile powertrain warrrant. And free scheduled maintance for 36 months.

Bad resale, though. Make sure you want to keep this car for a long time!

HOWEVER, I love the look of the xB and I really like this MPG (though I have seen people around here saying they are getting really crappy mileage).

We get 28 real MPG in the city and 35 real MPG on the highway. I consider that to be pretty good!

dude you have suicide doors 8) no mods needed.

Thanks to everyone for their responses (even the jerky ones ;) ).

After talking it over with my wife I think I'm going to go with the Element. Do you all hate me now? :twisted:
hate is such a strong word.... maybe pity? :lol: j/k

The element is fine for another 5 or more grand you get....
What do you get for 5 grand more? :?

Thanks to everyone for their responses (even the jerky ones ;) ).

After talking it over with my wife I think I'm going to go with the Element. Do you all hate me now? :twisted:


I don't mean to pour cold water on you but check this out:

http://consumeraffairs.com/automotive/honda_fire.html

Element has the same engine and similar exhaust system as CR-V, which is infamous for catching fire. Turns out, Element could catch fire, too. I also read about Element leaking motor oil after oil change, etc., very much like CR-V.

You can check out the complaints here:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/complaintsearch.cfm

I went through the same process as you did and I'm still sitting here without buying any one of them. However, it's just a small percentage of CR-V's that caught fire, they said, and many people don't really think it's a big risk...

gilmour25
I have a Honda Odyssey that is soon to be my wife's car :wink: and it gets horrible mileage. Using the cruise control the best I can get is 25 mpg on the highway. In daily driving (combination city/ highway) I get about 19 if I take it easy.

The Element also has very poor mileage. Consumer Reports does a "real world" mileage test. They rate the Element worse than average on mileage. In their test they got 14 city and 26 highway. They report combination mileage of 20. They estimate 750 gallons of gas/ year.

In comparison CU's test of the xB shows 23 city and 37 highway with 30 combination. They estimate 500 gallons of gas /year. At $2/ gal that's $500/ year more in gas for the Element. :shock:

I looked at both cars and with the prospect of gas prices only going up and the much lower initial cost, the xB looks like a no-brainer.

In the end you have to buy what will make you happy but you seem very unsure at this point. Is a "cooling off period" an option? Might be worth it to give it a rest for a few weeks. :wink:

no one will hate you .. you have to do what fits your needs
that is your choice how will you know if you dont ask the right
questions good luck with whatever you buy and be happy!!

if you could be hesitate, i would only say one thing, and that would be the power. otherwise that, it's the most bang for the buck. peace.

Ok, here's my 2 cents worth:

I have a 2000 Focus ZX3. Biggest piece of junk I ever bought. YES, it has amazing storage for such a small car. And it used to handle well, but now with over 100K miles on it, the suspension is shot. I've had more recalls than I care to admit. The car has more problems than just the recalled ones, which Ford refuses to admit to. I paid $13K for mine 5 years ago (I just HAD to have it, it was SO cool :roll: )
and now it's worth $1800 if that. And I still owe another year of payments (although my finance situation is extreme compared to most).

I have been researching the xB since I first saw it 2 years ago at the Detroit show (even before they were on sale in CA). Everything about this vehicle makes sense to me. I LOVE the styling. I love the gas mileage (my Focus barely gets 25 highway). I love the size of the backseat, and the hauling capabilities (it has 10+ cubic feet more cargo room than the ZX3). Personally, I won't need to hitch anything to it, and I don't need a 4WD vehicle. If those are factors you are considering, why not a 4WD Matrix? It has more power (not much, but more), and an even larger cargo area than the xB. AND IT'S A TOYOTA AS WELL!!

I do applaud your decision to get rid of the Focus. The Honda was one of my choices as well, but the gas mileage wasn't as good as the xB and it's a little too "big" for me. (I just moved to NYC, and the smaller the better - even considering a Cooper now - just kidding!) The Mitsu may have a better warranty, but they don't have the quality of the xB. Think about it - do you want a vehicle that has a better warranty that has the potential of being in the shop more often, or a standard warranty on a vehicle that doesn't have that same potential? I'd rather have the xB to drive around more, than a Mitsu loaner car from the dealer 'cuz my Outlander is in the shop AGAIN.

