Guys, first some background info. I am a college student entering my final year at the University of Connecticut. I currently drive a 97 Acura CL 3.0. It comes with a 3.0 V6 (200HP) mated to a 4 speed automatic.

I'm thinking of switching to an xA, here are the reasons:
1. Manual Tranny. My CL was a suprise from my parents a couple of years ago and though I loved it and appreciated I would not have gotten an automatic tranny if it was me. I get bored driving Auto and even though my car makes a decent amount of power I know automatic dilutes the driving the fun. If I got an xA I would get manual.
2. Price and Value. It's really affordable and has a high content value (for the money). I'm a sucker for good value and if I make the splurge on getting a new car, it'll be a lot easier to stomach it with this price.
3. Gas Mileage. The near hybrid gas milage of the Xa is considerably better then what I'm currently driving.
4. Light Weight. I am a big believer in light weight cars. I seriously think many times manufactors would be better served trying to shave another 100 or so lbs off the curb weight of their cars instead of continuously making their engine bigger or adding forced induction to get more power out of it. Lightweight cars have advantages in braking, acceleration, and handling that is hard to emulate in heavier cars.
5. Reliability and Warranty. My car has started giving me some minor problems recently, and though I'm pretty much up to snuff now, the repair bills are annoying and having a warranty would have made things much easier for me. Not only that but my car recently turned off on me while driving and while I'm pretty sure it's issues with the alternator not being able to handle my systems power demand, so all I really need to do is get an aftermarket alternator (pricey), and I also need to change the timing belt. I was thinking instead of dumping more money into my car it might be smarter to get something new with warranty.

Here are area's of concern:
1. Performance. I'm not some autocrossing or drifting freak who'll have an extra set of track tires or anything. But I do like being able to drive aggressive, I like taking the long curvy road devoid of stop lights on my way home. I like modding my car every now and I read magazines like Super Street and Sport Compact Car regularly. I don't want to make a huge downgrade in performance! Do you think I will be doing just that? The xA weighs about 900 lbs less then my current car and it will be manual instead of automatic but my CL makes 160 Horse Power at the wheels (200 at the crank). How would the performance compare? To give you an idea my 3.0 CL will do mid 16's at a quarter mile track.

2. Availability of Parts. Being viewed by some as more of an enconomy car then a sporty car, do you think there will be a healthy aftermarket for the xA in the years to come? I'm talking about body kits, turbo kits, superchargers, etc. Again, Like I said I'm not a diehard performance freak but I like personalizing my cars (whether it be show, or go).

3. Location of the gauge cluster. I'm sure you get used to it after awhile but do you ever just wish it was just right in front of you? Does it ever complicate matters?

4. Colors. Man I wanted my next car to be some attention grabbing bright red or blue type of color. The Indigo Ink pearl and the Black Cherry Pearl are darker then I would've preferred. Is there a color available on the xA that grabs attention and what would you say it is?

5. Missing Luxury. My current car has leather, automatic climate control, moonroof, power-drivers front seat and it's supposed to have heated seats and mirrors (but I don't think they work). I'm the type of person that appreciates things that are well engineered and simple. For example I purchased an MP3 player that has no screen and only has 3 buttons and I prefer that to my MP3 players like my girlfriends that has a backlit screen a little joystick and several buttons. However, do you think once I switch over, I would begin to miss not having the amenities of my former car? Did any of you experience that?

 

I drive an Xa, and I have to say its a very fun car to drive. Although I drive an Auto, I still drive somewhat aggresively wqhen making turns, passing, etc. I also love curvy roads, ill go out of my way just to drive on them. As far as aftermarket goes, the Xa already has tons of aftermarket stuff, and everyones calling scions the new Civic, and look how many products they have. In comparison, after only being out since 2003, and with all the parts that have already come out compared to how long it took honda to build a product base of aftermarket products, you cant go wrong. Another good thing, is that chances are, your scion will last you a very long time, as well as give you a good chunk of money if you trade it in, because it is a Toyota. Ive had my Xa since Nov. 17th of 04, and im still loving it like the day I got it. I havent even got a single mod on it aside from new headlight bulbs, I cant wait to mod it. If your looking for something fun, efficient, reliable, and stylish, the Xa is definately the way to go.

