I am in the process of trying to decide if I love this car or hate it. I don't own one, but have been fascinated by the anti-run of the mill typical jelly bean styling that most economy cars have these days.

On one hand it is cheap and roomy. Being 6'4", it is the only "inexpensive" car that I can fit in. It is also very different, in a weird good way. And you can't beat the gas mileage.

On the other hand, it is a tin can economy car. It may not be the safest car on the road as it looks liked it would crumple like a beer can. See e-bay item #2486998801 "Scion xB, WRECKED REPAIRABLE REBUILDER DAMAGED SALVAGED" (repairable? Yea, right....given enough tools, skill, time and money).

I guess I am just looking for a second car that would:
be a grocery getter
not see a lot of highway miles
be unique
be fun
be reasonably safe
be reliable when it gets to 100K + miles

Am I considering the right car?

 

Other than "unique"...did you just describe the Toyota Matrix? Side air bags available, you know?

My wife vetoed the XA for it's "tin can" feeling (no offense to XA'ers), but we couldn't resist the newnewss (weirdness) factor of the XB vs. the Matirx.

 

Yes.

 

The xB would meet all of your needs, especially the "unique" part. I went from an SRT-4 to the xB, and other than the hp and torque, don't miss the SRT-4 at all. I think the DOT classifies the xB as a wagon, so insurance is relatively inexpensive. It'll get plenty of groceries, gets good mileage, very roomy for its size, and there's hardly another car out there in the price range that can beat it for its "uniqueness" factor. I've had all kinds of people stop and talk to me about the car. Never had that experience before with any other car I've owned, including the SRT-4.

 

actually the xB got above average ratings from the NHTSA.

and for the price, you can get a stock xB and trick it up yourself over time -- plus Dynamat it on your own and it will be quiter than a Mercedes on the inside.

good luck.

 

Tyler, what other car have you look at that fits your criteria? I'm 6'3", and looked at everything out there. As soon as I sat in an xB I knew I'd found my new car. The first thing I noticed was that I didn't have to crouch down to get in! BIG + for me. Then came head room, leg room (front & rear), visibility - no blind spots and comfort. And that's just the ergonomic side of the xB sitting still with the key off. On the road, the Box is as safe as any other economy car, but a lot more fun to drive. My other driver is a loaded Z71 Chevy Avalanche and its been collecting dust since i got my xB.
Get a Box. Aside from the initial ribbing you may take from family, friends and coworkers (some were relentless in my case), a month down the road you'll be happy as hell with your xB!

 

Thanks for all your replies. I should have titled my post "tin box"! I do admit that the initial draw to this car was its uniqueness, but once I sat in it, it started to grow on me.


I have had a thing for Datsun/Nissan products and currently own a '95 Maxima and a '73 240Z. I am kind of disappointed that the "Cube" won't be in the US for a few years, but I doubt that I would fit in the current RHD version.

The only problem at this point is convincing the wife. She has grown used to all the interior space of the '93 Caravan....

Tyler

 

I never noticed the ease of entry and exit. I've driven sports cars all my life, so I just really never thought about it. However, I took my parents out car shopping when they were in town, and that's all they talked about.

I am very satisfied with my purchase. I commute daily to downtown Atlanta, and the xB has been a dream. One of my unexpected favorite parts of the xB is the narrowness. I have yet to get a door ding because there's always a good 12-16 inches on either side in parking lots, even with the more narrow spaces downtown.

-john

 

I thought of one that's more unique around here than the XB and won't break the bank. A slightly used Honda Civic SI. 2003 model I believe. It's the one with the stick shift in the dash area.

Anyway, I hardly ever see those things around (much less frequently than XB's) and it meets all of your criteria with more power than the B! Yay. I totally would've got one except I like 4-doors. My wife drives a Mazda MPV. We needed something that would look sharp for a night out, but be able to haul our 3 kids in an emergency.

Think about it.