I've had my xA for four days and today I had the chance to drive it 96 miles (one way) from Chester Springs, PA to Metuchen, NJ to have lunch with my buddy and his wife. The only performance mod I have on it is an AEM CAI. My cruising speeds were between 65-85 MPH. Keeping in mind that I'm accustomed to driving a 210 hp Eagle Talon and a 175 hp VW Jetta in the past, I actually didn't mind the lesser horsepower of the xA (but it was noticable). What I found more noticable than the horsepower was the cabin noise level at around 80 MPH...with my Pioneer 6 CD changer set to Hear, I had to turn up the volume above 20 to listen to my music. All in all I am still pleased with my purchase and happy with the xA's performance. Passing other traffic on the turnpike was effortless. I'm an aggressive driver who learned to drive on the I-495 Capitol Beltway around MD, VA & DC, and the xA was able to keep up with my demands from it....it does what I need it to do. Above all else, even after considering the cabin noise level, the driving experience was, in my opinion, FUN! :D

 

I agree. . . it is rather loud (not as loud as my girlfriends 98 Corolla VE auto 3spd, yes 3spd). But this car makes up for it with good pickup for the price. I'm assuming you have the 5spd due to your driving style, but I know that with my 5spd, the high RPMs are liveable, as it ensures that I never have to shift out of 5th on the highway. . .there is more than adequate power available immediately. Efficiency is great too, considering the engine speed. . . my mileage is still great, so no complaints from me. I only wish cabin noise was a tad bit less at that speed.

 

I have the same issue. I notice the noise level with the AEM CAI around 70 mph. It has a low buzzing sound. I guess I will get used to it. I don't always notice it depending on the road surface. But it's definitely there. Below that speed I don't really hear it. Does anyone have that sound without the CAI?

John A

 

The had the buzzing before and after an intake (I don't have the AEM). I think the buzzing is coming from the engine itself, not the intake making noise. Intake noise usually sounds like a deep, sucking sound. Kinda like "wuaaaaah." Your intake shouldn't make noise unless you are giving it a good amount of gas.

 

I was out in my xA RS on Saturday on 295. Traffic was going pretty fast and I was cruising around 75mph. There is a lot of road and wind noise. It seems to like 60 best. Anything above that and it get noisey.

 

a little dynamat (or other brand) should help quiet things a bit...did wonders for the box.....

 

Sid, yes, I do have the 5spd.
Keith, yes, I agree that the car likes 60 MPH best.
The noise, though noticable, is something I can get used to.

 

hahaha, my name is Sid too!

 

The wind noise I get seems to be coming from the rubber seals between the door and the jam... think there's way to stiffen up that seal or something? it's kind of anoying because I do 125 miles a day on the freeway at 80mph 5 days a week. Other than that, I F'in love my Xa!!!

 

yeah. . . join the club. . . oh wait you did. . . you joined scion life :-p, These cars are soo cool.

 

i just turn up the music........

 

BRILLIANT!!! (I do that too )