consider trading my car for a xB: questions
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consider trading my car for a xB: questions
Hello all
I've read some postings but have questions. I'm consider trading my 2k3 Altima SE for a xB. I have a few questions may be you guys can help me out
1. The hp rating is pretty low, will I have problem getting uphill while hauling 3 adults? I have to climb a steep hill to get to my house
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
5. What's the difference between the 2004 and 2005 model. Isn't the 05 a little more expensive than the 04?
6. I'm thinking of getting the base xB with foglights, any other mods that's worth considering?
Thanks in advance
David.
I've read some postings but have questions. I'm consider trading my 2k3 Altima SE for a xB. I have a few questions may be you guys can help me out
1. The hp rating is pretty low, will I have problem getting uphill while hauling 3 adults? I have to climb a steep hill to get to my house
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
5. What's the difference between the 2004 and 2005 model. Isn't the 05 a little more expensive than the 04?
6. I'm thinking of getting the base xB with foglights, any other mods that's worth considering?
Thanks in advance
David.
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Posts: 181
From: Tucson, AZ
Re: consider trading my car for a xB: questions
Originally Posted by wooish
Hello all
I've read some postings but have questions. I'm consider trading my 2k3 Altima SE for a xB. I have a few questions may be you guys can help me out
1. The hp rating is pretty low, will I have problem getting uphill while hauling 3
adults? I have to climb a steep hill to get to my house
I traded my 2k3 Matrix auto for a BCP xB Manual I haven't noticed the power difference yet, I have taken one of my more 'padded' friends out for a spin and he thought I was moving just as fast in the xB as I did in the 'Trix.
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
It's based on the Echo, so it should be just like most Toyotas.
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
I really don't think the noise is that bad, I drove down to Bisbee last weekend and hit some pretty rough roads along the way. And the highway noise wasn't bad at all.
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
Tru but I noticed that when I went to the Site the prices were for the '04 model
5. What's the difference between the 2004 and 2005 model. Isn't the 05 a little more expensive than the 04?
1k more? not bad.
6. I'm thinking of getting the base xB with foglights, any other mods that's worth considering?
I didn't get the foglights but I got the security system, the rear bumper applique, and alloy wheels.
Thanks in advance
David.
I've read some postings but have questions. I'm consider trading my 2k3 Altima SE for a xB. I have a few questions may be you guys can help me out
1. The hp rating is pretty low, will I have problem getting uphill while hauling 3
adults? I have to climb a steep hill to get to my house
I traded my 2k3 Matrix auto for a BCP xB Manual I haven't noticed the power difference yet, I have taken one of my more 'padded' friends out for a spin and he thought I was moving just as fast in the xB as I did in the 'Trix.
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
It's based on the Echo, so it should be just like most Toyotas.
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
I really don't think the noise is that bad, I drove down to Bisbee last weekend and hit some pretty rough roads along the way. And the highway noise wasn't bad at all.
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
Tru but I noticed that when I went to the Site the prices were for the '04 model
5. What's the difference between the 2004 and 2005 model. Isn't the 05 a little more expensive than the 04?
1k more? not bad.
6. I'm thinking of getting the base xB with foglights, any other mods that's worth considering?
I didn't get the foglights but I got the security system, the rear bumper applique, and alloy wheels.
Thanks in advance
David.
I just had a Injen Short Ram Air intake installed today, so I might see some difference in my driving habits just to hear the growl...
Tim
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,183
From: Southern Oregon
Re: consider trading my car for a xB: questions
Originally Posted by wooish
Hello all
I've read some postings but have questions. I'm consider trading my 2k3 Altima SE for a xB. I have a few questions may be you guys can help me out
1. The hp rating is pretty low, will I have problem getting uphill while hauling 3 adults? I have to climb a steep hill to get to my house
NO probs!, The only time I had a problem was when I was going 80MPH with the a/c on up a steep hill, and with 700 pounds of people/luggage...
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
Yes, very!
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
NO! my focus was worse!- car critics are used to driving a Lexus!
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
Ding, ding, ding!!-you got it!
5. What's the difference between the 2004 and 2005 model. Isn't the 05 a little more expensive than the 04?
yes, by like $30! and you wont find a new 04' anywere! differences are minor, radio, a/c upgrade, visors, and the suspension is tweaked ( front sus. has different part #'s than an 04'-dont know whats different)
6. I'm thinking of getting the base xB with foglights, any other mods that's worth considering?
Yes, Rear spoiler (changes to whole look of the rearend....), floor mats, and rear bumper protector...
