I'm in the process of trading an 03' Tahoe Z71 for an 06' xB. Gas mileage sucks, and I can't take it anymore. Is there any negativity in owning an xB?

 

The obsession you'll develop over your vehicle....

 

The xB ride is absolutely terrible.
The xB power is terrible.
You asked for the negatives.

If I were shopping for a car tomarrow......
.......I'd buy an xB all over again.
That after 15,000 miles.
In fact, I'm going to 'kick tires' while getting my oil changed and the recommended services.

 

On behalf of the entire eco-system and global envronment,
WE ALL THANK YOU...
You will feel better about yourself by your second tank.

Some people like a stiff ride.
IMO, the power is great!

 

i enjoy my Xb back room alittle tight

 

I appreciate the replies. I've got an 05' mustang GT, but that's a summertime once a week toy. I want a new toy to customize, and it seems like this would be the way to go.

 

If you don't lower it and keep the stock wheels your ride will be pretty good. Little stiff but comfortable enough unless you have some really bad roads where you live.

 

The only thing i'll miss about my tahoe is the room, H.I.D. headlights, and memories i guess.

 

I like the handling the 'stiff ride' provides. I wish I could come up with a description of the type of bumps which the xB Does Not take well. Try to imagine the speed bumps of parking lots - except on roads labeled for 45mph. That's a bit of an exageration - but it is those types of bumps whick are jarring. And, it only feels like the rear. I suspect the weight of the engine dampens the front from reacting the same???
I've considered going to a slightlly larger diameter tire - still on the 15" stock rims to give a little more sidewall to absorb at least some of the impact. Not sure though.

As far as the power goes. Because the car is so underpowered, every little thing impacts the desired 39mpg. Running the a/c has a huge impact. Enjoying the handling has a huge impact. Apparently some of the wheel and tire mods do too. This is evidenced by the 'mpg' threads on this forum. A car with more horsepower is less impacted by each of the above. That is, a little more forgiving. If I were satisfied with 29-30 mpg I could have bought a used Taurus/Sable and save $2500. Not much fun factor in one of those though

 

Aahhhhhh

 

That's a good way to approach this vehicle. If I had the Mustang, every little scratch and ding would haunt me. With the xB - those things could be deemed an excuse to do a mod. I'm financially challenged, so mods will be few and far between. However, I've got a 'buff' mark on the driver's door. Looks likes an excuse for two-tone or some graphics

 

Nope.

 

I agree that the xB could use more power but I wouldn't call it terrible. As for the ride, I think it's fine. We still have the stock wheels and springs so maybe that's why, but ours rides nice.

 

When you get your xB, just make sure you have another $400 hanging around to address the weaknesses......

First, get rid of the rear shocks (junk) and buy some Koni's for the rear. Your butt and especially your passengers will thank you. You can dial up the "stiffness" as you like.

Second, buy an Injen short ram intake. This will add 4-5 hp and will make it "sound" like it has power.

 

I think you'll be surprised by the amount of room in an xB. Small in size, but to be honest it has a lot of room on the inside. I got the xA, because there just aren't as many on the road and the dealer has a RS 2 on the lot and no xB's at the time. I would have been happy either way though.

I liked both, and going from a Ford pickup. Gas mileage is way way better for me.

 

only downer for me is the speed, everything is peachy

 

Everything is relative. The xB's ride is terrible if you like to be isolated from the road. If you like to feel the road, the xB's ride is just what you're looking for. In my book, a "terrible" ride is one that's physically painful (like an old Jeep), or that "floats" so much that you get seasick.

As for power, I've yet to have a problem merging onto an Interstate, keeping up with the traffic around me, or not holding up traffic. If you can do those things, then you have all the power you need. If you want more power, it's for reasons that have nothing to do with the realitiesof driving on normal American roads, which is what the car is for.

The xB is extremely well-suited for driving around in urban/suburban areas. In that application I have a hard time imagining how I'd improve it. If you expect to take a lot of long trips, some people might like a quieter car with a cruise control. And of course, you won't be able to tow anything like you can with a Tahoe.

On the other hand, for the price of a Tahoe you can by an xB [/i]and an xA!

RichC

 

no

 

You can get HIDs fitted into xB headlights, just hit up that HID retrofit place. It'll run you about $1k all said and done.

 

^ that or
get some projectors and you can use those HIDs you had in your truck on the xb.... 9006 right??