The resale value on the xB is already proving to be right up there with Toyota (as it should). I wouldn't waste the money on another F*ckus, er..Focus. Whatever you decide, you'll have to live with it. But I've made my decision, and I'm not even ready to get the xB yet. (But I'd better get it soon since it won't be around after '06)..

I really like them but something inside me keeps telling me they can't be that good for that price. I just keep getting this feeling that they are a cheap car & that my money would be much better spent on something else (plus everyone and their mother... besides the people here of course.... are telling me 'NO!' when I tell them I'm interested in the Scion).

I'm afraid that the low-power engine will be REALLY hurting in a couple years.

I'm worried that the flat panel sides will get TONS of dings in them.


OK, I'll chime in.

I took about 3 months to decide on a car and went on 8+ test drives. I hadn't really considered the xB, although I was aware of it, I had some of the same concerns you did. I drove the Honda Element, CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (wagon), Suzuki XL7, Mazda3 and even a Honda Civic Si.

I wanted a small but roomy and practical wagon with good handling and fuel economy. I would like to be able to camp in it as well, but 4 wheel drive was not a top priority.

I test drove the xB last, just for the hell of it and bought it the same day. Why? The "pure pricing" scheme meant a fair deal without the usual 1-2 hour negotiation I typically do. and most importantly ----It came closest to meeting all my needs:

- It had the best passenger room and was at least equal to the Element
- It had the best fuel mileage
- Only the Lancer and Civic Si felt significantly faster, the rest were roughly equivlanent
- It outhandled all but the Civic Si and Mazda3, even on the tiny 185 tires
- It had the lowest price and came with features the others did not for $1000's more
- I have complete confidence in Toyota products

Here's my 2 cents:

If reliability and resale matter to you, then cross Ford and Mitsubishi off your list. Ford's reliability is spotty at best, Mitsubishi isn't much better (that's why the big warranty!) After owning either one for 3-5 years you will take it in the ___ when it comes time to trade-in or sell, where a Toyota or Honda will have retained 80% of it's value.

Big warranties are great, but would you rather be in the Mitsubishi waiting room getting your 3rd warranty repair or getting your 4th recall part on your Ford or out on the road driving your Toyota? :D

If money isn't an issue, then the Element might be a good choice for you, or possible the CR-V. Either one will be better off road than an xB of course. You will sacrifice fuel mileage, but you will get a bit quieter/smoother engine and more torque. The Element isn't any faster than an xB and I wouldn't expect the motor to last any longer, but the smoothness is nice. The Element's interior will hold up to camping better than an xB would too.

I liked the Element and CR-V and seriouisly considered them. What got me into the xB was the fact I found it much more fun to drive and fact it did 90% of what those two do, minus the off-road for $7-8000 less.

Give serious thought to how much camping you really do and how rough the roads are. I go camping too here in AZ. If you are camping 2-3 times a month and driving on rough/muddy/rocky roads then the CR-V or Element would be more appropriate.

I really like them but something inside me keeps telling me they can't be that good for that price. I just keep getting this feeling that they are a cheap car & that my money would be much better spent on something else (plus everyone and their mother... besides the people here of course.... are telling me 'NO!' when I tell them I'm interested in the Scion).

I'm afraid that the low-power engine will be REALLY hurting in a couple years.

I'm worried that the flat panel sides will get TONS of dings in them.
u are so hesitant to buy an xB cuz deep down ur insecure and cannot handle the quantom leap in a normal car to a scion xB

bottom line is if your looking for speed and to be fast, dont buy it.

im sure none of us on here bought this car thinking we would have the fastest car in town, its like driving a brickwall down the road.

if you want a car that has tons of room, great on gas, looks great, is brand new, and uncommon- then buy a scion and spend $15k

my .02