View Full Version : Accessories - what to buy, what to skip?
StrudelNinja 07-17-2006, 05:49 PM Hey, I'm finally going to get a box in the next few months. There's 3 accessories that I'd really like to have - security, fog lights, and the iPod stereo. This is going to be my first car and while I'd like to do a little modding, I'm not going to be putting in tons of aftermarket parts or anything. Should any of those three be purchased and installed with my Scion? Can I get away with doing it myself? (I have sufficient help, I'd think.) Are there better options than the ones Scion will sell me?
Archngl 07-17-2006, 06:03 PM you can definately do them all yourself. There are some nice "how to" threads in the "tech" section.
The fog lights are kind of over-rated. If you REALLY want them tho, go with the JDM model from japan. It's alot brighter and clearer... the one available in the us is crap. And not worth the 200 plus bux from the dealer.
Blacklisted 07-17-2006, 06:24 PM get an aftermarket alarm definately
a friend of mine had a basketball hoop fall on his box and the alarm still didnt go off...
he took it to the dealer to have them fix the sensitivity of the module and they didnt have a clue
lonestar 07-17-2006, 06:24 PM Don't get the ipod stereo from the dealer. Go to best buy and look at the fm transmitters for your ipod. they range from about $40-$100. I own the $100 one and it's great . the ipod stand can be set up in lots of configurations to fit any car and I rarely get static. Definitely worth it.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7384332&type=product&id=1122654250706
thegoatlord 07-17-2006, 06:27 PM i agree with the above, its best to just buy them aftermarket.
plus its part of the fun knowing the inside and outside of your box :D
lantzdarla 07-17-2006, 10:13 PM if you want an armrest then buy it on ebay,they are cheaper.as far as other options,the paint sealant,sound deadener and car rental comes as a package and runs about $350.it is not worth it....you can put a good wax on your xb to replace the sealant option...the sound deadener stuff is messy and you could buy your own and do a better job...and last car rental is on your full coverage insurance.hope this helps!!
losmorob 07-17-2006, 10:31 PM I always recommend a front end bra for the thin paint jobs XB's have. Buy it before you get any scratches or chips.
StrudelNinja 07-18-2006, 12:08 AM Right, I almost forgot that I was going to get a bra.
I read the name of a good bra company...it was C something...right?
vintage42 07-18-2006, 12:48 AM Right, I almost forgot that I was going to get a bra.
I read the name of a good bra company...it was C something...right?
Colgan. They are back ordered on both the regular black and the greyish carbon fiber. I ordered a carbon fiber two weeks ago and was emailed a shippng date in early August.
http://www.colgancustom.com/
xBster 07-18-2006, 01:19 AM The bra is a great investment, I only use mine on long road trips/highway driving. Also the armrest is nice to have, just wish it was a bit taller. Not the most popular, but I like the rear bumper protector and it is only about $30.00. Congrats on your new ride!
Looney 07-18-2006, 01:28 AM http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=124383&highlight=
losmorob 07-18-2006, 02:42 AM Colgon Carbon Fiber look with matching rear view mirror covers. O.K., the mirror covers are a little "pimpin", but I like 'em!
Just remember that a bra is not a fix-all. Don't wash your car with it on, and take it off after driving in bad weather to dry. It's great for bug-filled summers and long trips.
YourNameHere 07-18-2006, 02:38 PM skip the fog lights. they are positioned to high to really be effective and the headlights are really bright anyway. skip the iPod stereo as you can go get an iPod compatible stereo from best buy that is more powerful and probably cheaper. i would suggest the armrest though.
vintage42 07-18-2006, 09:03 PM skip the fog lights.... i would suggest the armrest though.
I bought and installed the fog lights only because I thought they made the front end look better both day and night. They add a little light to the sides, but don't think they would really help much in fog.
The big Zeta Gen 2 storage armrest is nice. I use it to store the iPod Nano, and keep it folded up around town, down for trips.
YourNameHere 07-19-2006, 03:16 AM ^^^ agreed. they deff make the front look better.
TallGuy 07-19-2006, 04:07 AM Don't get the ipod stereo from the dealer. Go to best buy and look at the fm transmitters for your ipod. they range from about $40-$100. I own the $100 one and it's great . the ipod stand can be set up in lots of configurations to fit any car and I rarely get static. Definitely worth it.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7384332&type=product&id=1122654250706
Did you know the the '06 boxes have a built in AUX jack right in the console? So just buy a 4 foot male to male headphone cable for 3 dollars at RadioShack and you'll be all set with the iPod. I use mine all of the time, and honestly, the feel of the ipod is better than the stereo controls.
