Wow, the stress of buying a new car...

The other night I went with the parent figure to look at the Scion xB for around the fifth time. I think the car looks awesome and it seems to ride well, but I've only test drove them. Have any of you had any problems with the car that you think potential buyers should know about?

...and that's just the first question! :shock:

Now, think of it this way, a few months ago I had no intentions of getting a new car. A week or so ago, my '96 Bravada died on me; I hated the POS, anyway. I had originally wanted to buy a car, such as the 2000 Celica GTS and the 2001 Honda Civic that I had seen dealership hopping.

When I was at Toyota, I took a look at the Scion, but had only seen the xA the first visit. The xA simply did not impress me, but then again, neither had the stock xB that I saw the second visit. I went to a few more Toyota dealerships, now with the idea of looking at xB's and xB's only.


...I'm going to have to skip to the point. I put a $1000.00 down payment on the xB the other night. All I want to know is, why should I buy it?

why not is my answer :wink:

price
one of a kind
best car purchase ive done so far

^^ I agree ^^ with the above 100%

hahaha :lol:

Now I'm going to have a whole chain of responses that agree to your "Why not?"

yah, why not?!.. my bad, had to say it...

seriously tho, u get a fully loaded stylish driving box with superkeen toyota reliability... all for an awesome price...

besides, ur instinct is telling u... "get the box"... do yourself a favor and do it... :wink:

C'mon... Somdbody give me a detailed response... What are some things you guys like about your xB's?

The price isn't really something that makes me look at it as a better car. All the price does is make me wonder what they cut out on to make it that price. What are the good qualities of the xB? What are the bad qualities of the xB?

The decision is driving me crazy! I'm going to go on a rampage in all the local car dealerships if I don't make my decision soon. :twisted:

Not to sound rude or anything... but if you're not sure you want to buy an Xb then why buy it? Buy it because you want it. I own an Xa and I love it. I also love the Xb. They are both good cars. Just a word of advice though... get something that you want without questioning it. This way you don't end up selling it in the future. You might want something with armor because you "destroyed" your last two cars too. :lol: j/k

-E

If you have to ask why to buy it.. you obviously don't get it... the idea is to get what's right for you and what you'll love driving every single day. Why did you put a down payment if you didn't know ... either that or ya love the car, but you want validation ...

I understand what he's saying. I want the car also but at the same time I would like to hear what other owner's have to say about it. Buying a car is a big investment and you're stuck with what you get for a few years so you should know everything about the car. Any little things can deter that decision.

noone can tell you why you should buy a car, thats a desicion left ultimately to you and you have to be the one who lives it.

good luck :wink:

Oh, don't get me wrong at all.

I love the car. I love Toyota. The main problem for me is that I don't know anybody who owns a Scion. I'm in Jersey and, other than in car shows, only know a select group of people who know what a Scion is. Scion dealerships are sprouting around here and I loved the looks of the car when I had seen it at the Jacob Javitz Center. I just wanted to know more about the car engine-wise. Like I said, I have no contacts that own a Scion around here, so I've never had the chance to hear a friend say, "Damn it, Bob, my Scion's in the shop again..." Not that I would hear that from anybody, by the sound of it.

I have gone to three different Toyota dealerships, two in New Jersey and one in New York, which had recently added a Scion dealerships within Toyota's.

The problem?

In New York the dealer seemed to be new to the game; he wasn't really on point answering my questions.

In Jersey I stopped into a dealership two hours before closing. The dealer was great. He helped me set up my car, explained a lot about the car to me, and left me satisfied with my visit. I was not with my mom, who is helping with payments :oops: , so I planned to come back within a day or two... I'm desperate for a car... Have no transportation to and from school, etc. The problem with this was that the dealer was going on vacation the next day... For a week!

I just didn't want to wait because I loved how the car looked and drove... Went back to the dealership to speak to the new guy he had hired or was training, something like that... The new guy insisted on rewriting everything that we had decided on adding and got me confused again, needing to know more about the purchase I was just about to make. :? Unluckily, he couldn't answer half of my questions, always retorting with "Uhhh, well, I'm new..." I started researching the internet a bit and this site looked the most promising.

Being a new car in my area - I just wanted to know if there was anything about the car that could prove to be problematic after driving it a few thousand miles.

Sorry for being such a bother and thanks for your time, fellas. :D

ah, forgot to say - as you all can see - I've had bad luck with my cars... Never had a new car, though, which is why I'm getting so worked up over it.

I understand what he's saying. I want the car also but at the same time I would like to hear what other owner's have to say about it. Buying a car is a big investment and you're stuck with what you get for a few years so you should know everything about the car. Any little things can deter that decision.

