I just put in an order today for a new Scion xA, and I'm pumped! However, I live in MN, where it gets REALLY cold in winter, and we often get a lot of snow. How well does the xA handle in northern climates? I used to drive a 1991 Pontiac Grand Am that refused to start in the winter unless you plugged in the block heater for at least a few hours. Does the xA have troubles starting in sub-zero weather too? I have the option of getting an underground garage stall for my car at my apartment complex, so I could always put it in there if cold weather is a problem. Would this be a wise investment?

Also, how does it handle on ice and snow? A friend was joking with me that I'll get stuck in anything more than a few inches of snow if the road isn't plowed first :-)

Any tips on how to maximize the winter performance of my new xA will be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

 

well if your getting an 5 speed start out in 2nd gear and you'll be fine

 

Get snow tires. Drive slowly and carefully -- you know, like there's snow and ice on the road -- and you will be fine. The xA can handle 10-12 inches of snow on the road without problems. As I have mentioned on these boards before, my boss got her Hummer H2 stuck three times last winter, and my xA was never stuck once. It's more a function of how intelligently you drive than the vehicle you have chosen. Block heater shouldn't be necessary, but it certainly couldn't hurt. And a garage will always help, if only to make your morning routine a bit easier. Hope it works out for you.

 

Thanks for the tips. I'm getting an automatic, not a manual, as I'm a pretty poor driver of manual transmissions. I could drive the tractors on the farm as a kid (which are like manuals in slow-motion), but never really felt comfortable with a manual in the farm truck.

Good to know it should start in the winter; I'll still probably get a garage just to protect my investment from the crazy drivers in our parking lot. What do good snow tires cost for the xA? Any particular brands and sources I should look for? Thanks!

 

Well i live in colorado....i havent had any probs...but i have the rs which has traction control.....but i do have 17s...so i suppose it is up to how you drive, but like i said i have had NO issues

 

Last winter I used a set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 tires on the stock wheels. They worked exceptionally well, and would certainly recommend them to you. Check out the Tire Rack; I got mine through Roger for about $300 plus shipping.

 

I imagin they do fine in winter, but the damage from winter is my concern.
I am just going to buy a car for the winter to prevent all the road salt from making me cry.
I bet I can find enough change in my chair cushion to buy a ford fiesta to beat the crap out of in snowy days.