Thanks in advance
David.
I've read some postings but have questions. I'm consider trading my 2k3 Altima SE for a xB. I have a few questions may be you guys can help me out
1. The hp rating is pretty low, will I have problem getting uphill while hauling 3 adults? I have to climb a steep hill to get to my house
NO probs!, The only time I had a problem was when I was going 80MPH with the a/c on up a steep hill, and with 700 pounds of people/luggage...
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
Yes, very!
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
NO! my focus was worse!- car critics are used to driving a Lexus!
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
Ding, ding, ding!!-you got it!
5. What's the difference between the 2004 and 2005 model. Isn't the 05 a little more expensive than the 04?
yes, by like $30! and you wont find a new 04' anywere! differences are minor, radio, a/c upgrade, visors, and the suspension is tweaked ( front sus. has different part #'s than an 04'-dont know whats different)
6. I'm thinking of getting the base xB with foglights, any other mods that's worth considering?
Yes, Rear spoiler (changes to whole look of the rearend....), floor mats, and rear bumper protector...
Thanks in advance
David.
Senior Member
SL Member
Team ScioNRG
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 282
From: Jersey Shore
dont get anything extra the dealership has to offer,you will pay them double for the same thing you can get online,and as for power it is not a sports car,but i will tell you this ,i traded in my ford f-150 at the end of the lease and bought a xb-i like it better than my truck and my explorer,as for quality toyota makes it ,very reliable,this is my first foreign car,i love it,i think the power could be more ,but this car is for cruising,not going fast,i still keep up with other cars on the hwy just fine
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 100
Re: consider trading my car for a xB: questions
Originally Posted by wooish
Hello all
I've read some postings but have questions. I'm consider trading my 2k3 Altima SE for a xB. I have a few questions may be you guys can help me out
1. The hp rating is pretty low, will I have problem getting uphill while hauling 3 adults? I have to climb a steep hill to get to my house
** The weight of the car is relatively low, so even though it's no racer, it is actually surprisingly peppy. Carrying three full-sized adults and luggages is no problem up a hill, if you're in the right gear. Which isn't so hard to be in with the smooth gear box.
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
** Not only is the engine (and frame?) based on the tried-and-true Echo, the Scion has been around for several years in Japan as the bB. Great reliability.
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
** No worse than my WRX. Actually, a little better than my WRX, and the wind noise is even less noticable than my WRX.
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
** Right.
5. What's the difference between the 2004 and 2005 model. Isn't the 05 a little more expensive than the 04?
** I hear that the only single difference is that the 2005 model has one extra item over the 2004: A little mirror on the passenger's visor.
6. I'm thinking of getting the base xB with foglights, any other mods that's worth considering?
** The only thing that I got extra from Toyota is the TRD Quickshifter, which I really like (I installed it after driving with the stock shifter for about a month, and I can tell a significant difference). However, you should shop around for an after-market brand that might have even a shorter throw. Other worthwhile mods include suspensions and wheel sets, and then exhaust cat-back or axle-back. I wouldn't worry too much about performance upgrade unless you're going *****-out (engine-swaps, bolt-on supercharger, etc.).
Basically, it is a car that you can mod a lot without affecting its reliability. That's why I sold my WRX, got a lot of money back, and spent some of it on a brand new xB with some mods, and still have money left over to put toward a down payment on a home in the Bay Area.
Not only is it a fun car, it's a smart car.
David.
I've read some postings but have questions. I'm consider trading my 2k3 Altima SE for a xB. I have a few questions may be you guys can help me out
1. The hp rating is pretty low, will I have problem getting uphill while hauling 3 adults? I have to climb a steep hill to get to my house
** The weight of the car is relatively low, so even though it's no racer, it is actually surprisingly peppy. Carrying three full-sized adults and luggages is no problem up a hill, if you're in the right gear. Which isn't so hard to be in with the smooth gear box.
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
** Not only is the engine (and frame?) based on the tried-and-true Echo, the Scion has been around for several years in Japan as the bB. Great reliability.
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
** No worse than my WRX. Actually, a little better than my WRX, and the wind noise is even less noticable than my WRX.
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
** Right.
5. What's the difference between the 2004 and 2005 model. Isn't the 05 a little more expensive than the 04?
** I hear that the only single difference is that the 2005 model has one extra item over the 2004: A little mirror on the passenger's visor.
