Hi. I'm planning on getting a xB later this year, possibly for my birthday. So far I want a camouflage automatic xB with cargo cover, floor mats, security, cargo liner, silver pedal covers, cd deck, and 9 spoke (because I can't afford $665 for the alloys) wheels. My questions are:
1. How much of this would be more practical to buy seperate and add (if possible)?
2. What's this about bad paint I hear? Should I be rushing to get my xB covered the second I get it?
3. I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to cars. Is my lil' box going to chug along fine if I'm not adding on parts and stuff? I'd like to maybe add some stuff...I mean I've watched Pimp my Ride a few times...I'd like to tint windows, add an arm rest, maybe a spoiler, some upgrades to make stuff work better or something. I mean once I get me box maybe start with some easy stuff...I don't know.

Also aren't the xA wheels going to be available for the xBs? Or is that for the 06 release? When is that? There should probably be a n00b FAQ sticky with answers like this, heh.

Anyways nice to meet ya'll, I'll probably stick around for a while.

 

Check out the sponsors and Ebay. After market parts are much cheaper than buying them from the dealership

 

1: All of the above listed can be bought separately for a much cheaper price. The only one not easily installed would be the security system and much better ones can be had for much cheaper.

2: The paint is not stellar. Be careful, clean often, it's all good.

3: Is that a question?

Also, the xA wheels will fit on an xB. Your dealer should be able to get them for you.

 

Yeah I was trying to get to the point that it seems like everyone adds stuff to their engine and such. Since I'd have no idea what I'd be doing, nor would any of my friends, would I be ok without adding parts or will my box not perform well if I don't?

edit: this being my first car, everyone is concerned about safety and such. Does the xB's shape make up for not having side airbags? Or am I boned if I get nailed by a hummer or something?

 

Skip the cargo cover. It isn't that good. Put the money toward the wheels you want. Save for the hard shelf. You'll be happier in the long run.

I'd also look into getting the cargo mat to protect the carpet in the back. Put the pedals on hold. You can get those a lot cheaper on eBay.
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You CAN add stuff, but it's not a requirement. It would be a great first car, appreciate this fact! It's not a muscle car, but who really needs one...

Most of the parts come with instructions. More help can be found right here on ScionLife, just ask if you can't find it in a search.

You're pretty much screwed if you get slammed by a Hummer in any car, unless you're in another Hummer. Other than that, they have performed very well in crash tests and in real world crashes as well. Just like the size on the inside is deceptive from the outside, the xB handles much better than it appears it would. Plus, just look at the list of safety features that come standard - ABS, Traction control, VSC. Find another car anywhere near this price range that has stability control available, much less standard...

 

Yeah I figure I'll add on stuff later. Might even add some preformance parts and such.

 

I do.
I'm looking to buy an xB for my wife and that is my main concern for this car. Seems to me it is grossly underpowered.

 

Being a woman and mom I'll give you my take. I have had many performance cars to name a few, Sentra SER Spec-v (last car) Mustang GT, 350 Camaro (long time ago) and several Dodge Turbo cars than ran as fast as a v-8. I also had a Caravan but don't hold that against me. I bought a XB with the automatic and have no probs with power. I leave most cars at every traffic light and have no trouble getting on the highway. You just know what you can and can't do, and in my case I have to drive more like a normal person which keeps me out of trouble.

The xb can hold the kids, groceries etc and still look cool. As for accesories, buy them after you get the car. Dealers mark up this stuff . Scion should get after them because pure pricing only seems to be on the car, accesories are where they make up their own prices and screw you.

Good Luck!

 

^^^ She basically said what I was going to say, except the
whole mom and kids part. I've had several Porsches (and
still do) and while the crazy power of a big motor isn't there,
the box is fine for what it is.

I haul huge guitar amps and gear, subs and speakers,
woodworking projects, and I can even take these bit IT guys
out to lunch and surprise them that this little buggy can haul
all our big asses.

The box is fine if you can accept that it's not a race car.
Very eye catching, even stock!

I'd only use the dealership for parts that you can't bolt on
yourself, like Sunroof, Scion Security...um...spoiler maybe.
The rest I'd just get aftermarket. The dealerships charge
crazy install prices on this stuff. That's where they make
their money on these cars...

 

I just got my new xB a couple of days ago. I didn't have the dealer supply anything except the installation of an aftermarket cruise control. The rest of the stuff I ordered off of the internet and had it delivered to my house. I saved HUNDREDS of dollars by doing it this way.

I would highly recommend TRDsparks.com for all of the accessories. Ken Draper in their parts department was extremely helpful and got all of my stuff (floor mats, arm rest, cargo liner, hood bra, and applique) to me in less than a week for as cheap as it gets.

As for wheels, I would shop around online and order wheels. I bought a set of Konig Helium ultra-lights, had them shipped, mounted and balanced for around $450, two hundred less than the factory wheels, lighter weight, and look better. The guys at buywheelstoday.com are awesome and answered all of my questions. They got my wheels to me in a couple of days.

I guess it really all depends on whether you have the funds to buy the accessories outright, or if you want to buy them from the dealer so you can wrap them all into the price and finance them.