Who wants to be in an article?
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,356
From: Maryland
Who wants to be in an article?
Hey everyone...I'm a senior in college studying journalism. My goal is to be able to write for a car magazine, so for the Feature Writing class I'm currently taking, I've decided to compile an article about living with the xB. Right now, I'm not seeking to have it published; I only plan to turn it in to my professor for evaluation. If she says it's good, I might consider querying auto magazines interested in freelance work to gauge interest in publication.
I want to concentrate on the whole enthusiasm that surrounds the vehicle, so I typed up a bunch of questions I want to ask xB owners. Some main topic areas I want to concentrate on are the things that initially draw someone in to the car; modding and personalizing the car; and females in the hobby. If you'd like to contribute, just answer whichever questions jump out at you; don't worry about doing all 20. Just put the number of the question you're answering so I know what you're responding to.
I'd need your full name and location if it's not in your profile. You can also throw in a link to a picture of your xB if you like. A component of the assignment is photo potential, so it would be great to have pictures of the people's cars about which I'll be talking. As far as your informaiton, I also might need to PM you to get some contact info (e-mail, etc.) in case I need to fill in any gaps. Thanks in advance for any contribution you make!
So here are the questions:
1. What initially made you want to buy a Scion xB?
2. What changes have you made (or will you make) to the vehicle to personalize it?
3. What do you think about the Scion enthusiast scene?
4. How long have you had your xB?
5. How long do you plan to keep it?
6. What are some of your favorite things about the xB?
7. What are some things you don’t like about the xB?
8. If you could tell Toyota executives something about the xB, what would it be?
9. What reactions have you gotten from drivers of more normal cars?
10. Is your xB a daily driver?
11. What types of enthusiast events do you attend with your xB?
12. Are you in a car club? If so, describe the group and what you do in it.
13. Are you a member of the online community Scion Life? If so, how active?
14. What is your dream car?
15. When you first saw or heard about the xB, what was your initial impression of it?
16. What did you drive before your xB?
17. What types of questions do people ask you about your car?
18. What do you consider the xB, a car, a truck, a van, a wagon?
19. Describe your xB in detail (color, transmission, model year, modifications etc.)
20. Would you buy another Scion, such as a future version of the xB?
I want to concentrate on the whole enthusiasm that surrounds the vehicle, so I typed up a bunch of questions I want to ask xB owners. Some main topic areas I want to concentrate on are the things that initially draw someone in to the car; modding and personalizing the car; and females in the hobby. If you'd like to contribute, just answer whichever questions jump out at you; don't worry about doing all 20. Just put the number of the question you're answering so I know what you're responding to.
I'd need your full name and location if it's not in your profile. You can also throw in a link to a picture of your xB if you like. A component of the assignment is photo potential, so it would be great to have pictures of the people's cars about which I'll be talking. As far as your informaiton, I also might need to PM you to get some contact info (e-mail, etc.) in case I need to fill in any gaps. Thanks in advance for any contribution you make!
So here are the questions:
1. What initially made you want to buy a Scion xB?
2. What changes have you made (or will you make) to the vehicle to personalize it?
3. What do you think about the Scion enthusiast scene?
4. How long have you had your xB?
5. How long do you plan to keep it?
6. What are some of your favorite things about the xB?
7. What are some things you don’t like about the xB?
8. If you could tell Toyota executives something about the xB, what would it be?
9. What reactions have you gotten from drivers of more normal cars?
10. Is your xB a daily driver?
11. What types of enthusiast events do you attend with your xB?
12. Are you in a car club? If so, describe the group and what you do in it.
13. Are you a member of the online community Scion Life? If so, how active?
14. What is your dream car?
15. When you first saw or heard about the xB, what was your initial impression of it?
16. What did you drive before your xB?
17. What types of questions do people ask you about your car?
18. What do you consider the xB, a car, a truck, a van, a wagon?
19. Describe your xB in detail (color, transmission, model year, modifications etc.)
20. Would you buy another Scion, such as a future version of the xB?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SL Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,356
From: Maryland
Yeah, I wanted to focus on the xB since it has been so polarizing in the automotive world. I have yet to see anything that focuses on the vehicle's owners though, so I figured this would be a good idea for a feature. Thanks for the kind words!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,356
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by gjpjr84
thats true, almost every "advisor" or [enter fancy name here] thought the xB would fail horribly. shows 'em what they know! 
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14,570
From: University Place, WA
1. What initially made you want to buy a Scion xB?
I was considering a new vehicle and saw the tail end of what I later found out was a Scion ad. What I saw was an xB driving down a city street and turning a corner away from the camera. I decided right then I was interested.
2. What changes have you made (or will you make) to the vehicle to personalize it?
Just minor stuff like moon discs and better tires - I see no reason to make major changes to my Xb to suit me better - it's a good match as it is.
3. What do you think about the Scion enthusiast scene?
Not really a part of it, but it is enjoyable to see so many folks excited by good design.
4. How long have you had your xB?
Since January of 2005.