Thank you for understading Jay. :)

I'm in the same position other than the fact that I have a car now. I've never had a new car though and really just want to know EVERYTHING about the xb before I do so.


With that said can someone now please just give the pros and cons on the car since they've had it?

You know everyone has been saying buy the car you feel good in. And that is true! Let me tell you a story and forgive me for sounding long winded.

My entire family is a Ford family. Everyone get either a Ford Ranger or Ford Taurus and then moves up thru their life. Well I went right long with the family ways and I was thinking of upgrading to a 2004 F-350 Diesel. So I went to the San Diego car show to check out the new Fords and I walked by the little tiny Scion booth in the back and i saw the xB and the xA. I never even heard of it till then. So i sat in it and said nice quality interior and I'm a big guy so i was impressed with the room inside. Then i got out of the car and looked at the tag expecting to see an over priced car $22,000.00+ and then i saw the price of the xB and then i sat in the xA and then noticed it was cheaper with most of the same features and even the same engine. In short i walked out of the show intent on buy the Scion xA (I know you xB guys are wondering why but it was the mileage/price/size.) Ok i know i was looking at a F-350 and I seem to complain about size but its my opnion that go either really big or really small, none of that middle stuff. But that is why i bought my Scion xA and I never felt better about a car.

So when you ask why buy Scion there can really be only one reason "YOUR REASON" but here a key point to consider.
Price
Size
Millage
Custimize the heck out of it.
Community of other owners.
The ladies dig the Scion.

OK heres my story. I have had the xb since july and have had no problems with it. I have racked up over 16000 miles on it already and still drives like its brand new. I love this car. I have a manual and the pick up is just fine. I have always like toyota ever since my pops had an 85 pick up truck that lasted him more than 200000 miles and the only reason he got rid of it is because he was in an accident in it. You are getting pure toyota quality with the car. Plus you get many standard feature that you would have to pay for on most other makes and modles and at the price of these vehicles you cant go wrong. I can say this is the first car That I really enjoy. Plus if you want to do any types of mods to the car it is the perfect canvas for you. I never thaught that I would mod a car and I have done quite a bit to it. Just check my profile. ANd if you do decide to get the xb make sure to go bone stock, the dealer will charge up the wazoo for everything. THe only options that I got where the spoiler and alarm. I think you should go for Because in my opinion this is the best car for that type of money.

You definitely need to buy a car you feel comfortable with.
When i first saw the Scion's in cali, i was like wtf is that?

but then when they arrived here in NYC, i was like, hey this isn't a bad car at all.
It suits my needs and is very practical.
All my friends think i'm nuts for liking such a car,
they advised me to get a honda civic, but u know what?
screw the civic, i want something that sits a bit high up and up right, just like the Xb.
Besides i already own a sports sedan, why do i want another low sitting car?
Xb was just the right car for me.

ANd if you do decide to get the xb make sure to go bone stock, the dealer will charge up the wazoo for everything. THe only options that I got where the spoiler and alarm.

The only reason I feel like I shouldn't get it bone stock is because I feel like getting all of the extra work done at a Toyota/Scion dealership would ensure the best quality... I could be way off with this idea, though. You all have been a big help and I just hope you keep sending in your stories of why you got your cars and how they've held up.

OK … Here are some reasons:
1: XB’s are roomy. Like #1 in head room and #3 in legroom of ALL class “C” cars/trucks sold in the US. (Class “C” is normal – not like a simi or anything).
2: Great Visibility – This is the thing I liked most about it.
3: Sits Hi – Comfy and #2
4: Roomy – The xB had the elbow room I wanted
5: Lots of standard features:
Electric Door Locks
Power Windows
AC
Good sound system
Anti Lock Brakes
Skid Cowtrol
Heated Mirrors
Traction Cowtrol
60/40 fold down seats
Antenna hidden in the windows (xB)
Plenty of stowage
Other options availabull
Quiet
.

What I DON’T like.
A tinny bit underpowered (I have the automagic)
A little bit bumpy/stiff riding.
NO CRUZ COWTROL
Just a tiny bit to small to sleep in.

