I am going to buy an xB very soon. Should I get an '08 now, or wait for the '09s? How will the year affect resale value later? Are there quality changes between the models? Thoughts?

 

Just to be a wise guy, buy a really good used '04-'06 and save some serious dough. Then you will own the "best" of the best!!
(just poking some fun at you)

 

I am just curious because I am going in today to test drive an xB and I might buy an '08 if I like them, but if it is worth it to wait for an '09, whether there is a quality change or it is better to just wait for the '09 for later resale value, then I will wait...but I wanted to see what you guys thought.

 

No difference, the 09's just offer a new color choice. So if the 08's are cheaper, get one of those.

The only modification done that I am aware of is on the earliest models that have an A-Pillar creak, but that was supposed to be corrected and I doubt dealerships would still have early models with that issue. You can always ask them to confirm that with the VIN number though.

If same price though, get the 09.

 

man...i have been thinking about it lately...and when i was buying mine, brand new xA's were still available...kinda wishin i got one of those...for the mpg's...and size...and $$$ but i still love my xB2 regardless :D

 

2009's have a $100 price increase and nautical blue metallic is being replaced by stingray metallic. Those are the only changes. If you want the stingray metallic (which is a light blue/silver) and it's worth $100 for you to get it, then get a 2009. If you want the nautical blue metallic (more of a dark navy blue), you have no choice but to get a 2008, and resale might be increased by the fact that it was a one-year run of that color in the xB2, making it a "rare" vehicle/color combination.

Otherwise I don't think one model year will make much of a difference in long-term resale value.

Let us know what you think after your test drive, and be prepared to fall in love!

 

I test drove the '08 xB and thought it was great. It was quieter than I expected, had plenty of power, rode about the same as a Volvo S40/Mazda 3 but slightly more compliant, and had tons of leg room for rear seat occupants. I liked the way you felt like you were sitting really high in the car. The only thing I didn't like was that I kinda felt like I was driving a mini-minivan. I've never driven a minivan before, but that was the impression I got. I think that impression was mostly from the feeling that I was sitting high. I can't wait to get one, but I'm waiting on my WRX to sell. The stupid economy is hitting everyone hard so it's difficult for me to sell the car right now. Hopefully someone sees it in Autotrader and I can get the xB.

 

I sold my Maxima in about 2 weeks on craigslist.

 

I sold my 2001 Hyundai Elantra in 1 day by posting on an internal work electronic bulletin board; and in that time I had like 10 people calling me frantically wanting to see it.

The first guy who looked at it bought it and gave me what I was asking.

Of course, I think the reason for the frenzy of interest was because it was no longer worth anything so I sold it dirt cheap.

 

I tried craigslist but I took it off because I wasn't sure if people would find my car on there without doing a search for it.

 

I've had quite a few issues with my 08, so much so I wish I would've never traded in my 05 xB. I don't know if it has anything to do with the redesign but I kind of wish I would've waited before jumping right in and buying the '08.

 

well, I bought an '08 today WOOOOOO. Silver, I love it. I probably should have waited for an '09, but I didn't

 

Alright! Who left the 1st generation door open again?

 

I just hope I don't regret getting an '08 versus the '09...

 

Hey, welcome to the fam. You did the right thing; immediate gratification always trumps silly logic and waiting!

I've had mine for exactly three weeks now and every time I walk out to my car I get this goofy smile on my face.

 

Thanks for being easy on me. I personally think the gen2's are nice cars.

 

congrats!! you'll love it

 

The only thing you could potentially regret is if you see an '09 in stingray metallic and fall in love with that color. Otherwise it's exactly the same car.

 

I've had my Black Cherry 08 for one month and I LOVE it. I waited quite a while to get one but my Focus finally died and I just couldn't resist. So far it's everything I wanted - nice ride, handles well, fantastic stereo.

 

I wish I could hear the stereo before buying.