5. How long do you plan to keep it?
'Til it's little wheels fall off...
6. What are some of your favorite things about the xB?
Ergonomics! The interior is designed to accommodate real, live human beings and then the body was wrapped efficiently around that space instead of the more normal attempt at fitting people into a pre-conceived 'styled' container. The interior is not only roomy for people, but is versatile in ways that 'normal' users with 'real' needs can use. The controls are well located, the instrument layout is excellent, seating positions are quite decent. All of this in an econo-box? Fantastic!
7. What are some things you don’t like about the xB?
Limited *practical* options. There are plenty of lighted cup holders and subwoofers and fancy fashion lighting, but little things like adequate interior lighting (Why no lighting in the rear of the compartment?), cruise control, and other actually useful features are not built in or even available as options.
8. If you could tell Toyota executives something about the xB, what would it be?
It's an excellent design, don't spoil it by trying to make it fancy... "Longer, wider, lower" doesn't apply as a 'feature' to the box.
9. What reactions have you gotten from drivers of more normal cars?
Lots of strange looks, lots of pointing, lots of stares, lots of doubletakes. Every Honda ratracer wants to challenge my xB (I ignore them).
10. Is your xB a daily driver?
Yes.
11. What types of enthusiast events do you attend with your xB?
So far just one Scion Exposed event (SE II/Seattle) and the little impromptu local gatherings of Scion enthusiasts who gather just to be together and to talk about our cars.
12. Are you in a car club? If so, describe the group and what you do in it.
Not a joiner...
13. Are you a member of the online community Scion Life? If so, how active?
Yes, I'm a highly active member of ScionLife - in fact I'm a SuperMod there.
14. What is your dream car?
I'll know it when I see it.
15. When you first saw or heard about the xB, what was your initial impression of it?
"I want that - what is it???"
16. What did you drive before your xB?
Ford Focus ZX3.
17. What types of questions do people ask you about your car?
Is it electric? What is it? Who makes it? Do you like it? What mileage do you get?
18. What do you consider the xB, a car, a truck, a van, a wagon?
It is an "Urban Utility Vehicle," a "Tokyo City Car." A mini four-door wagon.
19. Describe your xB in detail (color, transmission, model year, modifications etc.)
A plain vanilla Polar White 2005 xB with auto transmission, upgrade tires (slightly oversize), and few other noticeable custom touches.
http://tijil.org/gallery/v/vanilla04...geViewsIndex=1
20. Would you buy another Scion, such as a future version of the xB?
If Toyota doesn't spoil the simple directness of the design by trying to make it a 'fancy' box, yes. The current xB is not only an excellent design, it makes a personal statement.
I was considering a new vehicle and saw the tail end of what I later found out was a Scion ad. What I saw was an xB driving down a city street and turning a corner away from the camera. I decided right then I was interested.
2. What changes have you made (or will you make) to the vehicle to personalize it?
Just minor stuff like moon discs and better tires - I see no reason to make major changes to my Xb to suit me better - it's a good match as it is.
3. What do you think about the Scion enthusiast scene?
Not really a part of it, but it is enjoyable to see so many folks excited by good design.
4. How long have you had your xB?
Since January of 2005.
5. How long do you plan to keep it?
'Til it's little wheels fall off...
6. What are some of your favorite things about the xB?
Ergonomics! The interior is designed to accommodate real, live human beings and then the body was wrapped efficiently around that space instead of the more normal attempt at fitting people into a pre-conceived 'styled' container. The interior is not only roomy for people, but is versatile in ways that 'normal' users with 'real' needs can use. The controls are well located, the instrument layout is excellent, seating positions are quite decent. All of this in an econo-box? Fantastic!
7. What are some things you don’t like about the xB?
Limited *practical* options. There are plenty of lighted cup holders and subwoofers and fancy fashion lighting, but little things like adequate interior lighting (Why no lighting in the rear of the compartment?), cruise control, and other actually useful features are not built in or even available as options.
8. If you could tell Toyota executives something about the xB, what would it be?
It's an excellent design, don't spoil it by trying to make it fancy... "Longer, wider, lower" doesn't apply as a 'feature' to the box.
9. What reactions have you gotten from drivers of more normal cars?
Lots of strange looks, lots of pointing, lots of stares, lots of doubletakes. Every Honda ratracer wants to challenge my xB (I ignore them).
10. Is your xB a daily driver?
Yes.
11. What types of enthusiast events do you attend with your xB?
So far just one Scion Exposed event (SE II/Seattle) and the little impromptu local gatherings of Scion enthusiasts who gather just to be together and to talk about our cars.
12. Are you in a car club? If so, describe the group and what you do in it.
Not a joiner...
13. Are you a member of the online community Scion Life? If so, how active?
Yes, I'm a highly active member of ScionLife - in fact I'm a SuperMod there.
14. What is your dream car?
I'll know it when I see it.
15. When you first saw or heard about the xB, what was your initial impression of it?
"I want that - what is it???"
16. What did you drive before your xB?
Ford Focus ZX3.
