About four months ago I decided to switch from a VW Beetle to a Scion xB. The Beetle was a lemon, in the shop for nine time the first year we had it. After a couple of months of wrangling with VW, threatening a lawsuit, etc. etc. they finally bought it back from us. So, we set out to buy an xB. Well, first we actually purchased a xA after my wife fell in love with the car when we went for a test drive on an xB. So we got the xA first, the 2005 Limited Edition xA. We have number 1141 of 1700. Then several weeks ago I ordered my xB. Lou Fusz Scion in Kirkwood, Missouri...Bob Roedel, Internet and Scion Sales Manager did a great job. He not only got me a xB in just four weeks, he wrangled me a 2006 from Japan, so last Monday evening we picked up our Polar White 2006 xB, automatic. The only Scion add-on I got was the $260 iPod integration system. It is really great. I'm impressed by the stock Panasonic head unit.

Today I did a few things to the xB including: bubble mirror on right side mirror to take care of the small blind spot, "Wheelskin" steering wheel cover. It took the longest to install, a good hour, but well worth it, nice leather covered steering wheel now. I purchased a Zeta armrest with storage and, just as their web site says, installation was a snap. I had my son help me, so I'm sure that saved a little time since he was able to stabilize it while I lined up the holes on the brackets. We got it installed and very snugly tightened down in ten minutes flat. I bought clear plastic license plat covers and put those on and got rid of the dealer license plate holder. Nicer clean look. I skipped the Scion brand floor mats and went with Husky heavy-duty floor mats. They fit very well and look great. I contacted Husky and asked if they had any floor liners yet for the xB and they told me no, but they are considering it, and then recommended the heavy-duty floor mats, which I picked up. So, that's it for now in terms of modifications on the xB.

First impression: Anyone who buys this small car expecting it to be something other than a small car is going to be disappointed. The ride and engine power are what one would expect from a small car. And I don't mind either. I'm still in the break-in period, so I can't gun it quite yet to get into traffice, but I'm managing. I drive in big city traffic and so far no problems. The ride is fine for me. The seat took a little getting used to, but now I really like it. The amazing thing about the xB is how roomy it feels inside. Everyone who sits in it for the first time can not believe it."Wow" is the first word out of most everyone's mouth. They even get out of it, look at it, then get back in. "It looks so small on the outside, but feels so big inside." The large front windshield is great. It handles very well. I suppose if I put in the stablizing bar in the front there would be more stability in turns. Gas mileage? I ran the first tank down until the light came on, pumped in 9.6 gallons and got 31 mpg. Will be interesting to see how mileage goes. My wife's xA is giving her a fairly consisten 35-36 in her highway/city driving around.

For the price, standard features, mileage and interior room, I can't think of a better car than the xB.

 

Congrats on getting your new xB

 

I went to the dealership when your car came in. I plan on talking to someone at Lou Fusz either today or monday so I can order a PW, too. I'm wanting pretty much the same setup except I want cruise control and a spoiler. I live in Arnold so I'm sure I'll see you around some time. Hopefully it won't take too long to get my xB!

 

I should mention that I am going to get a Rostra cruise control installed in a couple of weeks. Rostra has a certified dealer and installer in Ballwin, near where I live. Good luck to you.

If you decide to go with Fusz, please ask for Bob Roedel, the Scion sales manager, if you make your purchase with him, I get $100!

I started at Jay Wolff and they were a DISASTER. They told me my xB would not be in for EIGHT weeks and at the eighth week point, still no vehicle. My lousy salesman, "Marat" only called me one time in the entire eight weeks to update me.

I got my deposit back from them and did business with Fusz, which only has a $77 document fee, as opposed to Wolff's $200 fee!

Good luck. Let me know how it goes.

Does the spoiler have any effect on the car, or is it just for looks? My wife's xA has a spoiler and it does create a nice look.

 

I'll be sure to let Bob know that you referred me... I'm sure you could use an extra $100. =D What name do I use to say who referred me? (PM me if you want to say)

$77 for the document fee isn't too bad at all... I wasn't really sure what to expect for that.

I will probably just have the dealer install the cruise control because I'd rather not spend extra time taking it somewhere else.

As for the spoiler, it is just for looks. I think the xB looks great with it or without it, but I think the spoiler gives more of a look that I am wanting.

 

What's the name of thr rosta dealer in ballwin? Thank's

 

I'll post the information Monday. I've got the name and telephone number at work.

 

hey now, vws are such pieces of sh--. they always get rave reviews in the magazines, yet fall apart so quickly.
my mods so far. i have a white xB and got a white trd shift *** for the manual transmission. now, i'm adding peel n seal to trunk, doors, and firewall (on the inside) to sound deaden. don't hate me - i traded in a lexus ls400 for the little bus, and yes, it's a little noiser than the ls, but i can't remember the last time i put gas in it...
mods in the future - aluminum wheels, same 15" and a crazy killer stereo - the stock stereo is barely good enough for "talk" radio.
btw, i would have happily plunk down $30K for a Lexified xB. Why can't they make a small economical car with all the luxury trappings?
as a vegetarian, i could pass on the leather upholstery...

 

Con-grads on your new xB! I ordered my Polar White auto only one week ago. STILL WAITING. Bummer! I had to go to the dealer today for yet a nether test ride just to get my xB fix.
Ciao,
Timothy

 

Do you know if that Panasonic HU is compatible with the 05 models? And do you have any pics?

 

No pics, it's just a xB Polar White, looks like the rest. You can find pics for the '06 Panasonic head unit here, via search. I like the ***** instead of the little buttons. Much easier to use.

 

Hey, St. Louis Polar White want to buy guy, did you get my private message with my full name?

Good luck.

 

okay no more replies back and forth. if you guys want to talk PM each other. stay on topic bB-aym-y0urs.

if you have a problem, just PM me and ill try and take care of things.

scott

 

congrats on ur purchase

 

Yep... have the info and will be heading to the dealership in a few minutes.

 

ApostolicFire...good luck, let me know how it goes.

 

Wanted to add this about my new xB. I read about Turtle Wax Platinum products and went out and bought the wax, detailer, tire clearner and tire shine product. Easily found at Target and WalMart. I'm impressed by the Turtle Wax Platinum. Just as it says, it applies very easily and comes off clean, without a bunch of residue, etc. Very nice shine. I've never had a white car before and the two things I've noticed is that you can relly see where it is dirty up close, but from a distance, it doesn't show the dirt as much as a darker color. Waxing a white car is a challenge though since it was not easy to see where I had applied the wax and where I didn't, ditto for rubbing it off.

Also, follow up on my Zeta armrest. It is really nice to have. I realized I have developed the habit of driving with my left hand and resting my arm on the armrest, so man did I miss that armrest. My wife has an xA and didn't think she would want an armrest...until she drove my xB with it. So, Zeta is going to get more of our money.

 

I love meguiars products. Keeps the car clean : D

 

It's good to see you protecting your car. Polishes and waxes are something people around here seem to be pretty particular about. There are some great products out there, but I haven't heard Turtle Wax Platinum listed as one.

Take a look around the Maintenance and Care Care forum for some useful guidance in car care. I'll get you started:

Tip #1: Always use microfiber towels. Always.

 

I used MeGuiars new stuff on my former car and it did a very nice job as well. It will be interesting to see how Turtle Wax Platinum compares. I went throuigh my Zaino period as well, I know that is good stuff too, just so much darn work, but a person who has the time and inclination and interest and $$$, more power to them. It is beautiful stuff. I'm surprised at how nice the Polar White looks all shined up. Has a real mirror look to it. I bet your dark xB looks sweet when it is shiny clean.