It looks like to me from the accessories brochure that the steering wheel is slightly different for the 2006.5 xBs with steering wheel audio controls. I'm about to order a xB and would like the silver leather wheel option, but the dealer wants about $330 for it. Anyone know if you can buy the leather wheel option aftermarket from anywhere? I've checked Ebay but all the factory style wheels I see there are the ones before the steering wheel controls. I've checked a few of the Scion parts vendors, but I didn't see one at the sites I checked. If anyone knows where I can get one and about what the aftermarket price is, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

I think before I spent $330 on a factory steering wheel with leather I would be checking into a "half wrap" billet steering wheel.

 

It's more that I want to retain the steering wheel audio controls and have a leather wrapped wheel. I know you can swap out the pre-2006.5 steering wheels for the factory leather ones for about $200 off Ebay, so I just wanted to know if you could with the 2006.5 ones. I have fairly big hands so a thicker steering wheel is more comfortable to me but I didn't want an aftermarket one at the expense of losing the audio controls.

Drel

 

illegal tho , and less safe....

 

You could get a wheelskins leather wrap for the factory wheel. Same feel as a factory leather wrap if you're careful when you stitch it on, comes in many many colors, and is only about $50. I plan to do this to mine.

 

If I was that concerned about legality, I wouldn't do half the stuff to my vehicles that I do.

But I understand your point. It isn't for everyone.

 

True dat!!! We all do what we want because its our own box, and opionions should be left unsaid unless they're praises....

 

I'd considered going the Wheelskins route but I didn't know how good the quality was or how difficult they were to stitch up. They look to be pretty nice. My main concern was, since I ordered the leather seats that you can get from Southeast Toyota dealerships, that the steering wheel match them in color. When I looked at the Wheelskins available on one of the aftermarket Scion parts sites, the closest color I saw to what I need was grey, but the SET leather option is silver and black. The Scion wheel is listed as silver in color on the website and you can see it in the brochure at https://www.scionlife.com/tech/mags/...7/vol7_035.jpg. The Scion ones they sell on Ebay are listed as grey and look darker to me. I could probably get the Wheelskins in just a solid black color though instead of trying the two-tone. If I did that, I could have the dealer either take leather wheel off my order or I could get something else like the auto dimming mirror or maybe some of the other options available. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

The wheels are black with two silver bars on the connecting spaces. The wheelskin doesn't cover up these places, so a simple black skin should do it.

I'd do the wheelskins. They're very good quality, you'll save the installation fee on a new steering wheel, and they're easy to do.

I'd describe the scion steering wheel as pretty close to black in color.

http://www.eautoworks.com/html/ORD-1-1-1-22704.cfm lists the solid black one at about $33 plus shipping- 10% the cost of a new steering wheel.

 

I'd say wheel skins...

 

I can't help on the color, but the quality is top-notch and the looks are as good as you are gonna get with a wrap. I have had mine for several months now.

Stitching is a tedious task, but it's not tough at all, it just takes some time.

 

I absolutely do not agree that opinions should be kept to ourselves unless they are praises. If we are only allowed to share our opinion when we agree with something then what good is our opinion.

If I don't like something, you better know that I am not going to hesitate to voice my opinion.

 

Thanks for all the tips! I believe I'll just go with the Wheelskin then and let the dealer know to take the factory leather wheel off my order. I'll take the money I save and put it towards a set of wheels or some other goodies for the xB.

Drel

 

the extra $250 is definitely better spent on something like a new set of tires!

good choice. Good luck with your new box!

 

When it comes to steering wheels and removing air bags, well then I have to say this discussion has been had many times before, about anything else well yea I have to agree voice your opinion, I should have been more specific, thats my bad I just feel everyone jumps down your throat when you talk about removing the airbag, its not our car we should care if its illegal.....

 

Yeah, that's why I was considering just paying the dealer since they'ed be on the hook to install it. I was concerned about anything that would mess with the airbag. But thanks to the great feedback here about the quality of the Wheelskins, I called the dealer today to place my deposit and also to tell him to just order it with the normal wheel. Looks like my first mods might be the Wheelskin and some type of amp/sub combo to round out the bass response. Now I just need to figure out if I want to do the rear sub that mounts in the rear right side storage bin, or try the box that goes under the passenger seat.

Not to intentionally deviate off topic, but any recommendations for a sub/amp combo sizing for listening to classic rock, modern rock, and a little hard rock? I'm into more of a solid punch type bass than boom. I very seldom listen to anything with boom. Prefer audio quality over volume level. Looking for something single sub with the least loss of storage capacity. Figuring anywhere from $250 to $350 in the investment range.

Drel

 

It's the same steering wheel form a tC. They obviously match. Why not do one from a Celica or Corolla XRS?

 

I'd go with a 10" or 8" they are a lot tighter bass and sounds a lot better with rock. I have a 12" and it sounds horrible for anything except boom. I'd personally go with either, as long as the box is designed for the subwoofer (air space in box = optimal for the speaker) Just my .02 Good luck...