I went for a 2nd test drive of the tC today. I decided to take my mom and see wat she had to say about it (since I brought my dad last time). First thing that my mom said was, "This is a small car and I am worried about how it would be in an accident vs. a typical California Soccer Mom in an SUV". Well I totally understand that. Out here those things rule the roads like armored tanks going through a battlefield. Other than that she had no complaints. After we both had drivin the car we were on the way out of the dealer when she spotted on of the Limited Edition Orange xB's. She said that while it wasnt the "sleakest" looking car the interior was very spacious and looked more comfortable/ practical. So I sat in it checked it out and was impressed. I asked the dealer to take it for a test drive and I seemingly liked it. I did like being a little higher up on the road and the fact that I had a little bit more room in the vehicle. The only things I did not like were these:
a. The spedometer in the middle of the car kept trippin me up (could adjust over time)
b. That it only has 105 hp.
I was making a turn off a light on to a slightly uphill street and I practically had to floor the vehicle in order to get it up the hill remotely near the speed limit (55). I have no prob with that in the tC . I know its more of a cruising car for fun but I need somepower!

I am currently driving a '93 previa and I have that same power problem. I hate having the problem of needing to "gas" it or push the gears to get it to the speed I need...

Tell me what u guys think? Im still big into the tC but after seeing both its got me thinking...

And yes I also posted this in the tC forum, I wanted to see what both xb and tC owners have to say

 

I really don't think you will get very many replies due to these cars are totally different. You must know what you are wanting before you try looking for a car. Problem one...you will get used to I actually like it better then normal because its easy to see my rpms and speedo while still have my eyes on the road. Problem two...get a 5 speed...the 5 speed is much peppier and a lot more fun to drive. I have never had a problem getting around someone, trying to get on the highway, nothing....I just suggest sitting down and finding out what you want.

 

First of all the automatic xB is a full two seconds slower to 60 according to mulitple road tests. No offense the auto owners, but I can't imagine why you'd get an auto xB. 1.5 liter engines and automatics do not go well together.

Drive a 5 speed xB and you'll see it injects some soul into that little box. No, it's not fast-fast, but it is certainly fun to squirt around in and it won't struggle with any on ramps to the freeway in 4th gear.

I have not driven a tC yet. Seems like a great value and it's guaranteed to ourperform the xB and xA. I am not that interested in them personally, because I am sorely disappointed in the boring Toyota styling instead of an edgy, risk-taking Scion-type design. Once I saw it looked like a Paseo or a Hyundai, I lost interest.

That's personal preference though.

I can tell you after having an xB for 4-5 months, it is THE car we take when we want to go out (me and my friends, crew etc) It's the car everyone wants to ride in because they know they will be comfortable, they won't have crouch to get in, or squeeze behind a seat. 4 adults are completely comfortable, air-conditioned and surrounded by XM sounds. It's a good place to be. That is more than you can say for 99% of the compact cars out there. I never feel lacking for power. No, it's not fast, but it's hardly sluggish either if you have a 5 speed and you know how to drive.

If you don't think you'll be carrying more than one other passenger very often and performance is the main concern for you, definitely go for the tC. The tC may have unremarkable looks and none of the cleverness of the other Scion models, but it is fast out of the box and has a big (relatively speaking) 4 cylinder with much more build up potential than the xB's 1.5 liter.

The xB is infinitely more practical and, in my opinion, lots of fun to drive in a little tossable-car sort of way. Beleive it or not, it was the test drive that sold me on the xB!

I would go and drive both and for the love of god, GET A 5 SPEED whichever you choose, kid.

Good luck!!!

 

Amen! I shed a tear reading that. A fellow White 5 speed owner...man I gotta wash mine today. Like he said though unless you like putt putting around the town then auto is fine but 5 speed is the way to go. Ive had many auto box owners drive my 5 speed and wish they got one. Also its one of the easiest 5 speeds Ive ever driven.

 

Tell your mom that all the Scion models perform very well in crash tests. Of course, if that's really a concern, get the optional side airbags for even better protection.

As for which car to get....that's really your choice. It depends on what's important to you.
My friends also insist on taking my xB whenever we all go out. They call it a "club on wheels". It's a fun cruiser that gets attention and is economical and comfortable at the same time. I agree, the 5 speed option is the way to go. I'm very surprised that any dealer still has a Release Series 1.0 Hot Lava xB. They were all sold during March/April/May. Perhaps it's a used one??? Or the dealer has added a bunch of stuff to it and now wants $20k for it???

The tC is also a great car, and has its own things that make it fun & cool, and it has cruise control and a panoramic moonroof standard, which the xB does not. It doesn't have the space, or the rare style, but it's peppy and a high-quality low priced coupe.