The ladies dig the Scion.

lol hell yeah they sure do 8) 8) 8) 8)

BobBy, I've driven nothing but Chevy pickups the last 22 years. I'd been shopping for another one for about a month, then I saw the Xb. I ordered one last week, I was so impressed with it. Looks? I think it's like picking out the runt of the litter. You're immediately drawn to it and you can't help but love it.

bobby:

my wife had a 1999 montero sport, we got a black xB (auto) tuesday before last (3rd one at the dealership). i have got to say, this thing grows on me everyday. i love the style (boxy) of the xB, the ride is pretty smooth, you sit half way between car and suv height. i feel safe driving it (not like riding high in a truck or suv), handling is good and it is more fun to drive than i thought. the standard features for the price is what really blow us away, ABS (montero sport did not even have ABS), traction control, power windows and locks, and the options: 6-disc MP3 changer (great) and bass tube (we do the bass tube and mp3 player on all our cars, so having it done when we got the car was really nice). it is small looking on the outside (another cool point), and it is HUGH on the inside, and very comfy.

only things i dont like: needs about 40 more horsepower and more torque, not a real biggy, but i drive a 1.8T Jetta (180hp) and i love speed. rear wheels are further in then the front wheels, but i am going to get some 20mm spacers to widen the track a little. and the biggest... NO ARMREST

other than that, i love the car/mini truck, you will not regret buying one (we got ours the same night we just went to look at one)

pics:
http://home.swbell.net/stnleyb/scion/scion001.jpg
http://home.swbell.net/stnleyb/scion/scion002.jpg
http://home.swbell.net/stnleyb/scion/scion003.jpg

we threw some $40 hubcaps on it from pepboys for now. going to try some plus II or pilot profiler oversized hubcaps that make 15" wheels look like 17" wheels (i know it is kind of ghetto, but if it does not look to cheap we will keep them, better than getting rims and tires for $700-$1500). and tinted the front windows 35% (legal)

stnley
Rollin Aggie '97

-----

Gig'em Aggies! :lol: :wink:

hehe So you still in TX Stanley? Welcome to the forum by the way! Good to see another Texan.

Also what about the possible weak A/C issue?
Is the back seat comfortable enough? Is it even important to you?
Is it easy to work on the engine( accessibilty)?
No center armrest?
Also if you want to use XM it will cost like 500 dollars more to be able to use it.
Also it has great legroom but not so good width.

I'm not trying to knock Scion but just bringing up some issues that might be important to him or others.

Otherwise its sounds like a pretty solid car. Good gas mileage and good looks. And very customizable.

Joe

Also what about the possible weak A/C issue?
Is the back seat comfortable enough? Is it even important to you?
Is it easy to work on the engine( accessibilty)?
No center armrest?
Also if you want to use XM it will cost like 500 dollars more to be able to use it.
Also it has great legroom but not so good width.

I'm not trying to knock Scion but just bringing up some issues that might be important to him or others.

Otherwise its sounds like a pretty solid car. Good gas mileage and good looks. And very customizable.

Joe

You asked, "Is it easy to work on the engine"... oh... I just saw you meant accessibility. Was accessibility to the engine all you were talking about or is it truly difficult to work on the xB's engine?

If anybody else felt these were problems, let me know what you did to get around them.

Everybody has been very helpful, thank you.

Just accessibility.

Its a good motor. These are questions I have read in differnt forums so I thought I would combine them so that maybe some of the other xB owners here can help you with your questions.
I know you are just trying to be sure about your purchase and making sure all the T's and I's are dotted and crossed. And like some others have said you have to decide for yourself. But it never hurt's to ask.

joe

I just ordered my Silver XB from a dealer in Hickory, NC a few days ago. Will be in next week. As with all things that I buy, I researched the crap out of it and took a few test drives as well.

I like the fact that this is a Toyota. They're known for longevity and reliability in their products. The Engine itself is well-known and does not have any problems, that I know of. It’s the same one used in the Echo, which has been out for a while.

I currently own a VW New Beetle. Loved the car, but it was getting small for my current needs, and due to VW’s problems with ‘fit and finish’ on the interior of their cars, was starting to fall apart. (Only three years old!).

The car comes LOADED with EVERYTHING I wanted (‘cept an armrest). For cheap. My xB cost about 14.4 grand loaded. (Only option I got was the Euro tail lamps). My VW, with the same equipment, set me back 21 grand. Try loading a Toyota Matrix with all these goodies, you’ll end up with a very expensive car.

I like the looks, and the room. Should I decide to customize it, it’ll be easy. I got it less for it’s trendyness and more for its innate qualities: Reliability, Roominess, Economy. So I guess I’m not the standard Scion Target. I’m 25, and a geek.

One more thing; the engine has a timing CHAIN, not a BELT. Belts need to be replaced more often. My VW TDI (Diesel) had a belt that needs to be changed every 40,000 miles to the tune of $550 a pop. No more!

Hope this helped…!
Larry
:o

things i like about my xb
- gas mileage
- cheap insurance
- cheap price
- roomy
- handles pretty good
- easy to work on
- all interior panels come off fast
- power everything

things i don't like
- a/c could be a lil better
- cloth interior
- interior panels scratch easy
- the ride isn't too smooth as far as comfort (but hey you get what you pay for)
- road noise (they could isolated the walls a lil' bit better)
- floor mats suck (the get all fuzzy easy)
- rear cargo cover isn't worth the money (for the xb... xa got a nice one)

all the bads things can be fixed by aftermarkets so it's no big deal

Geez ... I got the cargo cover. It does the job.

