View Full Version : Scion owners Please Look!


Still_Debating_what_SCION
06-10-2004, 03:52 AM
Hi everyone, i am debating which scion to purchase, probably narrowing down to the xB as of now (maybe wait for the tC). My question to everyone is:

1) how was the buying experience for you?? (its my first purchase)

2) I have read about "pure price" and "hassle free." is that true? can i try to wheel and deal a little for a discount?

3) I have gone to scion.com and configured a car, suprisingly, the cost after everything was still GOOD! What was your average amount spent on available accessories? (i.e. rim upgrade, spoiler, stereo, strut bar, etc..???)

4) im 21 and feel that it is time for a NEW car. How old are you guys and girls?



i would appreciate all the feedback. This is a HUGE commitment for me so every opinion would be greatly appreciated!!! thanks again!

obz
06-10-2004, 04:01 AM
Hi everyone, i am debating which scion to purchase, probably narrowing down to the xB as of now (maybe wait for the tC). My question to everyone is:

1) how was the buying experience for you?? (its my first purchase)

It was cake. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.

2) I have read about "pure price" and "hassle free." is that true? can i try to wheel and deal a little for a discount?

No wheeling and dealing involved. Pretty much what you see on the sticker is what you're going to pay.

3) I have gone to scion.com and configured a car, suprisingly, the cost after everything was still GOOD! What was your average amount spent on available accessories? (i.e. rim upgrade, spoiler, stereo, strut bar, etc..???)

You know, if I did it again, I'd probably get the parts after the purchase and not from the dealership. They're overpriced IMO and much cheaper to buy them from an aftermarket supplier.

4) im 21 and feel that it is time for a NEW car. How old are you guys and girls?

I'm 24 and it's definately a good first car or even 10th. I would sure do it all over again! No regrets here.

Hope I helped.

mitchell
06-10-2004, 04:05 AM
Yea, what he said.
But I'm 38.

Buy stock. add stuff after. It's cheaper and more fun.

If they don't sell stock, go elsewhere and report the dealer to Scion using the 1-800 number on the home page.

Good luck

phillythunder
06-10-2004, 04:05 AM
it was my first buy too, i loved it. yes the pricing is set, i bought a tcm xB 5 speed 19" trds(2000) dealer installed sunroof (1400)oem wing (400) i love my xB, but my fiance and i are also buying a tC next month, so we'll have the best of both worlds now the only decision is colors... :D

phillythunder
06-10-2004, 04:07 AM
o by the way i'm 21 and get it stock unless you're like me and wanted to build the parts into your loan...which is a plus

fr130
06-10-2004, 04:13 AM
1) It went well. I ordered what I wanted using www.scion.com. The dealer kiosk should be the same however read #2 below.

2a) What you see is what you get. However, a dealer can actually sell the price higher than the other competitors in the area. As long as the dealer advertises the price on THEIR kiosk, their website, their paper ads, etc. that's the price you have to pay. To be on the safe side. Price what you want on www.scion.com and find the nearest dealer. If you want to buy one off the lot, make sure all the prices for accesories is the same as www.scion.com. If it's cheaper, great, typically they are not. But waiting for what you want (go barebones and buy the rest online) is best.

2b) You cant deal on discounts. The dealer will get in "trouble" if Scion finds out that one customer was treated with a price break while another customer with the same options, etc. paid more.

3) As 2a stated, better off buy bare bones and buy online. BTW, Do not buy the Cargo Cover for the xB! It is very flimsy. The pic on Scion's site is flawed and I may have to file "false advertising" in court :D All dealers accesories price should be the same. However, installation price on products like the AEM CAI may vary. I would still carry that print out from www.scion.com. DO NOT trust the dealer kiosk.

4) I'm 23, I'm a dude, and I drive a Box I call "Charlene"

Also read the Retailer and Dealer experiances here:
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=14

Your dealer may be mentioned (or use search with dealer name) and we may have flamed the dealer for pricing outrageous prices or certain bragging rights. Also bad experiances in customer services. Ofcourse take it with a grain of salt. Check your FICO score at www.myfico.com. It's not free, but at least you'll know what your score well be and what available financing options you are entitled too. Check out your local Credit Union or bank if their rates are better than Toyota Financial Services.

