I just joined the group and wanted to introduce myself. I bought my first scion last week. I was looking for a well made small car with really good gas mileage. Took a look at the xa and decided scion wasn't going to work because it was just too small. I really didn't like the look of the xb and I assumed, incorrectly, that it shared similar problems with the xa. So I had narrowed my search all the way down to the Toyota matrix and was ready to buy as soon as I could find one I liked at a decent price. The local Honda dealership had one on their lot and I went to take a look. That one wasn't for me and, while talking with the salesperson, I mentioned that I had looked at an xa and couldn't believe how unfomfortable it was. He told me he owned an xb and liked it. I said something like, "that's good" and then tried to make a quick exit before he tried to sell me something I didn't want. Then I noticed an xb with a $9,995 sticker on the window. It was clear they were trying to get it off the lot because the window price was so far below what they were asking for other used vehicles when compared to kbb. On a complete whim I took a look. The high seats and the leg room were what first caught my attention (I'm 6' 2"). Then, when I got in it, I realized that while I didn't like the look from the outside, I LOVED the look from the inside. I own a big Ram 3500 diesel truck that I love to drive in part because of how much you can see when you are in it. The xb surprisingly had a similar feel even though my ram is big enough to turn the xb to toast (pardon the pun) in a matter of seconds (I guess that would make the Ram the real "toaster"). I soon discovered that I also liked the way it handled and, when I found out the matrix doesn't even have the option of things like four wheel abs and traction control (standard on the xb), I was sold. We ended up buying that car for below kbb's private seller price and couldn't be happier. I wish I could say the same thing about the dealer, but the good feeling I was having about them didn't last long. I'll look for some feedback on that situation in another post as soon as I figure out what forum to post it in. In the meantime, let me say how happy I am to be a part of this group. You have already been a tremendous help because my google searches about this car almost always lead me right here. Btw, I'm beginning to LIKE the look of the xb from the outside and I'm kind of surprised by how fast that aspect of this car is growing on me. Oh, I forgot to mention that its a black '05.

 

Hello Bear Snob,

Our boxes are unique. If you are 6'2", you might like to put 4 or 5 washers under the front seat bolts to elevate the front of the seat a silly MM or two. A tall man's mod.
Be sure to add/inspect/replace the CABIN AIR FILTER that is in the tray behind the glove box. See TECH thread called 'Fabricate your own CABIN AIR FILTER' for photos of the tray and instructions on pulling the glove box out.

Front end link bushings are poor from the factory. For about $20 you can replace them with energy absorbing poly bushings to tighten up the front end.
They also improve the harsh ride somewhat. See thread pictures and do this yourself.

Post up photo's. What is your mileage? Stick? If so, a drain & fill is as easy as an oil change.

 

Thanks for the awesome welcome Hawk. I'll post some photos once I get the issue with the dealer resolved (they trashed my paint/windows after I bought it, see other thread). Its an automatic with 92k miles. I have a great mechanic that I use for things I can't do myself. He said it is great shape and so we should have plenty of miles left. I once had a toyota tercel that I sold with 300K on it (all driven by me and my wife) and it was still going fine. From the reviews I found, this one has the potential for a similar history except for the fact that it is now a two owner car. Thanks for the suggestions too. I'll do them all and, in fact, I'm already doing one. I pulled the glove box yesterday to find no cabin air filter. Bought one on ebay for $5. I'll look at the DIY as I suspect that one will be better quality. I also put in an outside air temp monitor that is working great and looks really good. Also got a scanguage and that thing is amazing and fun. Already getting an additional 5 mpg around town after just one day of using it. It will definitely pay for itself. Can't wait to get into some of the 100 or so other functions. I've got to say, this car is a blast. It is quickly turning into the best car I ever bought and that is saying a lot because I've had some pretty nice rides over the years. We got some snow two days ago and the TC system is totally cool.

 

I hope your dealership fiasco ends well!

 

welcome...