SkuzzleButt 07-20-2006, 03:44 AM Definately get the ipod connector, the ability to change the song from the stereo or steering wheel, and charge your ipod is well worth it. Also the sound quality from the FM transmitters sucks, i used to use one in my old car.
scionlarry 07-20-2006, 06:35 AM When I got mine, I chose to go ahead with the iPod option, due to the fact I own an iPod :)
I'm ordering the rest online, the mats, cargo cover, fog lights..
Cheaper that way.. plus I don't finance all the extra stuff..
TwistedD 07-20-2006, 11:36 AM I'm heading to the dealership today to try out the iPod radio and make a decision on whether I want it or not. From what I can find, it doesn't look like it allows you to pick the Podcast selection from the menu. A smart playlist is a decent work-around if that's the case, I guess.
Also having the spoiler put on when the car arrives. Otherwise, I'm going the internet purchase route for the cargo cover and floor mats.
losmorob 07-20-2006, 02:31 PM If you're serious about having good audio, go aftermarket. Stock is good, but limited.
fernie 07-20-2006, 04:00 PM i suggest buying vent visors for the windows. everytime i opened my windows in the rain i had a huge waterfall of water pouring into the car. the vent visors really helped fix that problem!! i also suggest an armrest. it really sucks not having one.
lonestar 07-20-2006, 04:46 PM Don't get the ipod stereo from the dealer. Go to best buy and look at the fm transmitters for your ipod. they range from about $40-$100. I own the $100 one and it's great . the ipod stand can be set up in lots of configurations to fit any car and I rarely get static. Definitely worth it.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7384332&type=product&id=1122654250706
Did you know the the '06 boxes have a built in AUX jack right in the console? So just buy a 4 foot male to male headphone cable for 3 dollars at RadioShack and you'll be all set with the iPod. I use mine all of the time, and honestly, the feel of the ipod is better than the stereo controls.
Wow! thats the way to go then.
Also, to the guy who said FM transmitters sucks. You probably bought a low quality one. Sound quality on mine is great and I've minimal issus with static.
cherryBox 07-20-2006, 06:20 PM I'd skip ALL of the factory mods if I did it all over again. Much better price and variety aftermarket IMO
StrudelNinja 07-21-2006, 11:15 PM What about the factory front end mask? Just noticed it and I'd rather get something to start with (especially with my parents paying) and upgrading later unless it's just a terrible purchase.
brambling 07-21-2006, 11:37 PM What about the factory front end mask? Just noticed it and I'd rather get something to start with (especially with my parents paying) and upgrading later unless it's just a terrible purchase.
You can buy it cheaper online and install it yourself.
Most of the installation instructions for the dealer accessories are on this site somewhere, you can read them over and see what you feel like doing and what you don't. My father and myself could install anything in his shop, but things like the Security System, there are a lot of little connections to make and wires to cross, best left to the dealer where they can pay for correcting any mistakes made. The sensitivity of the Scion Security System can be adjusted after installation.
I would go ahead and get the iPod stereo too, it's better from the dealer because online stores don't usually get a credit for returning the base radio. Also, it will integrate with the steering wheel controls.
I strongly suggest installing the fog lights yourself, but if you don't feel like doing it, I think your original idea is fine and what I might have done if I were choosing the same dealer accessories today.
Order some floor mats online a week in advance so you can have them ready when you drive it home.
cherryBox 07-22-2006, 12:01 AM floormats for sure. I have an extra 'show' set that I just picked up on ebay for 45 bucks
if you don't ever plan on upgrading your HU, then go with the iPod upgrade as brambling states. he's right on the money.
IMO the scion security stinks. you can get a much better, more effective system aftermarket.
As far as the bra, it's really a matter of personal taste. I think they look tacky, and, if nobody's told you yet, our paint is very thin and easy to scratch. My paint gets scratched just looking at it, and I wouldn't want that up against my finish. My preference is clear bra.
StickyHands 07-24-2006, 01:37 AM FM transmetters DO suck.. I have an iPod and I have the iPod radio for my 06. I have the monster FM for my Towncar. While the unit is nice and I can pick ANYTHING on the dial. Where I live it's fine. When I goto Columbus I can't find ____ for blank stations. So, i kinda blows in big citys. Plus it sounds nowhere near as good as in the xB.. Just my .02 worth
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