One more thing; the engine has a timing CHAIN, not a BELT. Belts need to be replaced more often. My VW TDI (Diesel) had a belt that needs to be changed every 40,000 miles to the tune of $550 a pop. No more!

Hope this helped…!
Larry
:o

You've helped a lot, Larry. :D

Just one question, since I don't know as much as I'd like to know about cars. You say it has a timing chain, not a belt. Are the chains better than belts, aside from the fact that belts need to be replaced more often? How often do chains need to be replaced, if at all, and how much would that cost?

Thanks again for you help.

Bob

Timing chains dont usually need to be replaced at all. Just timing belts.
:D

Your a lot less likely to BREAK a chain then you are a belt. Rubber gets worn, rubbed the wrong way, shifts, etc. and the tensel ( ? on spelling ) isnt as tough as a steel chain. Yeah, chains can stretch, but youll get minor problems ( a lot further down the road, most likely way past 100K miles ) that wont leave you stranded on the side of the road. Nor will a stretched chain cause major damage, like a blown rubber belt will. If a belt breaks just right, it can toast an entire engine!

As far as not being sure about the purchase, only you can cross that hurdle. I was there several times buying both used and new cars. But you know what, your better off buying a new car, then a used one with no warrenty.

I have done the homework, with extra credit. I too live here in NJ, and have had an order in for an xB since 12/15/03, and have only test driven the car once, for a total of 2 miles, through residential streets @ 25 MPH. You have done more test driving then me, but i knew this going in ... its a Toyota, it comes with a butt load of features the domestics cant even touch for the price, every right up that has been done to both the xA & the xB have nothing but good to say about it. Other then a little Hyundai Accent, all i have owned is Chevys, but i know now that i CANT go wrong with owning a Toyota, the same guys who make the Camery, which has won so many awards, it need its own building to hold them all.

Ultimately its up to you, but in my opinion, your NOT going wrong.

Anybody? :?

My bad, didn't see the second page. :D

Also what about the possible weak A/C issue?
Is the back seat comfortable enough? Is it even important to you?
Is it easy to work on the engine( accessibilty)?
No center armrest?
Also if you want to use XM it will cost like 500 dollars more to be able to use it.
Also it has great legroom but not so good width.

I'm not trying to knock Scion but just bringing up some issues that might be important to him or others.

Otherwise its sounds like a pretty solid car. Good gas mileage and good looks. And very customizable.

Joe

Ok to answer your questions in order.

1. Yes the A/C is a bit weak but if you up front I have no problems. If your in the back youll have to wait 10 mins for it to get there. But a foriegn cars are weak A/C buy american if you want good A/C

2. The back seat isnt bad I'm a big guy 6'+ and 270lbs(start jokes here :) ) and i sit fine although i wouldnt want to sit shoulder to shoulder with someone in the back for a long drive.

3. Yes the engine is easy to work on / around. Look under the hood and then go look at some other cars/trucks/suvs. theres alot of room and the engine is fairly simple in design so you can do mods and alot of maint. your self.

4. No center arm rest is a down fall so i build my own arm rest. Check my profile for a pic but with the amount of people doing the same thing expect alot of aftermarket arm rest in the very, very near future. Also check out foreign cars tell me how many have them. I guess only american like to lean over and drive one handed.

5. The XM isnt worth it from the factory, its a rip off. Do like most people do and rip out the stereo and put in one you like with xm build in. you'll spend $500.00 for a whole new stereo with it already there and the features you want.

6. Great leg room and the width isnt that great but then again the car is narrow so its great for city driving and amazing for parallel parking. Now for my self let me remind you 6'+ 270lbs ( insert new joke here) and I've got no problem with width.

I saw one picture of the bB on a Japan website, researched it and found out it was going to start selling in Cali in a few months, called a few dealers the next week and ordered a barebone black xB, then flew to San Franciso and drove it back to Texas.

Never test drove it once nor saw it in person.......................Best decision I ever made.

Now quit freaking worrying and go buy it you worry wart.

All other cars just plain suck compared to the B unless you're willing to spend over 30grand.

MHO.


Still need more reasons?
This car is like a constant wingman, girl magnet.

You two are great. Oh, and a joke to insert? Well, I'm sorry to say that I don't have one, Jolly Green. :lol:

Alright, in all seriousness now. I do plan on buying this car in Black Sand Pearl, but I just wanted to be assured that it was a good purchase.