Still_Debating_what_SCION
06-10-2004, 04:29 AM
BIG THANKS for the replies! please keep them coming.

BTW: I would like to purchase outside parts but i am using the money as a down payment... So it is nice to have my accessories added to the car and to my loan. I did notice another member also resort to this way of financing.

XBOXED
06-10-2004, 04:45 AM
Dont do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dont add the accesories and cut your DP down a lil and buy the parts online you can get bazooka 200w tube 4 $250

Still_Debating_what_SCION
06-10-2004, 04:56 AM
the accessories i was thinking of adding to the B was:

exterior:
fog lights
spoiler
(maybe some rims)
Intake
Dunno whether to go with the Hotckis or TRD?? Any recommedations?
TRD muffler
maybe the springs and struts

Interior:
maybe 6 disc changer
floor mats
cargo cover (maybe.... now that i got feedback)


oh it would be MT and Thounder cloud Silver...

Any similar setups out of the dealership?

obz
06-10-2004, 05:21 AM
I got the spoiler, fogs, rims, intake, & muffler. The intake I bought aftermarket as well as the muffler, but the rest was financed with the purchase. You just need to figure out whether it's worth spending the extra $500-1000 to add it to your financing, or whether you just save and pay it out of pocket. It's a difficult decision. :?

ncscion
06-10-2004, 05:27 AM
that list of accessories will add alot to your total. if you enjoy modding or feel comfortable working on your own ride then alot of those mods you could by off the internet and install yourself. trd springs and struts ok if thats what you want but there are alota dealers on scionlife that offer better springs for 1/2 the price. check with http://www.scionspecialties.com/ he sales the goldline springs they drop 2" and have no sag warranty. rear wing you can get off ebay for 1/2. you could get a better h.u. than the stock 6 disc for cheaper. fog lights you can find cheaper on ebay and are easy to install. shop around and browse scion life there are people on here that have had their scions since day 1 and know alot about alota things. don't let the dealer get rich off you and good luck.

lookmomitsabox
06-10-2004, 05:43 AM
1) how was the buying experience for you?? (its my first purchase)

2) I have read about "pure price" and "hassle free." is that true? can i try to wheel and deal a little for a discount?

3) I have gone to scion.com and configured a car, suprisingly, the cost after everything was still GOOD! What was your average amount spent on available accessories? (i.e. rim upgrade, spoiler, stereo, strut bar, etc..???)

4) im 21 and feel that it is time for a NEW car. How old are you guys and girls?

1) my experience was flawless and painless because i was blessed to purchase my xb from a pressure-free dealership, mcgeorge toyota in richmond, va. in fact, i felt so comfortable with the service there, that three weeks later, i recommended them to my parents so that they could get a brand new camry! we live 2 hours away, but it was worth it because a lot of the dealerships around where i live charge way too much for processing fees and tack on extra b.s. fees/extras to jack up the price. call around and ask what their processing fees are.

2) "pure price" is VERY true... as far as discounts, if you just got a college degree, you can show them your diploma to get $400 off (and that is actually with any toyota dealership... i know that was in effect last month, so ask your dealer about that program).

3) i got my xb bone stock because it is cheaper to DIY and/or purchase aftermarket products. so far, i lowered it 2" with goldline springs, i smoked my taillights, made my own floormats, and now i'm in the process of installing my own lighting (using cold cathodes). also, be sure to break-in your engine using the motoman method (do a search for his article on the net) so that your car will get the mpg listed on the sticker.

4) 23 here. get the new car, continue to do well in your career, and you will have no regrets.

djct_watt
06-10-2004, 06:24 AM
I'm 21 and am in the process right now, it's due to be shipped in by next week.
I'm spending almost $2k on accessories.
Yes, no dealing. . . but if you are trading, you can haggle there. I made my dealers compete for the best trade in value. Saved $1k off the original offer!