Whatever Scion you get, be sure not to get screwed by the dealer by buying a model that they've added tons of options to. They sometimes like to add a bunch of optional equipment and then overcharge you for those items. You can get all those accessories for much cheaper with other sellers.

Welcome to ScionLife!

 

Wow thanks very much! nest your reply was really in depth and has given me alot to think about. You guys have also convinced me that I need to go out and learn to drive a stick! haha!

Quick question, Cruisecontrol doesnt come standard in an xB! wth is that about lol! Is it an option to be added?
Thanks guys and I'll keep you posted on my decision...

PS> The Release Series 1.0 Hot Lava xB was a dealer owned vehichle that they bring out to auto shows to compete/ represent the dealer... They had redone the trunk floortand put in the audio boards, and one sick sub that took up like half the trunk. The car was carbon fibered everywhere and leather seats with an orange lace to match the car. They had a panosoinc flip up dash dvd and dvds installed in the front two headrests, was lowered 2" and i think 18" axis wheels. ground effeckts kit and numerous other things. Needless to say this was the one that caught my attention and made me think about the car.

 

Yes, You can get cruse on the XB installed at the dealer. I have it on mine.

 

Opps...moved my comment to the xB section.

Go with the xA RS1.0 (the red one). This comes standard with VSC and Traction Control that neither the regular xA or the tC offers. It also has a MOONROOF. Not panaromic. But I think the moonroof glass slides under the headrest compared to the tC's over the roof mechanism. Note the rims you see (overpriced TRD) is an option...not standard.


It is smaller and lighter than the xB. It has a european tuned suspension. WIth that it also looks european (see Peugeot 206 or Citroen models). Better turning radius than the xB. Great gas mileage than the tC. It is practical and not too overly practical than the xB. Faster than the xB in terms of weight. Not sure if it has the same xB low gearing mechanics (more torque/power deliver at lower speeds). The xA does not have the flat sides of the xB. On the xB, the flat sides acts like a sail and it is highly susceptable to crosswinds...especially from rampaging soccer moms on SUVs zooming past you at 90MPH while they are getting less than 10MPGs.

It does have that middle of the dash speedo cluster though. But the tach and speedo's are bigger than the xB. It is limited. About 1555 or so available USA wide. You also sit higher on the xA. Not as much rear leg room compared to the Box.

Oh, not sure what your age is. Your insurance maybe higher with the tC compared to the xB (Van) or the xA (small wagon).

Oh yeah, I drive an xB. Would never change it for the world but you do have other options. Also be prepared for people to call the xA an egg. :D Hmm, if I have the dough I would also buy the xA RS1.0. More limited than the Hot Lava!!!

 

What in the hell does that mean (no offense)

Sounds like market BS if ever I heard some.

I doubt this xA has any different suspension than any other xA or xB. If it does, then it's just going to be the TRD suspension, and I doubt they throw that in for free.

One point worth mentioning in the xA's favor is that they have optional side airbags. I have no idea if THIS one comes with them or how hard it is the find one so equipped though. If I have one gripe with these cars its that SAB is not standard. SAB save more lives than front airbags even and it would sure be nice to have a cushion between my head and that huge side window if I get T-boned in an accident and my head flies sideways.

Cheap bastards. Even Volkswagen managed to make SAB standard in the cheapest $15,000 Golf.

 

European or "sport-tuned suspension" Same as the regular xA and xB. Just means that you can feel the road more.

I think the SAB is not really offered anymore. If it is, the wait time is probably as long as the Prius. SAB is only as safe as how it is designed to deploy. One study by the insurance group compared the Camry and Accord SAB with the Saturn and Hyundai SAB. They found out that the Camry and Accord SAB worked way better than the other two. Although there is a recall on the Camry with SAB

 

I have encountered others who are quick to complain about this. For me it's a non-issue, how often you do use cruise? For me it's never. I feel like you lose connection with the road and control of you car. I drove my xB from Northern VA to Tucson, AZ and did not once think about having or using cruise control.

I can understand your desire for power, but I find the power very suitable in the xB. The power is enough to job the job done without letting me feel lacking. I bought the xB for it's special looks and it's gas mileage. I doubt I would buy a TC, if you are looking for power there are better choices out there. (a used '02+ WRX, I used to own a '02 WRX and '04 STi and the WRX is one of the few cars I would consider buying again).

I have an automatic xB, my wife doesn't know how to drive manual so this is her car, and I still find the power very useable.

 

so, how can something be too practical?

 

Rostra.com makes a cruise control custom kit for Scions.

PART # 250-1755 - custom for Toyota Scion
http://www.rostra.com/cc-250-1755.asp



The accessories dealer that contracts with my Toyota/Scion dealer installed one of these kits in my xB. It costs about $245 including labor.

I think the kit looks factory and the features are excellent! I like it better than the Toyota stock Cruise on my wife's Camry! :D RPM