My youngest son just went off to college and I'm left in the house with my wife all by ourselves. We are looking for a small car that we can bring enough stuff to go on somewhat long trips to our son's baseball games. I'm really interested in getting the Scion xA, but i need some opinions before i decide to get it. I have also been looking closely at the GTI. Here is a link to the exact cars i am choosing between: http://vlane.com/comparison/3711

 

Honestly, go drive each.

I love my xA, but I'd love to have a GTI.

However, what I'd gain in power and performance with the GTI, I also gain with the xA in reliability, fuel economy, cheap parts, easy maintenance, and cheaper insurance.

It all comes down to what you're willing to pay in the long haul. VWs always have been less reliable and more expensive to repair. They've made strides towards increasing their reliability as of late, but aside from my mods, I've done nothing but change the oil/filter, spark plugs, gearbox oil, and adjust the rear brakes over the last 35k miles.

I'm just getting around to replacing the brakes on all 4 corners tomorrow.

Oh, and I'm hanging right with my friend and his GTI in autocross, if you plan on doing any modifications to the suspension.

 

Dang Zack, look at all those cones you knocked down......


I would agree that if you can find an xA consider the reliability of each car. Toyotas seem to be the better choice, but the GTI will have more rear seat room. The xA will probably give you better mileage, but the GTI is quicker, so do you carry a lot of stuff to the games or are you late headed out to them? heheheh

I will admit, I am an old VW guy, but I wouldn't get rid of my xA on my own free will.

 

Like they said, it all matters how much you want to pay. The VolksWagon probably be a lot more fun to drive if you're the kind of person that likes to race a little, but VolksWagon... bad reliability. Check this site out, http://www.myvwlemon.com/ then go to the message boards.

 

Honestly, they are in two completely different classes of vehicle.

From a financial standpoint, the xA win's hands down. It costs nearly half of what the GTI does. You only need 87 instead of 93 octane. Cheaper insurance, cheaper parts and maintenance, and better gas mileage.

From a driving standpoint, the GTI is fantastic. It had great dynamics, great steering feel, the 2.0T FSI engine is wonderful with plenty of power and torque, the DSG system is fantastic, the interior is great.

This is not to say that I don't love my modified xA. The car is a lot of fun and very tossable. I have 58k miles on it and it's been dead on reliable. I think I'll need some brak e pads soon and possibly a clutch, but I hope not.

I was actually in your dilemma, as I was thinking of trading in my xA for a GTI. But I don't think I can justify it yet, as financially the xA wins out and I'm not dying to get rid of it. But, I'll also be a grad student soon so money is important.

 

easy. if i had the money id have a GTI easily over the xA