Still_Debating_what_SCION
06-10-2004, 09:22 AM
you all are a very very big help. I appreciate all the details and for those who took there time to elaborate on their own experience!

For those who would like to add more input, especially if your in my boat and opt for the dealer included accessories to make financing just a little bit easier (rather than out of pocket $$- which i do not have much of) please feel free to add to this thread.

THANKS AGAIN!!! :D

7red7
06-10-2004, 09:59 AM
Considering I got a Lava, my box pretty came with everything I could ask for with the exception of rims...I opted to wait it out and get after market because they run a lot cheaper and I can get better styles outside of the dealership as well...

However, I can see the benefit of going with the options added on into your lease/finance...The way I see it, it's like using a credit card...You get what you want up front, and pay it off over time in the finance contract...Money is short for some people (I'm one of them)...It's hard to come up with a couple hundred here and there for everything you'd want to get aftermarket...So maybe getting some of the options you want up front might benefit you more...I mean even if my box was a stripped base model, I'd still get some options installed before I left the dealership...To me it's easier that way...

Good luck with the purchase :)

DAN

3xv
06-10-2004, 01:02 PM
I'm getting my Xa today and I'll let you know how my experience was. :D

wyldkard
06-10-2004, 01:45 PM
It is really hassle free, my dealer printed out a list of ALL the accessories and their prices and handed it to me and told me "These are the prices, there are no hidden costs." Then he printed out and handed me a financing APR listing and it's simple *If your credit score is within this area, then here are the APRs for each term length*
It's really simple and straight forward.

My accessories I got were the foglights, spoiler, floor mats, and cruise control. I could have installed everything(except cruise control) myself, but chose to let them do it. If I were to do it over again, I would not have gotten the floor mats, maybe it's just the way I get in and out, but they are starting to wear thin in the middle. I got my exhaust from Stylis on this board(precisionmuffler.com) I like it better than the TRD exhaust, but that's just my opinion. I wouldn't opt for the rims, that's a lot of money for those rims, with the same amount of cash you could get some phat rims that stand out more. I'm rolling on hubcaps until this weekend, the Motegi 17" MRMs are going on. 8)

I just turned 23 over Memorial Day weekend...and I'm still the youngest one in my company by about 2 years. :?

-Z

daillestqt
06-10-2004, 04:58 PM
The dealer buying experience was real cool...they even gave me a dealer car to drive until my box came in. Pure pricing is exactly what it is...configure it online, and take it to the dealer no questions asked. I did have 3 accessories...the fog lights, spoiler and subwoofer. If you're really super good at wheeling and dealing, you might get a free pair of floor mats (although some have pointed out that they are supposed to come with the mats..I dunno :? ) like I did. When the box came in, all I had to do was look over all the paper work and sign...took me all of ten minutes and I was outta there.I wouldnt suggest getting any kind of wheels from the dealer though because they are waaay overpriced...(even my damn subwoofer lol) but if you want to finance it, I say go for it. I am a 21 year old male, in college, and this is my 3rd car....I had a 2001 ford focus ZTS, traded for a 2002 firebird, and it was stolen. Now I have a 2005 TCM Auto Xb, and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

bbcrud
06-10-2004, 05:04 PM
If they don't sell stock, go elsewhere and report the dealer to Scion using the 1-800 number on the home page.

DO dealers REALLY do that much "Loading" on the cars? I know they can, and stay in line (technically) with Scion, as long as they use their menu pricing on the car. It just doesn't make much sense (to us) to do it that way.

Why not let the customer buy the base car then try and be competitive on the accessories. It's called "earning the business", and it works.

satanisanerd734
06-10-2004, 05:58 PM
Hi everyone, i am debating which scion to purchase, probably narrowing down to the xB as of now (maybe wait for the tC). My question to everyone is:

1) how was the buying experience for you?? (its my first purchase)

2) I have read about "pure price" and "hassle free." is that true? can i try to wheel and deal a little for a discount?