Last problem is...

I am doing a good amount of work on the car before at the dealership that I am purchasing it from.

The dealer will be adding:

Two tone leather seats - $1,295
Power Sun Roof - $995
17" Motegi DP6's (Hyper Black) - $1,100

(I was thinking of going with 18" DP6's, but I'm worried that changing the 15's to 17's could be shortening the lifespan of the car too much, as is. I know very little about tricking out cars, but have become more interested by trying to purchase this car... I just haven't learned enough. Please give me advice on tricking out my xB, folks. Let me know which parts could cause problems and how, no matter how minor the possible problems are. i.e. somebody mentioned that the floormats get fuzzy. I don't really care about that, but it was good to know, in my opinion. Also tell me the good qualities of some of these add-ons, keeping in mind that they are all the basic options that the Toyota dealerships offer, aside from the Leather, Sun Roof, and Rims... so when I say I'm getting a strut bar, I mean the silver one at the dealerships, not the blue straight one. I'm just guessing that most of the Scion places display the same parts, but I'm expecting that notion to be way off. I'll see when I get responses.)

TRD 1" Lowering Springs - $239
Sport muffler (I think it's a TRD Exhaust system) - $329
Color Steering Wheel - $279
Sport Pedals - $79
Door Sills - $139
LED Light Kit - $280
Cup Holder Light - $299
Fog Lights - $350
Floor Mats - $120
Rear Spoiler - $385
6 Disc CD - $395
Front Strut Bar - $225
Scion Security - $469
(I'll also be adding TRD's air intake, but that price is not included in the total. I believe that it's $379)

Once added together the TOTAL is $21,943 with $1,372.70 in tax... :shock:


I just wanted to know if adding all of these parts would be a mistake. I do understand that the parts are going to be slightly over priced (IF MAJORLY OVER-PRICED, PLEASE TELL ME.) coming from a dealership, but at the same time, I feel they'll be more reliable if they are put in at the dealership.

What do you all think I should do?

Any parts you think I should consider replacing?

Please let me know all of the ups and downs. Once again, thank you for your time, friends. :wink:


Bob

Two tone leather seats - $1,295
Power Sun Roof - $995
17" Motegi DP6's (Hyper Black) - $1,100
TRD 1" Lowering Springs - $239
Sport muffler (I think it's a TRD Exhaust system) - $329
Color Steering Wheel - $279
Sport Pedals - $79
Door Sills - $139
LED Light Kit - $280
Cup Holder Light - $299
Fog Lights - $350
Floor Mats - $120
Rear Spoiler - $385
6 Disc CD - $395
Front Strut Bar - $225
Scion Security - $469
(I'll also be adding TRD's air intake, but that price is not included in the total. I believe that it's $379)

Once added together the TOTAL is $21,943 with $1,372.70 in tax... :shock:


Common, youve go to be kidding me right? Youre gonna spend so much money to have the dealer install those options that you can do mostly by yourself or with the help of a friend.

Floor mats ... $20 @ Pepboys, Autozone, Walmart

Spoiler ... $250 on Ebay; painted to match, and shipped

Exhaust ... Ebay again, and have a local muffler dealer install it

Wheels ... Ebay ( you starting to see a trend here, look around, youll find stuff cheaper). Im getting a set of 17s with 215/45R17 Yokos, mounted, balanced, and shipped cross country for around $750.

Pedal covers, door sills, etc. ... all this stuff you can install, and purchase at a bargin on Ebay; most items being sold are from Toyota Dealers. Dont be lazy, just do it yourself!

Leather interior ... give me a break, its a Scion, not a Mercedes

BTW ... according to you estimate, i plugged in the numbers, and with all your add on goodies, tax, and a little more $ for a cushion i figured about 24K to be financed.

$24,000 financed @ 5.5% ( this is average, if you or your parents FICO sucks, then it could be more ) for 60 months ( 5 yrs ) is a $458.53 a month! You will have paid 27K for a 14K car! ARE YOU NUTS? Thats a lot of hambergers to flip, grass to cut, or work like a dog doing 65+ hours a week pushing a pen.

Ok so some people like to save a few bucks and install everything themselves and then there are some people that just want everything installed. IT sounds like your the one that want everything installed when you pick it up. Not a bad idea but let me go thru your list.

Two tone leather seats - $1,295
Not bad, good price but check out how much they will charge to install after all its only 4 bolts and one wire to replace a seat. Make sure you get the old seats back and sell them on ebay $700.00


Power Sun Roof - $995
Good deal check out which brand because and american sunroof company will install a power one for the same price 19x33" make sure you get the same specs. Because all the dealer does is drive it down to a place like american sunroof and have them install it, since Scion does not have factory sunroof. That is what my local dealer tried to do to me.

