get koni yellows fixes the ride , change the tires , add sound dampening removes the noise , torque? this motor has class wining torque for the size of motor.


intake , header , exhaust


total cost for all of the above mods , less than 2,000

 

I am still happy with mine, after a couple of weeks and a short road trip. I do think I need to do something about the bouncyness of the ride...springs and shocks were mentioned on here...I may go with that. Of course I'm thinking of lowering, adding tint, and doing the wheels, but I do not want too much of a low profile tire, for a decent ride. I will continue to peruse for more info...

 

Gee, the car is only ~$16K brand new. My motorcyle cost that much.

For the money the box is wonderful. I am surprised by the value. I expect a car that cost $16K with a 100HP motor to be slow, a bit loud ,and a bit bumpy.

Just my opinion.

 

I read all three pages because I was curious about the "second thoughts". I have only test driven the XB for now but I plan on picking one up so I'm still in Scion Training.

I have some ideas on how to improve the overall driving experience.

1) Ride quality. If you are interested in having a super smooth ride - has anyone tried the Tein SS coilovers? They have 16 steps of adjusting the dampening to let you have a ride like a floaty caddy at full soft or at full firm, it will feel like a little go kart. I have the Tein CS on my lexus gs300 and it offers a good mix of sport and comfort.

2) The RAAMAT is pretty good stuff - I have my trunk layered with it and plan on doing the gas tank below the rear seats. Don't forget the doors. As far as getting the undercarriage sprayed - has anyone tried those bed lining sprays that people usually get for their trunk beds? Perhaps that will help lessen the internal noise.

3) Aerospace 303. This stuff works wonders on rubber trim. Quite a few of the lexus guys on clublexus.com use it on the rubber seals along the doors and windows. It basically makes the rubber more supple and expands it slightly, thus a tighter seal. You can pick up a bottle at Ace Hardware for $15.

4) Michelin tires. If you're more interested in comfort/low road noise, maybe splurge on a set of Michelin Destiny tires. For the stock size 185/60/15, they go for something like 100 bucks a tire. I just priced it out on discounttire.com and they have a 50 dollar mail in rebate so it will really cost you closer to 88 bucks a tire. This is great for a quiet tiire.

Just some thoughts...

 

i think i'm over maria. just put down the windows, crank up the bass and shut the hell up.

 

As I've already stated, I'm making the necessary adjustments to make my $15k econobox more comfortable for me.

Sound deadening and the Monroes are already at my house, hoping the springs arrive before next Friday. More parts ready to be ordered, just waiting for the money to arrive. (Early x-mas gift from my partner is the wheels I've been drooling over)

 

a few have mentioned buying some dampening material. WHERE?????

Gerald

 

If you want something like the xB, but with a smoother ride, more powerful engine, and a quieter cabin, get one of these:


They starts around $15,800. I'm sure you can get a decent trade in for your box.

If you have bad credit, you have no choice, but you know what, a car loan is one of the fastest way to build your credit, unless you have thousands of dollars that you refuse to pay... then that's another story.

I wouldn't put any money into a car that I know I do not want, something you might want to think about.

 

But Matrixes are fugly

 

Matrix

I like the xB and will be building it to my specifications.

 

The box isn't actually a Jessica Alba, a Tori Spelling is more like it.

 

If you're looking to blow big bucks on quiet tires, the Goodyear Comfortred is highly regarded. Not so much for performance, though.