Got my Xa about a month ago...only has 700 miles so far, still breaking it in.


But so far, I am a little surprised with the build quality of my Xa. For example, all the windows rattle when partly open. The center console buzzes (I pinpointed the plastic pieces that are buzzing against each other and will have the dealer look at it during my first service visit). Anyone else have these rattle/buzzing problems?

I chose not to have the dealer rip me off with their factory alarm system, since I know I can get a third-party alarm that is better and cheaper. I know the big names like Prestige and Viper alarms. Can someone recommend an alarm installer in NJ?

The stock tires are 185/65/15. After it's time to replace them, I'd like to go with 195/60/15 tires (since it's a more popular size, and I can get Nokian WR tires in these sizes as well). Tirerack said it shouldn't be a problem, but just interested in hearing others' opinions.

Is it just me, or does anyone else think the rearview mirror is too low??? It blocks a lot of my forward vision, and it seems like it hangs down too low. I would like to move the mount up a few inches (the same position as other cars). Does anyone know how difficult this would be to do myself?

 

I have the same problem with my windows when they are partialyl down. It's just poor workmanship on that part. As far as the rear view mirror, if you notic, there are two joints that you can adjust. Bend the topmost joint nearest the glass. I think that will adjust it high enough.

-E

 

Yeah, my windows rattle when they are patially down as well. It bothers me to no end, becuase I often have my dog in the back with me, and i need to drive with the windows down. Whenever I hit a bump in the road it sounds like the windows are cracking.....

As far as ratlles, my XA has had a few. I had a glove box/center dash rattle that the dealer fixed with padding. Also a rattle on one of the small rear windows. Cheap plastic sucks!

I still love the car, I just accept that for under 15k, you're gonna have to live with a few inconveniences.

 

With or without the rear view mirror, I think this car has a very nice field of vision. I drove my moms 2002 Trailblazer for the first time in a long time yesterday. I could barely see anything compared to my xA.

 

My windows don't rattle at all *knocks on wood*.

Thanks for the tip on the rearview mirror... it does seem to block my vision at times.

The only rattle that's been buggin me is when the hood or something rattles while I am at a stoplight, in Drive, with my foot on the brake. There is a thread goin for some fixes on that.

 

I have the same rattles on my windows... dealer said this was "normal". I had a 1996 RAV4, 2 Camrys, and a 4Runner, and none of them did this :-(
I also got an exhaust rattle the dealer said was the result of a mis-installed heat shield... having that replaced soon.
I just started getting the middle console rattling... can anyone please provide specifics on what exactly is causing this so it can help me and the dealer apply a fix?

Overall, I too am surprised/disappointed on the xA's build quality... and I thought a rough ride was only reserved for sport cars and SUVs (or am I just getting old?).

* Thanks... Woody

 

Overrall I'm thankful that in this price range that I could find a car that it just a joy to drive. I believe that most of the gripes against the workmanship are just and correct. The abnomalities should be address by the warranty path provided by the dealers and I'm not represented by the dealers but I still think this car is the f'n coolest in THIS PRICE RANGE. I think sometimes we forget that most cars of this value with all the features and options cost thousand$ more.

 

dood its a 14.5k car what do you expect... if it was a 7 series bmw i could understand the complaints but come on

 

Whether you paid 14.5k or 50k for a car doesn't matter. The fact is that it's a new car with low miles and under warranty means you have a legal gripe. Especially if you spent your own hard earned money (not mommy and daddy's). If you don't care about any noises or imperfections in your car then that's all you.

-E

 

2002 bmw 7 series had a HUGE problem! windows ce based software kept crashing making the car act all types of funny... 80 k car!

Yeah I have the window crackling problem as well... scary dealer said it might be due to poor design. They seem to also have problems with tundras...
I also have a rattle in the center of my dash...
My antenna base is chipping...
As well as when only my rear two windows are down, going 60 - 65+ it has a weird type of air circulation, probably due to do something with drag coefficient.

I still love my xa though...

 

I noticed that too. With both windows down (rear) my ears feel like their gonna pop due to the air pressure.

 

With the rears down and the front slightly cracked.. most of the pressure goes away...

By the way Mensy I install alarms... How far away are you from Deptford Nj?

 

If Deptford, NJ is near Philly, I'm pretty far. I'm in Hudson County...5 min from NYC. Could you give me some recommendations for alarms, since you do that for a living? I was thinking perhaps the Viper alarm with the remote pager.

As for the comments about expecting too much for a $14k car, that's pretty naive. Whether a car costs $14k or $40k, you don't expect the windows to rattle like junk when they are partially down.

Thanks for the tip on the rearview mirror adjustment. I'm going to look for the joint to raise it up a bit.

 

I used to drive a 2001 Rav4. It was even worse in that. I couldn't stand it for more that a few seconds.

 

my mom's old 4runner used to have that turbulant sound when a window was cracked. The best way to fix it was to crack all the windows...

 

It probably has something to do with the shape of the rear glass...

I have the Viper 791xv in my scion, and a 790xv in my civic, with a 478 remote (newer style)

Love them both to death, but they are only as good as the installer.
I would reccomend a repuatable shop, where the installer gets paid decent wages...
If they are not happy with pay, they are more likely to go after customers equipment.. instead of spending their own money on stuff...

Get a battery back up and ignition/fuel kill if possible, along with a hood and a glass breakage sensor. There is also a sensor that detects vertical lift, that goes off if your car is being jacked up, or towed. Ever consider GPS tracking? overkill?! maybe...

But most importantly make sure that the installer is good!

Good luck and ask as many questions as you would like.

 

i know this is normal in all cars when u have ur windows down and ur goen bascally anywhere above lik 40mph u get that really bassy sound, but it seems a lot louder and more painful to the ears in the scion prolly cause of the shape but oh well

 

I went with the Scion Security system because

A. You get the scion remotes.
B. You get a cute little Scion security panel on the Dash.

 

Circuet city has a prestage with every option foe 160.00 installed..has remote start,windows down and soooo much more...I had my windows tinted today and the installer said its a 700.00 alarm maybe the made a mistake....so head to Circuirt city!