I am a new driver and hoping to get maybe a used Scion, and wondering if you guys recommend an xA or an xB. I know both get good gas mileage and good value, since I am a new driver and don't want to spend alot of money on gas.
If you have any comments, please post them.

P.S.- Please don't say tC, even though it's a great car, I am looking for something that would help keep the insurance price down, since I am 16.

 

Feedback please.

 

I'm rather partial to an xA since I own one so I voted for the xA. You can fetch a used xA for about 9500, which is only three thousand less than a new one will run. Performance and fuel economy is the pretty much the same as an xB however the xA will probably be cheaper for you to insure since it is a smaller car.

I strongly urge you to test drive both vehicles and see which one feels better for you. The xB is huge on the inside (primarily since it is a larger vehicle) and the xA has a very cozy/comfy feel since it is a little smaller.

I absolutely love my xA. Even more so since it is an RS2. If you were to ask me a month ago what my opinion was of the xB I would have said I'm not so keen on it. But actually having been in one and having the chance to fiddle with one while I was waiting for the financing to be completed on the xA. I'm totally in love with the xB and I was very impressed with the quality and ergonomics of it.

Toyota has created an excellent product and they just keep getting better.

 

This thread can be extremely pointless due to the fact that I bet who owns an xB will vote for that and vice versa. Plus i think this has been done already. Just my 2 cents.

 

not necessarily, because he took the tC out of the mix we tC owners can chime in....i'd say get the aX. slightly lower resale, cheaper insurance, slightly better mileage, less "look at me officer", and still fun to modify. i'd go aX. love that car.

on the other hand, all scions are high on the "geek" factor and the aX is on the top of that list. so weigh it out.

 

my insurance on my xA was a little highre cuz the put it as a hatchback, and the xB was considered a wagon. but my payments were cheaper, so it evened out. i say go with which one you like better

 

You're asking in the "xA" forum.

*taps foot*

 

all things pretty much equal mechanically/feature wise, it boils down to gas mileage (xA) and cargo space (xB)...

i liked having the extra space, so i went with the xB...

 

I love my xB alot more room inside, but both the xA/xB have alot of aftermarket items to customize to your own liking.

 

I have both, so I'll try to give you an objective opinion. Each car has it's strong points and weak points.

xA good points: Fun to drive. It's lighter, so it makes better use of the 108 HP. Great gas milage and very easy to manuver and park. Cool styling yet it's a little more subtle. That can be an advantage sometimes. The other day we drove into Baltimore to see an O's game. Parking around there isn't always "safe" so I didn't want to take the solar yellow xB because that car just screams, "HEY EVERYBODY....LOOK AT ME!!!!"

xA weak points: Can be a little too small for some things. Most of the time, it's plenty of room, but if you will regularly have people in the back seat, it may not be the best choice.

xB good points: Very cool styling. TONS of interior space. Nice comfortable ride. Pretty good gas milage.

xB weak points: Can seem very underpowered sometimes. Very unique styling can draw unwanted attention (see xA good points above).

If someone would force me to get rid of one and keep one, I'd have a hard time choosing. If it's mostly just you, get the xA. If you expect to haul around 2 or 3 friends alot, get the xB.

 

So after your hard time of choosing, what would you keep?

 

LOL...for me personally? I'd have to say the xA. I had it first and I just love that little car.

 

Believe it or not people aren't going to steal a car that sticks out like a sore thumb becaue if you realize it is stolen you tell the cops it is a bright yellow BOX! not to mention it isn't fast enough to run and it is yellow. They would be more likely to steal a very common car that is not a bright color. So if anything the yellow xB is the safest.

Something else funny is the votes so far how more are the xA than xB and yet when I bought my box at the dealer he said they sell 4 xB's to every 1 xA...

 

I'd vote the xA, I vaugely remember when I was 16, your 1st car needs to be safe yet small, you need to be able to get it out of some of the trouble a new driver will get it in to. An xA is not as top heavy IMO...

 

If you are looking for good, solid, basic transportation, either the xA or xB is a reasonable choice.

They both have the same running gear and chassis (the xB with stiffer springs), and both do extremely vell around town.

The xA is a better freeway cruiser due to MUCH better aerodynamics and less choppy ride (springs, again).

The xB MPG suffers due to it's shape at higher speeds...


The xA will likely also cost you a bit less...

Get the xA unless one of the following applies:

(1) You need more space than the xA provides
(2) You absolutely love the looks of the xB

(For me, both 1 and 2 applied. :D )

 

xb more room....

gmc yokun xl....

 

Get both. You can't have eggs without toast

 

i sold an xb to a coworker's daughter 6 months ago and am now on the waiting list for an '06 xa. i have the best of both worlds

 

What are the differences in the 06? I am thinking of getting an xA. Should I hold out till the 06s come out?

 

In all honesty, coming from a Scion'tist who has owned both an xB and an xA, I can definitely say I enjoy the xA much more. It seems a bit peppier, better gas mileage, better aerodynamics, lighter... I'm glad I made the switch.