17. What types of questions do people ask you about your car?
Is it electric? What is it? Who makes it? Do you like it? What mileage do you get?
18. What do you consider the xB, a car, a truck, a van, a wagon?
It is an "Urban Utility Vehicle," a "Tokyo City Car." A mini four-door wagon.
19. Describe your xB in detail (color, transmission, model year, modifications etc.)
A plain vanilla Polar White 2005 xB with auto transmission, upgrade tires (slightly oversize), and few other noticeable custom touches.
http://tijil.org/gallery/v/vanilla04...geViewsIndex=1
20. Would you buy another Scion, such as a future version of the xB?
If Toyota doesn't spoil the simple directness of the design by trying to make it a 'fancy' box, yes. The current xB is not only an excellent design, it makes a personal statement.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,145
From: Brooklyn Park, MN
1. What initially made you want to buy a Scion xB? It is unique, and not alot of people around here has one(MN) and is good on gas too.
2. What changes have you made (or will you make) to the vehicle to personalize it? rims, custom interior, audio/video, wheels
4. How long have you had your xB? 4 months
5. How long do you plan to keep it? until it dies
6. What are some of your favorite things about the xB? roomy interior, unique stying
7. What are some things you don’t like about the xB? not enough power
\
9. What reactions have you gotten from drivers of more normal cars? some negative reactions(from uneduacated hillbillies)
10. Is your xB a daily driver? Yes
11. What types of enthusiast events do you attend with your xB? Car shows, and club meets.
12. Are you in a car club? If so, describe the group and what you do in it. Scikotics, we hang out and talk about everyones cars and upgrades
13. Are you a member of the online community Scion Life? If so, how active? yes, somewhat active
14. What is your dream car? a real Toyota bB
15. When you first saw or heard about the xB, what was your initial impression of it? that it was cute
16. What did you drive before your xB? Honda civic hb
17. What types of questions do people ask you about your car? is that electic? is that one of those hybrid cars? When do the clowns come out?
18. What do you consider the xB, a car, a truck, a van, a wagon? Sport wagon (thats what toyota tells me its called)
19. Describe your xB in detail (color, transmission, model year, modifications etc.) 2005 Thunder Cloud Metallic, Auto, Dvd player, in dash monitor, 2 headrest monitors, 2 xBox's, a-pillar gauge pod, volt oil and water temp gauges, blue interior, exterior neon lights, JDM emblems, 18"konig wheels, with yohohama tires custom blue vinyl overlay dash, Tenzo R lowering springs.
20. Would you buy another Scion, such as a future version of the xB?Yes, i am going to buy another xB for my fiancee
2. What changes have you made (or will you make) to the vehicle to personalize it? rims, custom interior, audio/video, wheels
4. How long have you had your xB? 4 months
5. How long do you plan to keep it? until it dies
6. What are some of your favorite things about the xB? roomy interior, unique stying
7. What are some things you don’t like about the xB? not enough power
\
9. What reactions have you gotten from drivers of more normal cars? some negative reactions(from uneduacated hillbillies)
10. Is your xB a daily driver? Yes
11. What types of enthusiast events do you attend with your xB? Car shows, and club meets.
12. Are you in a car club? If so, describe the group and what you do in it. Scikotics, we hang out and talk about everyones cars and upgrades
13. Are you a member of the online community Scion Life? If so, how active? yes, somewhat active
14. What is your dream car? a real Toyota bB
15. When you first saw or heard about the xB, what was your initial impression of it? that it was cute
16. What did you drive before your xB? Honda civic hb
17. What types of questions do people ask you about your car? is that electic? is that one of those hybrid cars? When do the clowns come out?
18. What do you consider the xB, a car, a truck, a van, a wagon? Sport wagon (thats what toyota tells me its called)
19. Describe your xB in detail (color, transmission, model year, modifications etc.) 2005 Thunder Cloud Metallic, Auto, Dvd player, in dash monitor, 2 headrest monitors, 2 xBox's, a-pillar gauge pod, volt oil and water temp gauges, blue interior, exterior neon lights, JDM emblems, 18"konig wheels, with yohohama tires custom blue vinyl overlay dash, Tenzo R lowering springs.
20. Would you buy another Scion, such as a future version of the xB?Yes, i am going to buy another xB for my fiancee
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,356
From: Maryland
Scott, that'd be great. Don't bother doing all of them.
I think some people are worried it's a survey and they have to do all the questions. I'm just looking for honest, candid responses to particular questions that would liven up a story that would otherwise center around the car. It needs human interest, so that's what I'm looking for here.
Even if you just answer one or two, I'd be happy. And it doesn't have to be posted, you can PM or e-mail them to me. Thanks again everyone!
I think some people are worried it's a survey and they have to do all the questions. I'm just looking for honest, candid responses to particular questions that would liven up a story that would otherwise center around the car. It needs human interest, so that's what I'm looking for here.
Even if you just answer one or two, I'd be happy. And it doesn't have to be posted, you can PM or e-mail them to me. Thanks again everyone!
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