At risk of starting a small riot, "What's the first $500 you'd spend?"

I have an '06 xB coming, TCM/Automatic. This is not going to be anyone's showcar, I'm just looking for an comfortable, efficient way to get to work (I know , but my life is not about cars ). So, what are the best couple add-ons to improve my daily commute? So far, I'm thinking about:

Boomerang armrest
AEM or K&N CAI

Comments?

 

I'm in the same situation (except my xB is Camo/stick) and my first add-ons will be rubber floor mats -- winter's comin!

If yours doesn't have fog lights (mine's coming with 'em) that would be a good choice.

 

An armrest is your best "comfort" upgrade for the daily commute.

Foglights help you see better at night. ( Even better with yellow bulbs )

Window Tint is always good.

InjenSR intake is the best bang for the buck.

For $500 HID headlights are an option.

You can also do plenty of "DIY" mods that are free. Shave the emblems, clear the headlights, ect...

-THE DON

 

For the first $500, without trying to be flashy, I'd get some RockBlocker to protect the front end from road debris, armrest, and a CAI. I think you're on the right path. I really like the OEM armrest. I like my AEM CAI, but I believe they are discontinued. Knowing it's warrantied through the dealer is a good thing.

See how you like the ride when you get the car. If you think it's stiff, you can replace all the shocks and struts, but that'll kill the $500 right there.

There are a ton of cheap mods which people have come up with, but most deal with looks, and you already stated that looks are not at the top of your priority list.

 

first 500 to upgrade stuff on a XB huh?..

Depends on if u want performance, convenience, exterior looks, interior looks, Ice

Performance
intake
exhaust

Convenience
Armrest, floor mats, cargo mat

Exterior
wheels...if u find cheaper than 500...prob yea
spoiler
grills
body kit

interior
Lighting
dash kits

Audio
upgrade headunit or speakers

 

Here's what I spent. Assuming you are not counting the accessories you purchased from Toyota, I go the iPod upgrade, what I bought after I got it was:

$180 Zeta Armrest -- worth every single penny.
Husky heavy duty floor mats -- $100
I'm going to get a Rostra cruise controlled installed $300

In my opinion the windows are dark enough. In my last car I got the windows tinted darkly and quite frankly at night it is just a bit too dangerous to be practical.

Good luck to you. Enjoy your xB.

 

I agree with you too. However, I am going to do a little pinstriping and maybe a little graphic on the window. I've already priced the stuff... it's under $100 for someone else to install it even. I've had the dealer put cruise control and the spoiler on. I'm too old for a sporty box... I want a classic box. :o) Simple, understated, pretty.

Have to say though... my mom is a bummer. She says I'm not some middle aged man with a mid-life crises so I shouldn't be thinking of pinstriping my new car. Gee... why can't I make my car look nice without someone thinking I'm in a crises??? that's no fun

 

My wife says that any 50-something (like me) who is even thinking of buying an xB MUST be having a mid-life crisis! (I thought I got through that with the ARREST-ME red Ducati . . . )

How can it be a "crisis" when I'm enjoying it so much??!!??

 

If work involves freeway, I would get the cruise control first. Arm rest is also a good comfort item. No crisis here, just working on my list of 57 mods, and have completed 26 so far. Everyone understands wanting their home to look as nice as possible. I want my car, which always has me behind the wheel looking as nice as possible. I am past the crisis phase anyway, and am heading back into childhood. YooHoo! Enjoy the xB, and have fun with it.

 

For pure ease of driving and convenience in the ride, you may want to look at having a cruise control installed and a remote starter (especially if you're somewhere that's oging to get cold soon).

 

Ok, so I'm sitting paitiently by the phone for the call that my TCM box is ready. mean time I've ordered Velourtex carmats, Graphite with siver neon binding (4 +cargo) a Zeta armrest with storage and back cupholder , LaBra Hood protector ,Razo rearview mirror and a mini plug to mini plug connector to hook-up my Dell DJ to the stereo. Total with tax and shipping about $400.

 

If You only want to spend 500 bucks. Here is a list and order of importance.
1. cruise control
2. arm rest
3. K&N drop-in air filter
4. DC Strut bar

This list should make your commute more enjoyable and fuel efficient. Enjoy!

 

I just got mine last week - the only things I got for upgrades were the clear tail light lenses, cruise and a clear bra. In fact, that is being installed today. This was more like 1000, as the bra was 4-something by itself.

From the track record of how many delays I've had in getting this thing put on (didn't arrive for installation before I signed, place has never put one on a scion before), I'm really really hoping this thing goes on okay.... Apparently not many people have them in West Michigan, which doesn't make any sense with the $h!tty roads and all...

 

What's this... "AEM or K&N CAI?"

Well... I have this "mid life crises" thing all figured out and I think it's great. You're finally old enough not to care what anyone else thinks and you just have fun. Your kids are mostly old enough to leave alone without a babysitter or better yet, they are mostly on their own and you don't have to cart them around anymore. The body may have a few more aches and pains... but other than that, life is good.

As far as cars are concerned... it's not that you're trying to be a "kid" but you can finally get something that is FUN and you can afford it!

 

Two types of Cold Air Intake

-THE DON

 

Thanks, everybody for the ideas.

I'll probably move over to the Power forum to refine the intake recommendations, but something in that line seems to be a consensus.

Armrest
Mats
LeBra

Please keep the ideas coming -

Now, what's with the midlife crisis stuff? I didn't say this car was an attempt to recapture my misspent youth - that's what the boat is for.

This car is for a way to get to work (and to the boat) with all my stuff and without stopping at every gas station on the way.

 

My first upgrade (other than the dealer-installed foglights) was a $20 set of Rubbermaid floormats from Target - I got the clear one's 'cuz they glow purple, and it looks cool with the Solar Yellow.

If you're looking to make your commute more comfy, I'd recommend an armrest, and maybe an upgrade on springs/shocks...the ride can be a little jarring, depending on your road surface.

That's my $.02 worth!

 

you really dont want the Lebra brand .. you would do better with Colgin bra because it has soft padding on the backside.. the LeBra is just a piece of vinyl that stretches really easy and scratches the paint easy.

 

I guess it depends on your activities. I mean, the trunk space can become limited so maybe a cargo net would help keep things organized for you. I would definatly go with Cruise and an Armrest to start. No need to rush into things. Take your time in spending this money and know that you have thought this through and through.

As far as intakes are concerned, I would opt for the drop in TRD filter replacement built by K&N which only costs $50 bucks compared to $200+. If your not worried about sqeezing every last drop of performance out of your xB, then opt for the drop in filter replacement. It will save you money in the long run because you only need clean it and re-oil it instead of purchasing a completely new air filter. Save the rest of your money for things more aimed at what you are trying to accomplish.

Its all personal preferrence though. The main reason I bought an intake system was not for performance marks, it was because of looks because I plan on showing this vehicle in car shows. Yes, it will add some performance gains (3HP), but is that "really" worth $200? Some would say yes, others say no. Its all personal preferrence and its all in what you are trying to accomplish.

Whatever decisions you make, good luck and keep us posted.

 

well, being that i live in the inner city of Chicago...my first $380 bucks went on an alarm with a remote starter.

Rims followed soon after along with sub/amp/HU then SRI, Custom Exhaust and so on and so forth.