17" Motegi DP6's (Hyper Black) - $1,100
Good deal be sure to get the old tires and rims and sell them on e-bay make $300.00

TRD 1" Lowering Springs - $239
Good buy but think about getting 1" in the rear and 1 1/2 or 2" in the front. IT will give you a nice slope look. Also Some people dont like the TRD springs "To tight" they ended up going with goldline springs. Theres the same pricing and any tire store can change them out in an hour for around $100.00. Get back the old springs sell them for $50.00

Sport muffler (I think it's a TRD Exhaust system) - $329
Not a bad choice and if i have figured you out your worried about the warranty so i suggest letting the dealer install it as some people can blame engine problems on a muffler and thus void warranty. But if the dealer does it they have to honor the warranty. Yes there are better ones out there but unless you have to always have the best your choice is good.

Color Steering Wheel - $279
You do know this is just a piece of colored leather on half the steering wheel? A Complete rip off in my mind but if you have to do it make sure you get the old wheel back because you can get $200.00 aftermarket for that thing.

Sport Pedals - $79
No! No! No! This should be a mod you do yourself. Pep-boys or autozone sell these for $20.00 and they pretty snap on.

Door Sills - $139
Not bad dont get ripped off on install though cuz it is just a sticker.

LED Light Kit - $280
Cup Holder Light - $299
Out of everything on this list the two of these are the biggest rip offs of the whole process. The led light kit is two tubes under each side of the dash. I went to a computer store and found the exact same tubes they used for $16.00 yes $16.00. so i installed them in my Scion and it took 15 minutes. The cup holder LED are also at the computer store for $8.00 a pair and take even less time to install than the underdash kit. So in short my cost was $24.00 and the dealer price is $579.00
This is the only one i really dont like because it is such a rip off.

Fog Lights - $350
Not bad after market one will save you $50-100 dollars and you will be fine on install so its ok. Be sure to get the plate covers for the lights. they can sell for $20.00

Floor Mats - $120
Not bad

Rear Spoiler - $385
Good deal and not a bad idea to have the dealer do this for you as they can match the paint better than anyone else.

6 Disc CD - $395
I know i will get alot of hate mail form other Scion fans but I dont like the radio that comes from the dealer. The functions are horrible. Just listening to the radio is a challenge. Think about going to a best buy or a circuit city. They can give you one installed with everything you deam of for $400.00 and you can sell the old head unit for $100.00 but if you get the 6 disc version from the dealer you will not get the old one as it is a swap out for the price difference.

Front Strut Bar - $225
Not bad, there are better ones out there for the same price and install is really easy. Now if you get the springs done outside like i suggested they will have to take off the strut bar to put on the front springs so to have them install one while there doing springs sould be a freeby. So think about that.

Scion Security - $469
The security system isnt the greater. I bought it and i wasnt that happy after the fact. Even circuit city and best buy have better systems for under that price installed. There are even systems that will page you with what part of the car has been violated.

So thats my opnion and i really suggest putting pressure on the dealler to get the old parts back because their pricing is not based on returns and they just want to put your parts back in inventory and sell them new. I added it up and you looking around $1400.00 cash for all the items they will pull out.

Sure! That was my first ever post, glad it was not wasted.

Timing chains are rather tough and made of metal linkages. (A gear head around here might be able to paint a more accurate picture.

Timing belts are made (usually) of a metal-impregnated rubber. Over time, both of these will stretch and distort, but the belts are much more prone to this, and often need to be replaced every 50,000 or so miles, though there ARE better ones coming out.

Timing Chains usually need to be checked every 100,000 miles or so. Also, when a timing chain starts to go bad, they almost always start making some hideous racket that you can hear. Often, the first indication that something had gone wrong with a belt is when it snaps, and your engine is screwed. :(

VW used a belt in it's TDI engine, they said, to reduce engine noise. But, IMHO, it's a Diesel. It's going to be somewhat loud anyway. And Chains are not THAT loud.

Hope this clears that up! :lol:
Larry

so to sum up all what said here


just read the 2nd post from your first one! 8)



:lol:

good luck to ya!

why not is my answer :wink:

price
one of a kind
best car purchase ive done so far

You the man, DJ. Thanks for your words of advice.

:D

Actually theres only one reason to own a scion and i said it on the last line of the 15th post and hotbox agreed with me.

The ladies dig the scion

and I dig the ladies, so it seems this car was built for me! :D


Now, folks... Please scroll back to where I listed the parts that I had wanted to add at the dealership.

I just want to know which of those parts may decrease the lifespan of my (or soon to be) xB.