 

Also, about the guage cluster, at first I thought it would be odd, but now having owned it for awhile, I really like it. It gives you a much better view of traffic, and it gives you a feeling of balance when you drive. Its never given me any problems, its actually helped me pay more attention to the road, because theres not a big hump in the dash in front of me.
As far as color goes, there is a limited edition Xa, Absolutely red, wich is basically that, like fire engine red. However, youd have to buy one used, because theyre probably all sold, the limited edition #2 is already out and selling. Mine is Black Cherry Pearl, and I have to say I was skeptical at first, but the color looks really good out in the sunlight, and after waxing, its one of the most beautiful colors youll ever see.
When it comes to Luxury, the Xa isnt a Lexus, but its not crappy either. Power windows, door locks, steering, and mirrors all come standard. The A/C works very well. The seats are some of the most comfortable seats you will ever sit in during your entire life. Even edmunds.com gave them like a 9.6 out of 10 for comfort. As small as it looks, it surprisingly roomy inside, even in the back seat, and the rear seats fold if you need more room for cargo.

 

the xa is not for you. i would recommend a mazda3 sedan or hatchbatch. you can get a fully loaded 3 with nav, xenon, leather, sport package and manual for under $21k. i had one so speaking from experience. i also just got an xa this weekend... try out a 3 and you see the difference.

if the 3 is not your cup of tea, i would recommend a mini (don't have to get an s) with a manual. i too had a first year mini.

 

The 3 is over $7,000 more than the xA. Sure the 3 is sportyer and has a bigger engine but it's too expensive for a college budget if you ask me and it probably wouldn't be as reliable or last as long as an xA. What is your reasoning for it not being the car for him? I think the xA would make a great car for anybody who even THINKS of getting it. Sure it won't be as luxery or "fast" as your Acura but it will be more relible and save you a lot of money on gas. I think the xA would make a great car for ANY college student. As for the colors, if you put a nice wax on any of the colors they will ALL be attention grabbing, my personal favorite is IIP, but that's just me. You definatley don't have to worry about the aftermarket because there are loads of aftermarket parts on the market and more coming all the time. I don't think you would miss your old car if you bought an xA because although it only has 108hp it is still definately very peppy and fun to drive.

 

The center gauges you do get used to. i don't believe that anyone just says that. I drove my xA for 4 months before having a CorollaS as a rental. It was very strange looking down again.

 

yeah, i dont ever think about the gauge cluster at all anymore... everyone who gets in my car for the first time... thats exactly what they ask about. if you get the manual, its pretty peppy (specially if you are alone in the car) and is still very fun to drive on the highway.

i would say in terms of handling, the car just zips around corners and is incredibly fun to drive. i do wish it had a bit more power, and thats why im in the process of doing some bolt ons to see if i will get desireable results. if not, theres always the blitz s/c which would still put you at under the pricerange of the mazda 3, and the car would be so much fun to drive aggressively.

personally, i think you should go for the xA just be sure to get an 05 model, cause the 06 is looking more plain and ordinary every time i look at it!

-jon

 

The xA will do high 16s in the 1/4. Yes it's a downgrade in performance, but the power to weight ratio favors the Scion, so it won't feel that bad in comparison. I'm used to 300+ horsepower turbocharged FWD cars, and I love my xA. It's more fun to drive than the numbers make it seem. Go drive one!

There's already a big handful of parts for the xA, and it'll only get bigger as the production and popularity increases.

It takes longer to get used to every new passenger asking that question, then it does to get used to it!

Every color IMHO. I'm drawn to Spectra Blue Mica and Absolutely Red (RS versions), but you gotta remember, this isn't a "see everyday ordinary" car like your CL, the mere shape and size of the xA is attention grabbing in itself, so pick the color you like

I'm completely happy with my xA. Sure I'm love to have a sunroof or cruise control, but there are so many "cool" factors with these cars that they make up for it. It was 117 degrees yesterday, so I avoid leather anyways! You won't miss it.

My ONLY gripe thusfar is the cruising rpm on the freeway. 80mph = 4000rpm. That takes some getting used to, but it's not bad. It's so minor that it has no effect on my love for this car. But people are different, go drive one and see what you think.

 

I really like the xA. I switched from an Audi with leather, heated seats, sunroof, etc...and was worried I would miss the "luxury" items. I really don't. The fabric in the cars is very nice and after a year is not wearing like a cheap cloth seat from the 80s. The fit and finish of the interior is also very good and still looks good after being banged around by crap I've hauled in the car. I don't miss the heated seats or caring for the leather. The only thing I do miss is a sunroof, but I could also get a really nice aftermarket one for around $1,000, but I honestly like the increased headroom more.

