I'll echo all the comments about rattling, especially when stopped with the brakes on and in gear, and the lack of power. I haven't noticed any tire problems, but then maybe I don't drive like you guys. ;-)

I also agree with the wind/road noise issue, especially at high speed. I haven't noticed torque steer, but again, I generally don't punch it when the light turns green...

There's a factory armrest accessory available, though not having an armrest never bothered me. And I think the stock audio system, speakers included, is very good--for a stock system. Having MP3 capability is nice, too. If you really want to crank it up, then yes, the bass is a bit weak and distortion does creep in at higher volume.

I guess handling grip could be better--I did get the car onto two wheels for a moment once when exiting an interstate a bit too fast, but I wouldn't have thought fast enough to roll the car (40-45 mph in a 25 mph exit ramp).

What else... I also hate my dealer-installed aftermarket cruise control. The stalk is ugly and counterintuitive to use, gets in the way of my left leg, and doesn't have any illumination at night (except for the green "on" LED). An illuminated factory stalk or, better, steering wheel-mounted cruise control controls would be great. (Does the '06 fix this?)

I guess that's about it. I love the car for in-town driving. The ride is a bit harsh, but it handles reasonably well. The seats are about the most comfortable I've sat in (comfortable as in supportive, not "cushy"). Visibility is very good.

Oh, almost forgot. I don't like that the A/C vents on the dashboard can't be adjusted/closed, only redirected. (Or is there something I'm missing?)

That's my $0.04 worth.

It would've been nice if the speedometer console were angled toward the driver like the echo, but I'll get used to it. I agree that the oven light should be on a switch. I love the auto-dimming mirror.

I drive people around a lot for work, and when they have luggage it'd be handy to not have to get out to open the trunk for them. Hmmm... i haven't gotten my "Thumper" auto xa FM yet, but i can't wait!! just a little over two weeks

My minor complaints:

Should have come with remote keyless entry.

What's with 3 different length wiper blades?

i got this car after driving around in a focus hatch for about a year. im partial to hatchbacks and i must say that this is this one of the most stylish hatches on the road. one thing i miss from my focus is a function on the factory radio. on the focus you can turn the radio on for an hour with putting the key in the ignition. that way if you were detailing your car you didnt have that annoying key remider bell ringing

i dont like that its winter and i aint drivin it

no factory cruise
and i cracked my bumper
Looking for a oem front bimper for a 2006 flint mica if anyone has one

I can understand why you might think that, but that isn't how it works in reality. There is much more involved in lateral grip and handling than just gravity. Suspension dynamics, weight distribution and lots of other little physics issues come into play.

According to your theory a 2000 lb Lotus Elise wouldn't handle as good as a Hummer with the same tires and the Elise is easily one of the top 3 production cars in the world as far as handling is concerned. Hummers on the other hand are goofy handling overweight beasts no matter what tire and wheel package you put on them. Weight is not generally considered a good thing in sportscars. Luxury cars perhaps, but not sportscars.

A lot of rattles all over the car..

I really like my xA, but it isn't perfect.
Sometimes I wish I had a dome light for the back seat too (or maybe pillar lights?).

Gas Mileage isnt even close to sticker specs, and i dont just dislike that i hate it to the point i am really disappointed i bought it

I agree somewhat with the previous post....My MPG is at about 35 in town,but that is all I drive..in Town(I am happy with this)but....This car is slow,noisy,suspension is horrid,rattles seem to pop up whenever,go away,then come back just to ____ you off. The front and rear windows all have a rattle when they are down even the slightest(the windsheild and hatch ratlle as well),did I mention the noise? The "black" interior was awesome at first....not so cool that I need to clean it everyday,I have cats and their hair seems to hitch a ride with me everyday to my interior(not to mention I smoke,ashes on the dash and interior really stand out and the lack of a real ashtray with a light???The "oven" is a joke,I would rather have a "useful" light(like I am really that quick to open my door,jump in,close the door,then be able to have a use for the timed light in there?I am very sad that I bought this car but there is pretty much no way out as of now,I have a loan through Toyota. I am not saying this is a bad car,but,if you drove it as much as I have in such a short period of time,I think you would feel the same as me.17k in 6 months....no highway...well, maybe 500 miles highway.

Im getting 25-28 mostly highway
This past weekend i did this
I went to gas station
Topped off fuel tank #2 pump
Came back to same pump topped off after driveing
1/2 mile to highway drove 20 miles 60 mph
turned around 1/2 mile to gas station what did i get?

43.7 -1.525 gallons of gas = 28.6 mpg WTF!!! WTMF HELL kinda Shiite Is THAT?!!!!

GrantR said
Mine too THANKS GRANTR!!!!!!!
Mine sounds much better now

The rear view mirror is HUGE in the 2006 xA. I'm 5'11" and it seems to take up a very large portion of my viewing area out the front window.

How long does it take to get use to the guages in the middle?

Now, keep in mind: I just drove it from the dealer this morning to work brand spankin' new.....

Give it all time... Before you know it all these things will seem natural and other vehicles will become "abnormal" to you!

I've had mine for almost 3 weeks now, only driven about 400 miles I think. Here's what I think could be improved.

- Variable intermittent wipers, including the rear window.
- Trunk release. I can't tell you how many times I've walked out of the grocery store with bags in both hands and wished I could pop the trunk with my alarm remote. Sure, you can find trunk poppers for cheap (if you consider $40 cheap), but it should have been standard.
- Bigger glove box. It barely fits my owner's book and flashlight.


Other than that, I love my xA. Some things bother me a little especially when I'm in a bad mood, like the rattle from the back somewhere and the lack of illumination on the mirror/light controls. But I'll fix those myself. I'm also planning on adding some accent lighting as well, that will be an easy mod.

Haven't taken delivery of my xA just yet (I pick it up tomorrow), but I just wish that it wouldn't sit as high...I am probably going to invest in springs to lower it. In addition, with some many other options standard on the car, I think that the auto dimming mirror, and an alarm ought to be standard...at the very least the alarm w/ keyless entry should be standard. Also there is really no reason to have the speedometer moved to the center of the car...it should be by the steering wheel. Other than that...the car is awesome...its very different from all the rest that is out there, and I like that. The mpg doesn't hurt either (I am not an environmentalist or anything...in fact they are the reason why gas prices keep going up with all of the restrictions that they want every year).
Scion did a good job with the 2006 xA. :D

I totally agree,but the speedometer is just fine where it's at... drive it and look down where the speedo "should" be then tell me different. I liked the placement better the first time I drove my xA(one of the few things I like about this car now though).

OOPs
1500 miles and the engine is stalling and sputtering at stop signs WTF