I've been lurking around this site for two months now and I've learned a lot. I placed an order for the RS 2.0 Xb at Scion of Fort Worth (Anyone else purchase their Scion from there? good or bad experiences?) the day after it was announced on the Toyota Pressroom web site. The dealer didn't even know about it, I had to print it out and show him! However I have some questions that I would appreciate answering. I have tried the search feature and the following things are still bugging me.
1. People with the TRD lowering springs on their Xb: Is the ride quality and cornering improved and how often do you bottom out or have problems with: speed bumps, driveways, or pot holes? I am considering the springs but I am not interested in having to constantly worry up damaging the front or bottom of my car considering I live in Texas that has numerous hills and dips. I used to own a 1973 Mercury Montego and I cringed every time it scrapped the ground or bottomed out.
2. Is anyone actually satisfied with the Bazooka tube subwoofer? I'm not interested in spending a lot of money on amps or a completely new audio system. Just looking for something to add a little bass. Would I be better off just going to Best Buy or Car Toys and getting a subwoofer there?
3. Has anyone purchased the following option: Vehicle Shield Protection-Lusterizing Sealant, Sound Shield, Sealant Cleaner, Rental Car Assistance? The dealer was extremely vague on what exactly it was. It costs $349 and it seems like just a bs dealer add on. (makes me think of the movie Fargo when the guy is trying to sell the vehicle undercoat spray)
4. If the Scion Security system is a joke what do you suggest as a much more affordable alternative? I really don't care about having the windows go up or down or auto start, I just like being able to lock and unlock the doors without having to use keys.
5. Has anyone heard of this thing or used it: http://www.autobarn.net/unautx.html It's called the unbreakable autolock. I remember seeing the infomercials for it years ago and it seemed like it might work, especially since it attaches to your break and not the steering wheel.
6. The Front End Mask, does it actually deflect bugs and such or is it just for looks? Do you think it would look good on the Yellow Xb? I see these things on trucks all the time but never on a van type vehicle. (excuse the term van)
7. Is the DC Header worth it as far as performance wise? Is there a noticeable improvement in power or torque? When you guys say that you noticed a low end drop in performance what exactly do you mean?
8. Ok one last question, I am interested in interior lighting, but after reading what people say on here I decided the dealer installed option isn't the way to go. I will probably go with Randode but unfortunately he doesn't have the color I want (yellow) Anyone know of any other way to get yellow lights or suggest one of the colors he does offer that you think would look good in the Yellow Xb? (red, white, blue, pink, green, and hot lava)
If you read through all this and take the time to reply I'm extremely thankful and indebted to you my future scion brethren.

I knew I forgot something. Sorry!
Does anyone have the Blitz Intake System SUS POWER Air Filter Kit (Stainless Mesh Filter) I like the fact that it doesn't need to be oiled or ever changed out. I was interested in the CAI but after reading posts about problems and having to oil and change the filter I decided against it. The SUS seems like a good hassle free way to get some extra power, but it is a bit pricey. Once again any knowledge on this product you can share is awesome.

First off, let me be the first to welcome you to the boards and to the Scion family!!! Good move starting on the RS2!!! I got my RS1 last March!!!

As for your questions??? Well I'm no real authority, but hopefully I can help shed some light on things for you...

1. I know quite a few people who have gotten thr TRD springs on their box and they love them...The ride quality and overall bottoming out you'd experience really depends on what kind of wheels you'll be using and how much rubber you have over them...Personally, I'd go with the 1& 1/2 inch TRD drop and keep the wheels to a maximum of 17" with at least 2-2 & 1/2 inches of rubber on your sidewall...You'll feel a stiffer but more comfortable ride than the stock, and you'll still get the dropped and occupied wheelbase appearance that looks good...With the extra rubber on the wheels you won't experience too many hard bumps as the super lo-pro tires will...The TRD's and Pirelli P-Zero combo is what I want for my box :D

2. The Bazooka tube is worth it if you just want a little bass added to your ride...However I will recommend (as most people here would) that an aftermarket stereo shop is the way to go...It's cheaper and you can get the same sound quality from a different brand if thats the amount of bass you want to increase to...However, make sure you go to a shop that can install a sub/subs that don't require a complete stereo install to bump...The Bazooka install from the dealership is clean, and you get the added bass you want without a bunch of other added stereo accessories...So yes go aftermarket if possible, but make sure they know what they're doing and selling to suit "your" needs...