I looked at the same three models listed by others--the xA, mazda3 wagon, and mini. They cost roughtly $15, $20, and $25 outfitted the way I wanted, and I'll admit it was the xA community and dealer that quickly tipped the scales for me as much as the quality and value of the car.

The mazda dealer behaved like a stereotypical car dealer who didn't want to help me unless I was ready to buy that day. The mini dealer made me feel like I was underdressed to test drive one of his cars. The scion dealer (a toyota rep. of around 60 who had just been through training) was the nicest guy in the world and answered all my questions and let me go home without a high-pressure sales pitch. I ended up coming back that afternoon to purchase the xA after nearly begging the mazda saleseman to let me drive a car.

I'm happy I bought the xA.

 

[quote="DOHCtorJT"]Odd,

I've got the RS 1.0 in an auto with 1700 miles on it and it hits 80mph at 3500 RPM. But you're driving a manual right?

CrimsonO2

 

[quote="CrimsonO2"]its normal. the auto's gears are spaced wider than the manual. thats why you auto guys see a few mpg better on the highway.

sometimes i do crave a 6th gear, but i wont have a desire to go 130mph in my brand new car anyway :D

-jon

 

You Really Cant go wrong with the Xa, and with FORD producing Mazdas now, I wouldnt trust one with my life. Old Mazdas were very durable, my dad had an old mazda truck, like from before I was born, in 88, and he didnt have any problems with it ever, and he finally got an 03 tacoma, but several people i know who have had FORD produced Mazdas have all had a few problems here and there, even on newer models. FORD Stands for Fix Or Repair Daily. And if you flip it around, Driver Rides On Foot. Id rather just drive the Xa, wich I know will never break down. And you cant beat the price. Plus with todays Gas prices being so outrageous, its the best choice. It may have the least Horsepower of the 3 (Mini, Mazda3, Xa) but like someone else said, the weight-horsepower ratio is very good, and it is extremely fun and peppy to drive, and I drive an auto, so you can imagine the Stick.

 

I have had my xA RS2 for about 1.5 months now and it has been a beautiful relationship. The car has everything I wanted in a small hatchback. And small IS and understatement. Given it's dimensions I was expecting it to be cramped but it has tons of room, can sit 4 adults without arguing, and you can put some pretty big stuff in the cargo area with the seats down.

I was concerned with power at first but with the VVT-I and the manual gearbox it's a blast to zip in and out of traffic with. Getting used to the cluster being in the middle of the dashboard took all of five minutes. Power to weight ratio in the xA is fantastic and compared to my old Focus it's 1/10 more HP.

Aftermarket for the Scion line-up grows by the week. And it's very easy to make it your own.

So far the best thing about owning a Scion has been all the attention and looks I get whenever I go anywhere. Makes me feel special.

If you want a well built car that gets insane MPG, looks really hot, and is a total blast to own and drive; go for the xA.

 

also, there is some cool stuff going down with building the top end... twiddler (a user here) is doing some pretty sick mods, and is aiming for 24whp without modifying the bottom end. if it turns out well and we end up freeing up some more power... it will only increase this engines aftermarket support if developers grant that it has some potential.

personally though, i agree über- the power/weight ratio is right on and makes the car a blast to drive right out of the factory!

-jon

 

Almost all my friends for some reason have wanted to try sitting in the back to see if there is room there, guess it is because it looks kind of small. All of them have commented on how comfortable it is and the other day my friend didn't want to get out because she thought my car was so comfortable (and she drives a big loaded Ford SUV).

I think the seats are really comfortable too and there is a lot of room inside. I've got one of the RS 02s and I do love the color. It looks even better when you polish and wax it, I truly think my car looks better now than when I got it from the dealership.

 

The only 'space' issue I've had so far is with a babyseat in the back. I use the base because our daughter is only 3 months so the seat has to face backwards, and I placed the seat in the middle of the back seat for maximum collision protection. With the babyseat in the center I have to have my front seat all the way forward so both my knees hit the dashboard. Not too fun. Otherwise, it's got plenty of room for a subcompact car. Cheers.

 

I believe that Scion is going to get their own racing development company. SRD, much like TRD, but for Scions only. I was at a Car Toys Tent event sale and saw an RS1 tC with and SRD vinyl.

 

I love my xA. I've been a VW nut for years. I got a new job which required me to drive a longer distance. So far, the commutes are great. I've found some fun back twisty roads and the xA handles them without any issues.

Onlt problems I've heard is finding one available on a dealer's lot. The local dealers don't have any available and I heard there is a wait period of over 4 weeks.