Hello all,
I just bought my first Xb, a 2006 automatic with 32000 miles in very good shape and have ran a tank of gas through it and mileage is 36.2. Needless to say, I am happy with that.

I live in central Florida, it's Christmas Day and the temps in the high 70's, Christmas dinner outside on a picnic bench, what could be better?!!

Anyway, I have a question if I may: I bought this beautiful box at a dealer and the oil change sticker does not say what type of oil, but I doubt that it is synthetic. When I do an oil change, is it recommended to use synthetic oil and if so is there any special things to be done other than change the oil and filter? I can't think of anything else, but you never know.

I would like to add a few things like a spoiler and the rear bumper protecter. Wife wants the spoiler, go figure!! Eventually, maybe a cruise control (really miss having one). Not interested in lowering this buggy, she's low enough now for this old guy (I'm 65), but I like to look at what you young folks do to yours. Not sure what color you call this box, grey, gun metal grey, silver, or ??, nice color though.

OK, my 1st post and this ole guy is happy with his 1st gen. Xb.

Bob

 

bleh.... I hate seeing my car going to the older generation! This is a Gen Y car people, Scion is a gen Y brand! Anyway, I couldn't help you with the oil question since I am lazy and spend the $20 to have it done for me. Cruise control is a must if you want the MPGs for long trips. You can find the Rostra cruise controls on ebay I believe. 36.2 is amazingly good for the automatic. Then again, the temperate climate mixed with relatively flat roads will assist in that amount.

 

That was pretty unnecessary, dude. smh

Now that we have that out of the way...

Congrats on your purchase!
Now for the oil question. Odds are, there's conventional oil in your engine right now. Synthetic is optional but by no means required. I personally run synthetic 5W20 at 5k intervals. For me, it usually works out to twice a year.

I change my own oil, so depending on the oil cost at the time, it averages me about 30 bucks (again, synthetic oil)... running conventional will obviously run you less. I simply don't trust the people at the quick lube places (one time, they didn't tighten the drain plug on my Camry...).

Now, I don't recall what the oil cap or manual say, but Toyota released a TSB a while back recommending 5W20 in all 2006+ Scions, including the 06 xB. That's what I've been running for a couple years now and it's been all good.

Can't comment on the cruise control, I don't have one, but my girlfriend's 08 xB does, so we just take hers. LOL

Oh, and here's the TSB, if you wanted to read it yourself. http://scionlife.org/Scion_Docs/Scion_TSBs/eg01806.pdf

 

Congrats on your xB, you are getting great mpg's for an automatic. You can safely start putting 5w30 synthetic if you want.
For the rear bumper protector go with the one for Sienna or Highlander- they are better than the vinyl overlay from Scion: http://www.clubxb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37642

 

@ ajcadoo, heck my friend, you young folks can't have ALL the fun. I thought the GEN Y stood for Generation Yippee. I also have a Mini-T Corvair turbo powered fiberglass dune buggy that is a chick magnet!! (don't tell the wife). I'm just getting older, ain't dead yet!

@ burstaneurysm, thank you sir for the warm welcome! It was definitely appreciated. I still have time to decide about whether to use a conventional oil or synthetic. I imagine either would be fine if it is the correct grade and a quality oil. Hope to hear more from you in the future.

@ Reactor, sir thanks for the welcome and thank you again for putting me on to the Sienna bumper protector. I am going to order one.

To all, I have read and re-read so much in this forum on the Xb and am learning. I do have another question if I may: What are the "fold-up hooks" on the back of the two front seats for? Maybe to hang barf bags on for the poor souls riding in the back? (lol). I've read the manual, but unless I've overlooked it, I haven't seen any explanation.

OK, thanks guys. I still have a lot to learn....

Bob

 

'Hellen Wheels' says those hooks are grocery bag hooks.
I hope that I am the first one to tell you about the CABIN AIR FILTER that lives in the tray behind your glove box. Scion does not provide a filter when the car is new. Very few owners even know about this filter. Buy one for $12 at any parts store and install it yourself. See the 'do it yourself' thread called Fabricate your own CABIN AIR FILTER, in the TECH section, and see photos of how to pop off your glove box to access that tray. This will eliminate that dusty build up on your dash. Cabin air filtration, just like a Lexus.

I do regular dino oil changes every 5k. 144 Thousand miles on my box. I recommend that you change it yourself because it is so easy.

Tighten up that front end by performing a $20 mod.... Energy Supression Sway bar end links for the front. Hit this link:
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/scion-xa-xb-1st-gen-suspension-handling-1606/energy-suspension-end-link-bushings-installed-32606/
See the factory bushings on top, and it's replacement below:

Post up photos of that box. We all like photos.

Start with free mods and enjoy the box:

You could indulge in LED lighting:

 

The hooks are used to hang grocery bags. I never use them and probably never will. I believe that is what the manual says they are for. And I just have a grudge against the older generation buying this car because it is "easy to get in and out of". Although, if you're on these forums, then youre not the average older generation buyer . I welcome you to ScionLife!

 

Welcome, Bob! It looks like the youngsters have answered your oil questions and recommended a cabin air filter.

I will also recommend that you raise the fronts of the front seats by putting a spacer and longer bolts and instead of typing how to do it, I'll copy from Big_Kill:

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Take out one of the front bolts holding the front seats to the floor and buy some washers - I forget... 6, 7, 8 for each bolt? - and go and loosen the back bolts a little, take the front bolts out and put the washers under the seat runner and bolt it back down. I'm thinking you "might" need a little longer bolt as well, now that I think about it.

It'll tip the seats back just enough to make them more comfortable. Cheap and easy mod you'll love. You won't be sitting bolt-upright and it'll support your thighs a little more.

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I did that to Stubby (my '06 Camo xB with a stick), and now his seating is juuuuust right. You will need longer bolts . . . .

Don't let the kids irk you too much about buying an xB at your age; it means we recognize a good thing when we see it . . . .