Also guessing by your profile pix you're on stock springs... they are linear rate and terrible. Get Tein H-Techs or Tanabe NF210's and you'll see a HUGE diffeence in ride quality. You see them used on here for $100 all the time.

 

Obviously the xB would be a jerky ride on rough roads but on smooth roads, the xB is sooo silent.... i barely hear any road noise on smooth flat roads....

if you are considering getting something else, i reccommend either a used lexus or mercedes. They are pretty silent inside from the factory... it's amazing how quiet the interiors of lexus' are...
- sh00k

 

Dropping the money on the insulation today - work on the springs (H Techs) and struts (Monroes) within the next few months.

Some of the best money you will spend. Actually, instead of waiting to do it all, get the rear shocks and do them. Easily a one beer job and can be done without a jack.

I did front and rear monroes and H-Techs. Rides better for the turns and a HELL of a lot better on the bumps.

I still have to do the deadening but have to find the time.

 

I only just barely notice those things after driving my grandmother all day long in her Ford Crown Victoria.

I hope you find the car that fits your needs. But as mentioned before, it sounds like you do need a Buick, lol.

 

I couldn't think of any other new car in the price range that I'd rather have.

 

if you think your xb is bad... try getting in a crash and then have the the enterprise give you a KIA RIO for a month ull hear more than just road noise and everything els...

 

just wondering how u can compare the issues u have for a 15k car versus cars u may have had that rode smother, was quieter. these cars r not designed for all that. if they were, u would prolly end up paying around 20k base and then u prolly wouldnt have chosen a scion.

 

I like a little bit stiffer ride--to each his own. If you really don't like it, the resale value is great--you would not loose much if anything.

 

I think maria is a plant from jealous Honda dealership. Just sounds contrived. I have had my Camo xB since 2004 and just think it's the best.

Get back in your honda maria and leave us alone!

 

I never hear any road noise, just my exhaust!

 

I have to agree with the majority. I really don't notice the noise or a bumpy ride. I know that when I turn the "track" button off, the ride is a little smoother. Last but not least - whats wrong with blasting the music? Isn't that what its there for?

 

Well I did mention that I do NOT have the undercarriage treatment so I'm assuming that could be a difference between all our xBs. I just spoke to Rick at Raam Audio and ordered the following: 2 rolls of mat, 7 yds foam, 3 cans of adhesive. As soon as it arrives, I'll be installing it with a few friends.

Next is going to be H-techs and Monroes, haven't decided on front and rears on the Monroes but I have some time. For $135 shipped for the springs and it looks around $100 (forget where all I've found them) I can get rear monroes. I should mention that I did have a Honda Civic that was lowered and when I did go for lowering, I was extremely picky that the ride didn't get any "worse" so I definately know what I'm looking to achieve. I think my suspension decision will help me reach that.

Sticking with the xB. Good friend of mine (SuperFa) just said over the phone, take care of the quirks you dislike and then you can build it into what you want it to be. Thats the plan!!!

 

Sounds like a good plan, I wouldn't ditch my xb for some noise - there's endless posibilities. Where do you plan on putting the foam? I was thinking about covering my headliner with foam for audio acoustics! let us know how it turns out.

 

My intentions are to knock out the floor and hatch first. With whatever is left, Rick told me what I have should be plenty, all four doors. I wasn't sure about the roof with all the rain we get here in Florida but will keep my ears peeled after I get this first process done.

 

hey Maria- take pictures of the process if you would!..maybe a "how to" and list any potential things to do or avoid

 

That is one thing I DID notice, reduced hearing and all . . . . This xB is NOISY in bad weather! I'm not sure how much of it is increased road noise and how much from weather hitting the roof, but in rain and snow (yeah, like snow matters to you in FL ;^) it's significantly noisier than other vehicles I've driven.....

 

Snow doesn't matter down here

I grew up in North Dakota and I don't miss winters!!

I will definately be attempting to get pictures of the process and Raam Audio already provides a very nice instruction book. I'm hoping to get it all done in one day and I've already been told if will have to be a quick and efficient install. I'll charge up my batteries. Materials shipping today, I'm already anxious for there arrival.

Going to search out for prices on the h-techs and monroes this evening.

 

Having driven various cars for the past 25 years I have not noticed that the xB is any louder inside than most other cars that I've owned. The quietest car I've ever had was a Toyota Avalon. However, that's like comparing apples to oranges since the Avalon costs twice as much as the xB and is made to be a luxury vehicle as compared to an entry level economy car. The loudest cars I've had have been convertibles. My Honda S2000 was very loud inside since the convertible top had little to no padding.

Either way, may you find whatever makes you happy.

 

I have my box one week today. The noise is noticable, but I knew it was going to be that way when I put on performance tires, has for the ride I knew it was going to be hard also because of the tires and I lowered it. The one thing that I was was unsure about when buying the box was the lack of power. I didn't think it was going to be a big deal since the last car I had was a Chevy Venture, but I tell you, it really urkes me that I'm gonna have to dump money into it to get some more horses out of it. So right now I'm doing some research on what I can get. If anyone has any suggestions to boosting the power, it would be greatly appreciated

 

Im gonna throw my two cents in here.......get some VentShades! Wades in Channel VentShades did the trick on both of Boxes. Wind noise was just terrible........and opening the windows at speed meant being windswept each time. Hope it helps!