I'm seriously looking into buying a Scion xA. It looks like a great deal. However, when you add many options, the price goes from being well below an equivalently equipped Toyota Corolla to being about the same price (the Corolla has a $500 rebate right now). The Corolla has Value Packages that add alot of content much cheaper than buying the options for the Scion xA.

I think the Scion looks better and would be more fun to drive (although maybe a little slower due to the smaller engine). My guess is the Corolla is a little more practical.

The options I'm looking at are:
- Fog Lights
- Security System (I really just want the remote keyless entry).
- Cruise Control
- Rear Spoiler
- Floor Mats, Cargo Mat, and Cargo Net.
- Mudguards

All of these are dealer installed options. Someone on Scionlife posted a link to Sparks Toyota's website. You can buy all of these options much cheaper online thane from a local dealer. However, you won't installation.

Does anyone know how difficult the installation is on these items? Obviously, there is nothing to Floormats, cargo mats, and a cargo net. However, is it difficult to install the security system, cruise control, or fog lights? I'd probably let the dealer do the rear spoiler. My hope is that since these are dealer installed options, the installation is extremely simple and everything is pre-wired. If anyone has any idea, I'd appreciate the information. If I can save some money on the options, the Scion xA will look like a better deal.

Also, does anyone know whether Scion ever offers any rebates? I didn't figure Toyota did often, but they are right now.

 

I've personally installed the Scion Security into my xA and it wasn't difficult at all. The instruction Toyota provides with the Scion accessories are great. They list every tool you will need, plus they include a secion to test your installation to make sure it is done correctly.

On a scale of 1-10 the Scion Security comes in at a 4.5. It took me a better part of an afternoon to do mainly because the main wiring harness is almost 7 feet long and there are a lot of tight spaces to work in. Getting the Scion Security through Sparks was a smart thing to do since it saved me close to 300 over the factory price.

All of the factory options are quite easy to install. And I usually find that installing things myself not only will save a bundle of money, they offer a challenge and you get to know the inner workings of your car a lot better. :D

 

If you dont know how to do installs look up your local Scion owner group and most likely they can help ya out. I know here in SD I've seen installs like TV's and foglights being put on in a couple hours at the meets. Don't forget the tech section on here, has lots of how-to's. Get a manual xA if u can, much more fun 2 drive, like a go-cart.

 

If you are you a recent college graduate or are about to graduate college, you could qualify for a $400 rebate towards the purchase of a new Scion just for receiving that hard-earned diploma.

To qualify for the Scion Solutions College Graduate Finance Program, you must meet the following criteria:

Proof that you have graduated from an accredited four-year college, university, or registered nursing degree program during the last two years or will graduate from such a school/ program within the next six months, or
Proof that you have graduated from an accredited two-year college during the last two years, or
Proof that you are enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program or have received a degree from an accredited graduate degree program during the last two years.


hope that answer you question also remember scions are pure price ( it is, what it is nothing less)

 

Thanks for the information.

I found the installation instruction .PDFs for the security system, cruise control, and foglights.

The security system is alot of steps and alot of wiring hookups. It doesn't look like any particular step is difficult, but it is pretty big job.

The fog lights look extremely easy.

Unfortunately, I don't qualify for the college graduate rebate. I got my masters in 2000, and I think that was too long ago.

Thanks

 

Get it all aftermarket....and enjoy learning your new toy!