3) I have gone to scion.com and configured a car, suprisingly, the cost after everything was still GOOD! What was your average amount spent on available accessories? (i.e. rim upgrade, spoiler, stereo, strut bar, etc..???)

4) im 21 and feel that it is time for a NEW car. How old are you guys and girls?



i would appreciate all the feedback. This is a HUGE commitment for me so every opinion would be greatly appreciated!!! thanks again!

1. The dealer was really nice, found me a lava in 2 days!

2. The car soct $19,000... i paid $19,000

3.Spent about $3000 on accesories

4. I'm 15

hotlava1886
06-10-2004, 07:10 PM
you paid $ 19,000 ?what extras did you get? was it 19 + 3 grand?
just currious!

as far as what to buy at time of sale,get it stock. a dealer in north carolina (www.toyotaparts4u.com )has the cheapest factory parts we have found.
they can sell it cheaper than other dealers as long as they offer it to all customers,and they do.the dealer we purchased all 3 of our xB's at charges double or more on parts. DON"T get the bazooka sub /amp.way over priced!! as far as the neon and cup holder leds,we opted to diy my wifes tcm.i installed blue neon tubes under dash and mid side panels as well as blue leds in cupholders (front and back),also blue udercar kit for around $130.00 total.getting ready to install dc sportd headders,borla exshaust ,and aem cold air intake to get more power out of the 1.5L 4 banger.just want you to know your not beholding to the dealer.if i can be of any help e-mail me at scionownersclub@yahoo.com.bye the way ,i don't live of am i affiliated with dealer in NC.we live in VA.good luck!!




1. The dealer was really nice, found me a lava in 2 days!

2. The car soct $19,000... i paid $19,000

3.Spent about $3000 on accesories

4. I'm 15[/quote]

Still_Debating_what_SCION
06-11-2004, 12:35 AM
I'm getting my Xa today and I'll let you know how my experience was. :D

awaiting your reply on your experience "3xv" :D

Also everyone, if you dont mind me asking.... What the heck do you guys mean by "TCM"?? new to the scion scene and not quite sure what it means or any other lingo that is used to describe the xA and xB's.

THANK YOU!

DStewart
06-11-2004, 12:40 AM
In the process of getting a Xb. I am 31 and was wanting to get out of the "Import scene", but really liked the look of the car. My Integra Type-R will be sild on Monday. I am dealing with a local dealer and the sales mgr. was a high school friend of mine so I know the experience will be excellent. I have already test drove his personal Xb which has just about every option avail. and am pleased the car overall, except for the power.

Options wise I was thinking fo having them install lowering springs, that way there aren't any warranty problems, you know the "well you put em in it's your problem" type of thing. I was also thinking the floor mats because I like the way they look. I was thinking the rear spoiler, bass tube, rear bumper applique, and I think that's about it.

Rims and engine stuff I can get a/m or on ebay, that and I have an account with Tire Rack so rims are easy to get :wink: .

I am getting a Black xb and I am going to put 18" Kazera KZ-V in either gray or chrome. Deal should be done next week. They are dealer trading for the on that I want, and I should have all the cash freed up by then.

hotlava1886
06-11-2004, 04:03 AM
TCM (THUNDER CLOUD GRAY) ANOTHER WORDS .SILVER.
DON'T BUY BLUE PEARL ! LACK OF QUALITY PAINT IN ENGINE BAY.ITS TEAL GREEN AND PRIMERED IN STEAD OF BODY COLOUR.TAKE A GOOD LIGHT SORCE AND CK ONE OUT.HAD ONE.GOT RID OF IT!

awaiting your reply on your experience "3xv" :D

Also everyone, if you dont mind me asking.... What the heck do you guys mean by "TCM"?? new to the scion scene and not quite sure what it means or any other lingo that is used to describe the xA and xB's.

