So I am just waiting to get out of work to go test drive an xB. My wife own's an xA (Manual) and it's nice but the ride is a bit stiff feeling compared to my focus (Which I hate with a passion). Here are my questions:

1.) How is the ride on the xB is it the same stiffness as the xA? And anyone have any suggestions on aftermarket suspension which makes for a nice ride but doesn't sacrafice performance?

2.) xB how is it in Auto for going up hills and accel? I'm assuming I'll likely have to get a Manual to get more out of the tiny engine it has, even though I prefer autos. (Lazy driver who likes cornering)

3.) Anyone know of any ways to increase horsepower +10-20 without having to spend 1k+? If possible.

4.) As for manuals I was thinking of possibly going with the Quick Shifter... I don't mind the stock setup in my wife's xA but I kind of feel like the throws between the gears is a bit to spaced. Now being that I usually go auto in my cars I've never changed anything with the few manuals I've had. So the quick shifter that they sell I assume it does not change the gearing at all correct? I was told (From someone who guesses a lot) that the gearing will change. Example: Stock manual trans would change 2nd gear to 3rd at say 25mph but with the Quick Shifter it would change this so that the 2nd to 3rd gear would be 15-20mph. Is this true or completely made up? I'm assuming it's wrong but I figured I'd ask.

Sorry if this was long winded and thx for any help.

Intake, header exhausst. Perrin Pulley, go with Monroes sensa-tracs should smoothe it out..I like my manual

1) Several of the spring options will offer increased performance and a slightly better ride. For a mild drop (1") check out the Tein H Tech or Tanabe NF210. For a lower drop (2") look into the Tein S Tech and the Tanabe DF210. If you just want to smooth out the ride a little bit buy a set of Monroe Sens-a-Trac shocks for the rear. You can search for the part number on this site. If you go to a store to get them, tell them you need the rear shocks for a Toyota Echo.

2) The automatic in the xB is a pretty good transmission. I would definitely recommend it over the manual if you plan on doing a lot of freeway driving. If you want a sportier drive and don't plan on many freeway trips get the manual.

3) Your best bet for power increase is Intake, Header and Exhaust. If you go cheap you can get all of this for well under $500. If you spring for quality name brand parts the cost will probably be upwards of $900. Even with all three of those don't expect any more than 10 hp. You can also add a lightweight pulley for better acceleration and less drag on the motor. Otherwise look into a nitrous system for best bang for the buck.

4) Quick shifters don't actually change your gearing. They are better described as "short shifters." These shifters have a shorter throw between gears allowing you to make faster gear changes. Most also have a more "positive" feel to them when compared to the stock unit.

Hope that helps.

The Tanabe NF210's drop more than an inch, but not as low as the DF210's.

With a nice setup for a 1" drop does it usually ride stiff or more loose?

i have the tein h techs, its not a black and white difference with it. as far as the comfort, it does feel much better on the smaller bumps, feels like theres alot more cushioning and the car isnt bouncing around like it was with the stock springs. the ride seems more stable with more cushioning.

the drop is definitely noticeable, it handles much better and feels much lower than 1 inch to me. its not gonna turn the box into a lexus or anything but it does make it more tolerable going over the smaller bumps. i think its defintely worth the upgrade. plus it looks so much nicer with the drop.