For example, dropping an inch with TRD springs and adding 18" rims. I've heard that this decreases the longevity of the car. Why would this be true, exactly? Would it really take all that much out of the lifespan of the car or are they talking 1,000 miles?

Keep in mind, I know more about cooking than I know about cars, and I've only cooked grilled cheese sandwiches. :oops:

Please look back at any parts I was looking to install and let me know more about all of them.

FORGET the prices that I originally mentioned. Just look at which parts and give me a brief idea of why it would be a good idea to get them.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I drive a good 20,000 miles a year (at the least). I want this car to last me for a long long time.

:wink:

Color Steering Wheel
Sport Pedals
LED Light Kit
Cup Holder Light
Floor Mats

screw these items. sunroof, and the other stuff is cool.

stnley
Rollin Aggie '97

-----

Gig'em Aggies! :lol: :wink:

hehe So you still in TX Stanley? Welcome to the forum by the way! Good to see another Texan.

hell yeah, i am still in texas (houston)!! WHOOP!!

i had heard that if you get the led cup holders it will cut the lifspan of the whole car by half but its worth it. :) actually the springs and tires and everything else wont make the car wear out faster. But if you want to get extremly technical larger tires will make the engine last longer due to fewer total rotations to go a certain distance. But there is the other side that say it takes higher torque to turn them. The catch is i dont think anyone can prove it one way or the other. But my opnion is that both are right and equal forces. The fewer rotations balances out against the higher torque. Everything else wont slow down or speed up the wear and tear on the scion but if you plan on having it for awhile and putting alot of miles think about an extended warranty. JIC

Oh, gosh...

i had heard that if you get the led cup holders it will cut the lifspan of the whole car by half but its worth it. :)

:shock:

Please tell me you're kidding about this...

Also, Drandolph, or anybody else who has been helping me out, what would you recommend between 17" - 20" rims. As of now I'm kind of leaning towards 18", but then again, there aren't all that many tricked out Scions around my area...

I've honestly yet to see one on the streets. :(


Another question about the LED's... If I was to go out and find the same ones for cheap, as you suggested, do they come with the same switches? Would I be able to install the switch under the E-Brake, as Scion does?

I think it was you, Drandolph, who had re-listed the prices I put, emphasizing the fact that I can sell the old parts. How would I go about asking the dealer for them? Should I just tell them straight out, "I want all of the parts that you are replacing with the new options that I chose." Can they actually do give me the parts or do they deduct from the price of the new parts, since they are keeping the ones that originally came with the car?

Another thing - my dealer believes that they are going to give me completely different seats - not leather wrapped. Would I be able to take the old seats and sell those off?

I just don't understand which stock parts they would willingly give me, if I asked them for them.

Thanks again! :D

Bob

Oh, gosh...

i had heard that if you get the led cup holders it will cut the lifspan of the whole car by half but its worth it. :)

:shock:

Please tell me you're kidding about this...

Also, Drandolph, or anybody else who has been helping me out, what would you recommend between 17" - 20" rims. As of now I'm kind of leaning towards 18", but then again, there aren't all that many tricked out Scions around my area...

I've honestly yet to see one on the streets. :(


Another question about the LED's... If I was to go out and find the same ones for cheap, as you suggested, do they come with the same switches? Would I be able to install the switch under the E-Brake, as Scion does?

I think it was you, Drandolph, who had re-listed the prices I put, emphasizing the fact that I can sell the old parts. How would I go about asking the dealer for them? Should I just tell them straight out, "I want all of the parts that you are replacing with the new options that I chose." Can they actually do give me the parts or do they deduct from the price of the new parts, since they are keeping the ones that originally came with the car?

Another thing - my dealer believes that they are going to give me completely different seats - not leather wrapped. Would I be able to take the old seats and sell those off?

I just don't understand which stock parts they would willingly give me, if I asked them for them.

Thanks again! :D

Bob

Yes i was kidding about the LED's :)
As for the rims and tires there have been some problems with bigger tires at different offsets rubbing and with lower springs you will have more of a problem. Now i am not the person to ask but you should ask around and maybe start a new post with this question. "I want to put larger tires and rims on my xB and lower it 2" in the front and 1 1/2" in the rear. Which size tires and rims can i get that wont rub at all"
Next yes as for each part on an itemized list. They will try to make up an excuse about it but dont let them, if you have a scary freind bring them along to ask for the parts and yes the seats will sell for alot on ebay.

If the dealer tries to bump up the price get some of those parts from somewhere else and install them yourself. Like the seats you just need a socket set and a few bolts. No install charge, keep the old seats and not problem with warranty.
As for the switch no you more than likly will not get the exact same switch because the LED's i reccomended were for a computer case. Same size and intensity as what is in a Scion just no switch so you would need to buy a switch from radio shack or autozone. If you not electrical savy go to autozone as just about every switch there will work. Then a little wire a little 2 sided tape. (Scion uses it to) and your done.