THANK YOU![/quote]

DStewart
06-11-2004, 05:14 AM
"TCM"= Thunder Cloud Metallic

JdMBboFSD
06-11-2004, 05:42 AM
lots of questions....

1.experience was great
2.yes
3.none
4.23

CBSIMONSEZ
06-11-2004, 01:07 PM
The toughest part of buying my Scion was waiting for it to come in. Scion released the RS1 in Cali first, then it gradually made its way to the East Coast. That was the toughest, watching others who had not waited as long as Docsnuff or myself get theirs first. Its all good though, i did finally end up getting my xB.

Adding options is great if you cant afford them out right. You will end up paying much more over time for the item rather then purchasing sperately. Keep in mind that this is also based on your percentage rate that you go with. If you get the intake at $200 and have 10% for 5 years, the intake is gonna cost you considerable more when the car is finnally paid for. Rather then just saving the $200 and purchasing out right.

Dealer was great, even with me bugging him every day to see when the RS1 would be delivered. Pure pricing is just that, no hidden costs anywhere with my dealer. Got exactly what i paid for. I ended up paying around 20K for the RS1 package, GAP insurance, and 100K mile warrenty.

Still_Debating_what_SCION
06-11-2004, 09:03 PM
I did try to post the same thread in the xA topic, but i was asked to keep it on one topic (xB). Therefore, for any one else with an xA, please feel free to share your experience... I understand that this topic is for the xB. Still great to have your feedbacks!

experiences and replies are greatly appreciated guys! Hope to be joining the scion owners club shortly...

kwicslvr
06-11-2004, 10:38 PM
I only got the fog lights on my two. Everything else is ridicoulously overpriced and I'm 32.

ecandlcubed
06-11-2004, 10:46 PM
my dealer has both xa and xb stripped except for the transmission choice. they all have the paper pic of the radio where the radio ought to go and wheels without any cover.

there is no haggle on the price of the scion but if you have a trade in, you can negotiate on the accessories and have them upped the price of the tradein by the agreed amount of the accesories.

i am 38 and i had gone thru many cars. but this is the most painless experience i had...

bbcrud
06-12-2004, 04:28 AM
DON'T BUY BLUE PEARL ! LACK OF QUALITY PAINT IN ENGINE BAY.ITS TEAL GREEN AND PRIMERED IN STEAD OF BODY COLOUR.TAKE A GOOD LIGHT SORCE AND CK ONE OUT.HAD ONE.GOT RID OF IT!


The reason the paint is different under the hood is due to heat resistance. I think they can't get some paints to look right AND stand up to engine compartment heat.

IMO

bbcrud
06-12-2004, 04:32 AM
my dealer has both xa and xb stripped except for the transmission choice. they all have the paper pic of the radio where the radio ought to go and wheels without any cover.

there is no haggle on the price of the scion but if you have a trade in, you can negotiate on the accessories and have them upped the price of the tradein by the agreed amount of the accesories.

i am 38 and i had gone thru many cars. but this is the most painless experience i had...

:shock: WOW! Not supposed to play with the numbers. Did they have you sign a letter saying you understood why they jacked with the numbers?

Still_Debating_what_SCION
06-16-2004, 07:12 PM
any other experiences to share?

UnFocused
06-17-2004, 07:05 AM
Im 20, I added on spoiler, fogs, floor mats, and rear bumper applique. Yes i know the accesories are over priced- but the way i look at it is 1.) you can finance them in. 2.) the product and the installation is warrantied. If i bought a spoiler off line and "F"ed up the installation- then thats my fault. But paying the extra $100 bucks and knowinq it was "professionally installed" is a great feeling. This is my 3rd car i purchased- and by far the smoothest. As for color- go with TCM if you get an xB. Its available on very few toyota's and looks way better that silver streak you see on alot of other toyotas/scions.
good luck!

DStewart
06-17-2004, 04:04 PM
[/quote]

The reason the paint is different under the hood is due to heat resistance. I think they can't get some paints to look right AND stand up to engine compartment heat.

IMO[/quote]

That is 100% false.