3. I did purchase the Vehicle-Shield protection and lusture sealant...With as many bugs, rocks, and other road debris these boxes like to come in contact with via their almost flat front ends, it's a wise investment...Unless you're the type who has time or effort to wax your box once a week, purchase this option, you'll thank yourself later...You can skip and do without all of the other add ons you mentioned here...

4. Skip the security system...Who pays attention to alarms going off these days anyway??? No one...Case in point, your new box comes with power doorlocks and you'll receive two keyfobs to lock/unlock your doors with...Your car insurance policy will take care of replacing anything lost/stolen for you...If a thief wants your car they'll get it or what they want from it, security system or not...

5. Waste of money unless you're planning on getting an automatic...This lock won't keep someone from driving a manual transmission vehicle if they want it bad enough...

6. If this is the clear bra mask you'r reffering to then yes it helps a lot to have it on the front end...Again, one thing you'll find right away is that our boxes love to take rocks, and other debris head on all the time...The only drawback to it is unless they apply it perfectly you might see some of the edges on it and it can look like you forgot to take a protective cover off of it after your test drive (if you know what I mean)...Basically it can make the box look tacky if not applied right...

7. No idea...I'm more into customizing, not tuning, sorry I cannot help you on this one...

8. Randode's are just as good as the dealership cathodes so why not buy them from him...Had my Lava not come with the amber lights in the package I would have bought them from him for sure...With your box being yellow and there not being a yellow light yet, go with blue...I think blue and yellow would blend well and give the interior a rally-like appearance (a-la Subaru)...White would also look good in there :D

9. Again, not into tuning so I cannot help you on this one either...

Best of luck with your box...Have fun, drive safe, and be sure to show the love and wave to fellow Scion owners you see on the road :D

DAN

What's up? You have quite a few questions there, let's see if I can answer some of them for you.

TRD Springs are a 1" drop which you won't have too many problems with bottoming out. You can bottom out at stock height if you're not careful, but 1" won't hurt you too bad.

I would pass on the BS Lusterizing "give us your money for nothing" package.

You can get a better Bazooka tube for half the money through someone else.

Alarm System: I bought an alarm online with Remote Start and it was only about $115 and it was easy to install with the help of Scion Life.

I've never heard of that AutoLock thing, but it seems like a waste of money. If someone really wants your car, nothing is going to stop them...locks only keep honest people out.

The front end mask protects the hood, but most of your bugs and chips will be on the bumper and grille. I don't think the mask deflects much of anything.

I can't answer on the DC Header question.

No offense to Randode, but you can buy Cold Cathodes here http://www.xoxide.com and wire them up yourself and save a bunch of money, it's not that hard and there are several people in the DFW area that would be more than happy to help you.

I don't know about the Air Filters...I have the Injen Short Ram and LOVE it.

There are 2 big Scion clubs in the DFW area, Scion Evolution - DFW Chapter http://www.se-dfw.com which is a chapter of the Nationwide Scion Evolution Club, and there's StyleWagons which is a club for highly customized/modified xB's.

Come out to a meet when you get it so we can check it out.

-Z

you might find the TRD springs cheaper online.

I have a Blitz exhaust and love it! i will be investing on the K&N intake soon. Oiling and cleaning should be no problem. just read the directions. either way its a filter its gonna need cleaning/washing. i imagine the filter on the blitzneeds to be run under a faucet after a while.

ill find the link for ya