Not sure where I should post this, but I'm in the market for another car. Right now, I own a 2000 Ford Focus ZTS (5-speed manual) that I love to drive, but it's turning out to be an unreliable heap. Granted, I did buy the car with 140K (in may of last year) and I'm now up to 10K. In 10K, I have averaged around $200 a month in repairs.


I've replaced the:

- Struts, shocks and springs; $350 (upgraded to SVT Focus spec, though)

- Brake shoes and parking brake line (which ended up breaking again); $400

- Wheel bearing; $300, and a mechanic screwed it up in a such a fashion that now my brakes act screwy

- Wheels and tires - $300; I had TWO lug studs break off and ruin a wheel.


And it still needs

- Timing belt, water pump - at least $450

- Clutch (in the near future) - at least $500

- CV joints (front halfshafts) - $375 quoted for the repair

- possible heater fan, it occationally decides to cut in and out


Anyways, I have a budget of around $8000, and most of the cars are crapola (Cobalt, Aveo) too undesirable (Accent/Rio) or too old (Civic). However, I noticed that the Scions seem to be right in this price range, especially the xA. I drove an xA, and I fell in love. It's not as good to drive as the Focus, but it's entertaining in it's own right. And the one I drove had reasonable miles and was 2K under budget, before any negotiating.

However, I want to know, should I consider the xB, too? I've been inside a few xB's, and they're super roomy, but I get the gist that the xA is better to drive. xB's are also more expensive. I'd be happy with either one, but will I be missing out if I go for one over the other?


Also, anything I should be worried about with these cars? I need something reliable and good on gas for school and work.

And what about cruise control? I really, really, really, really like it on my Focus.

 

i love my xa ive put 142000 on mine just put a new clutch in you can find them with cruise i dont have it but great mpg and plenty of mods

 

I keep reading that cruise was never an option from the factory.

 

no its not very true but they sell the kit on ebay for around 200 the only problem is that when im in my xa since i dont have cruise ive gotten around 10 tickets it kinda makes ya wanna go fast

 

the xA is small, not much room, doesn't really have much power. it is fun to drive though if you upgrade suspension. it's also fun, easy, and cheap to fix up.

 

I have a 2004 xB + wife 2005 xA. If you follow the posts on ScionLife, both are very reliable vehicles with high mileage + both have the same small 1.5L engine/108 HP and great on gas.

You should to pick what is best on your wallet to get to point A to point B. If ya don't need a cargo space + ya fit comfortable in the driver seat. I would say xA. You'll get slightly more MPG when traveling, saving on gas + save more $$ on your purchase = better value . Excellent for that small parking spot.
Good Luck...........

 

It looks like everything you've done to the focus is just standard maintenance for a 140k mile car.

 

I suppose, but I'd rather pay out cash on a newer car that's far less likely to break, than an older car that keeps breaking.



Keep in mind I've only had this car since May. It's like they handed me the keys and everything decided to break. I'm just tired of paying out lots of money for things that break and seem to never be fixed properly. :/ I should have just financed something nicer from the get-go. I considered doing it when I was about to buy my Focus, but I decided against it. I'd rather sell it before I end up running it into the ground and there's no value left in the car. I mean, my parking brake on the Focus is not working, and I left it on a hill in gear. I came out, only to discover the car had moved a few mm's and I could visually see it jump backwards as I put my hand on the door. The clutch job is actually closer to $1000, and replacing that just doesn't seem worth while. I'd rather dump it now before it becomes a (bigger) headache later.



---------------------------

Thanks for the information, guys. I really am leaning towards the xA, but the xB is fighting hard for my attention. Mostly because of the interior room and the exterior styling. But the xA is cheap, and I've heard it's the better of the two to drive (I've driven an xA but not an xB)

 

Update: I drove an xB, and it's not as sharp as the xA. It's also more expensive, and most of them have more miles than the xA.



I think I like the xA more.

 

the xA is fun to drive on local streets. it's like a go-cart. add a rear sway bar, upgrade the front end links to energy suspension, 15 inch wheels , fat tires, and you're set. the xa doesn't get much power going up hills thoughs =[ i wish it did i hate having to change lanes to the right cuz everyone is always passing me haha.

 

put a header on it. you wont have to get get over anymore. go for the air cai and exhaust too. It will feel mo better. then your really set.

 

i do have all 3. it's not really worth it, could have gotten coilovers instead. it's still an xA, it's not going to burn anyone. going up hills on the freeway, i'll hit up to 60 and it will remain constant. there's heavy resistance on the pedal. the only way to gain speed is to floor it or turn off overdrive. i usually turn off overdrive at the bottom of the hill and turn it on once im near the top.

 

I have a stick. I may work the hills different. I agree, going up hill is a drag. down hill is mo better.
I have a xA and xB. The xA does better going up hill.
I have Koni yellow on both. That's fun without spending $$$$ on coilovers.

 

cai exauhst sweet up ill likee a jet down hill lol

 

Ugh, looking for another car.


Found an '06 xA with 57K, 5MT. Guy asking $7500.


I also found an '07 Yaris 5MT for $7700....


That xA price needs to come wayyy down.



Which would YOU guys go for?

 

the xA and xB are nearly identical fraternal twins. the obvious thing is the xB is bigger and more useful, but has a higher center of gravity and gets VSC. the xA is pretty much a Toyota Echo hatch back, but looks much better.

 

Thanks for your help guys, but it looks like I'm getting a 2007 Yaris S Sedan. It has all the options, and it's cheaper than the xA and xB. (6700).


The xB is too overpriced, and I couldn't find an xA near me for cheap enough.

 

Try to get a carfax report, see if it was in any accidents or floods.

good luck.......

 

yeah, especially cars that come out of the southern states with less stringent salvage title laws.

 

remember to look for low mileage. I think you should try to drop enough coins into getting a xb. It's more money. but more car too. It has traction control. I think thats a great option. Moreover it's a unique car.