Hi, so I'm brand spanking new here, and it seems way over my head as far as most of the talk goes. Planning on ordering my 06 XB on Tuesday and I have just some basic questions. Here's info on me. I live in Los Angeles. I have no plans to race this car. I drive alot on both the streets and the freeway. I like to drive at least 85 and weave through traffic passing cars when possible, but that's about the extent of my "daredevilness". I've always had sedans, so driving an XB is new to me. I want to know if I need a sway bar and a tie bar. (Both? Just one? Not at all?) I would like to get everything I need for the car at once, on delivery, so I would most likely get the TRD stuff. I'm interested in solid handling for the kind of driving I do, but don't want to waste my money on stuff I don't need. Any advice in this area would be most appreciated.

I wouldnt get an xB if youre planning on driving 85 mph all the time. Its takes longer to get to that speed than it does to make a Hot Pocket.

Either way, I would suggest getting stuff aftermarket since TRD stuff is overpriced through the dealers.

well I don't plan on driving 85 all the time. It's rare the opportunity comes up to do that on the freeway in LA. What I want to know is do I need the extra stuff at all for the kind of driving I do? Is the rear sway bar worth it and necessary for regular driving?

simply put, no.
those only make a difference if you drive through winding roads. seeing as how you are in LA, i'm assuming that most of your driving will be straightforward and nothing that will warrant suspension upgrades. the xB is a fine city car, and it does alright on the highways in stock form i guess.
also, weaving through traffic at 85 is not something highly suggested, especially with the box.

thanks for the info! I do wind throught the hollywood hills and the canyons which can be a bit steep, to visit friends sometimes but other than that it is pretty straightforward. good to know I can save some money!

So you openly admit that you drive like a retard? (AkA, "weaving through cars on the freeway") Not only am I embarrased to drive the same car as you, but I think I might upgrade my motorcycle insurance to include certified idiot coverage. My advice is: Save your money, and sit patiently in traffic like everyone else.

If that's the way you plan to drive--with all due respect, PLEASE, buy a Honda.

if thats what floats your boat go for it... i drive about 80 on the freeway and most times dont realize it ? but i dont swerve i just stay in the far left mainly

I noticed a much better handling in corners after getting my front strut bar and having the car lowered. The front strut bar is a fairly cheap mod and is a simple bolt on. It certainly will not hurt your handling ability. Those who do not drive in LA don't realize it is a necessity to weave in and out of traffic at 85 in order to get around the out of staters doing 55 in the fast lane-----Just Kidding..........

everytime i go to LA seems like 85mph is the speed limit

Thanks for stickin' up for us Dave. I feel like I'm playing frogger sometimes, just avoiding the idiots

Springs, Strut Bar and if you want a little more sitffness rear sway bar. But anything after that if for weekend racers.

does anyone know if springs from an '04/'05 xA/xB will fit on an '06 xA?

yes the chassis is the same, just a few exterior body work changes, its the only difference. (that i am aware of)