If the dealer tries to bump up the price get some of those parts from somewhere else and install them yourself. Like the seats you just need a socket set and a few bolts. No install charge, keep the old seats and not problem with warranty.
As for the switch no you more than likly will not get the exact same switch because the LED's i reccomended were for a computer case. Same size and intensity as what is in a Scion just no switch so you would need to buy a switch from radio shack or autozone. If you not electrical savy go to autozone as just about every switch there will work. Then a little wire a little 2 sided tape. (Scion uses it to) and your done.

Do you mean I should get the seats somewhere else? I am also confused by the warranty comment... :oops: Sorry.

That's actually another big thing on my mind, but I know it has to do mainly with the dealership I get the magnificent box of metal from.

What would void the warranty? Just engine stuff, but not even all engine stuff, right?

How do you think 1" in the back and 1 and 1/2" springs in the front would look? I really like the idea to make the front a bit lower now, but still want to research and see the problems it may cause.

I'm going to take your advice and start a new post tomorrow.

Thanks again, Drandolph. You've been a big help to me ever since I joined this site. :D

(I'm pooped, so I may have left some things out or unfinished. Gotta wake up in 3 hrs for some good ol' manual labor.) :x

Do you mean I should get the seats somewhere else? I am also confused by the warranty comment... :oops: Sorry.

That's actually another big thing on my mind, but I know it has to do mainly with the dealership I get the magnificent box of metal from.

What would void the warranty? Just engine stuff, but not even all engine stuff, right?

How do you think 1" in the back and 1 and 1/2" springs in the front would look? I really like the idea to make the front a bit lower now, but still want to research and see the problems it may cause.

I'm going to take your advice and start a new post tomorrow.

Thanks again, Drandolph. You've been a big help to me ever since I joined this site. :D

(I'm pooped, so I may have left some things out or unfinished. Gotta wake up in 3 hrs for some good ol' manual labor.) :x
No you can tell the dealer you want the seats but you will install them after you get home because you dont want to pay install charges.
As for warranty the rule is that the dealer must prove that what you added to the car made it break. So if you add a seat and the muffler falls off they will have to fix the muffler. But if you drill new hole into the car (and you wont) and you puncture the gas line then the gas line is not under warranty. So they have to prove that what you did made it break. Nothing on your list would void a warranty. But go to a dealer or two with your list and someone will say yes to everything.

Some small things that will happen at the dealer you sould know about.
The standard car alarm they try to sell with the car sucks buy the one you want.

If you not going to put any money down buy gap insurance, that will cover the difference from the value of the car and your loan if you total the car or it is stolen but if you put money down so that you are financing less than the value of the car then you dont need it.

Scion only comes with a 35000 mile warranty and you said you drive alot so think about an extended warranty.

Another question...

Why do you feel the alarm system for Scion is poor quality?

Also, why do you think the 6 disc is a bad purchase?

The alram system from scion is a karr system that has few options and the range isnt that good also the alarm sound is actually the car horn and if you honk the horn on a scion its not that powerful. I barely hear mine. Also you can add little options like remote start and windows up to the system and being in the north east i bet you really want remote start and maybe a paging service so you know when your car gets jacked.

The 6 disc changer is about $500.00 more and there is a ton of better / more powerful radios on the market for $500.00 also the interface is poor and to just surf radio stations is annoying. Sit in a scion and play with the radio the single disc one is exactly like the 6 disc one.

Ah, I see. I'll definitely scratch off the idea of getting the 6 disc and alarm, but what exactly do you mean by remote start and windows up for the alarm system?

Sorry that I question everything... Like I said, I don't know much about cars. :lol:

Ah, I see. I'll definitely scratch off the idea of getting the 6 disc and alarm, but what exactly do you mean by remote start and windows up for the alarm system?

Sorry that I question everything... Like I said, I don't know much about cars. :lol:

With car alarms there is two really nice features you can get.
1. is windows up. When you arm the car it will roll up all the windows on your car automatically including the sunroof. This is a nice feature.

2. Remote start. You can turn on you car with the remote. This may sound like a little trick but if its cold outside before you head out you can start you car so that when you get in its nice and toasty or cold depending on what you set the thermostat to the night before.

Thanks, Drandolph. :D

My pleasure I hope you have fun with your new xB and you will learn alot about it while you have the mods added on. So while their doing it stand at the door and watch and try to buddy up the the mechanic thats doing the work. Then maybe youll get up the courage to start doing some mods on your own.