6. I'm thinking of getting the base xB with foglights, any other mods that's worth considering?
** The only thing that I got extra from Toyota is the TRD Quickshifter, which I really like (I installed it after driving with the stock shifter for about a month, and I can tell a significant difference). However, you should shop around for an after-market brand that might have even a shorter throw. Other worthwhile mods include suspensions and wheel sets, and then exhaust cat-back or axle-back. I wouldn't worry too much about performance upgrade unless you're going *****-out (engine-swaps, bolt-on supercharger, etc.).
Basically, it is a car that you can mod a lot without affecting its reliability. That's why I sold my WRX, got a lot of money back, and spent some of it on a brand new xB with some mods, and still have money left over to put toward a down payment on a home in the Bay Area.
Not only is it a fun car, it's a smart car.
David.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 74
Re: consider trading my car for a xB: questions
Originally Posted by wooish
Hello all
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
2. In some aspects, it's good the xB is low on HP.. probably helps the reliability factor in some ways. But no matter how the hell you drive, so far no problems. Even starting in the freezing cold overnight.
3. Road noise is not bad at all. Of course, depends on the road.. or off-road. But the 160 watt system might make you ignore that minor aspect.
4. Look at the dealer reviews elsewhere on this site.. best part about the flat price is no kickback/rollback.. no bump above MSRP other than tax and tags.. the dealer gets a fair $600 or so. Better than some other so-called flat price car with a 3% rollback.
Good luck on the xB.
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,490
From: Middle of Nowhere
Okay I'll address each question seperately...
1. No you wont. I've hauled 4 shot putters (biggggg people) and their luggage on freeways and hills and I've never had problems. Drive it for awhile, if you need more go with an intake. If still not there yet, take to Gabe at precisionmuffler.com for a catback. If not that get a supercharger finally. If that doesnt do it for you, run back and beg for your WRX.
2. It's hard to tell, but it has a good forecast
3. It can be bad at times but it depends on suspension, wheels, and the road. If you get really **** about it, dynamat will do the trick.
4. Yep exactly, price you see is price you get
5. Basically no difference. Different radios and maybe vanity mirrors in visors if that.
No price change.
6. Dont get the fog lights, they're absolute crap. They are dull and weak. In fact dont get anything from the dealer seriously. You will save tons of money this way. No matter what it is basically, wait and get it aftermarket.
Hope this helps
1. No you wont. I've hauled 4 shot putters (biggggg people) and their luggage on freeways and hills and I've never had problems. Drive it for awhile, if you need more go with an intake. If still not there yet, take to Gabe at precisionmuffler.com for a catback. If not that get a supercharger finally. If that doesnt do it for you, run back and beg for your WRX.
2. It's hard to tell, but it has a good forecast
3. It can be bad at times but it depends on suspension, wheels, and the road. If you get really **** about it, dynamat will do the trick.
4. Yep exactly, price you see is price you get
5. Basically no difference. Different radios and maybe vanity mirrors in visors if that.
No price change.
6. Dont get the fog lights, they're absolute crap. They are dull and weak. In fact dont get anything from the dealer seriously. You will save tons of money this way. No matter what it is basically, wait and get it aftermarket.
Hope this helps
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SL Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 150
Thanks for all the advice guys. Your advice really helps alot in my decision to trade in for the xB. Will head down to the dealer in a few days to check out if there's any xB on their lot. Too bad, there's only one Scion dealer around my area.
David.
David.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 26
From: Riverside CA
1. The hp rating is pretty low, will I have problem getting uphill while hauling 3 adults? I have to climb a steep hill to get to my house
Dude, I took it from LA to Las Vegas up some steep hills and it had a little trouble going up hills at about 80MPH. I was impressed!! And in the desert theres some real steep hills too!! Mine is a Automatic and the stick would have less trouble I'm thinking.
I'm installing a cold air intake and an exaust this weekend so let me know if you want a report on how much better the XB runs.
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
I've had no touble so far.
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
No its not bad at all. I drive an hour to and from work and I have no complaints
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
Right, I love that!! I went in knowing what I wanted and they said heres the price! Of course your intrest rate will depend on your credit but they played no games!!
5. What's the difference between the 2004 and 2005 model. Isn't the 05 a little more expensive than the 04?
As far as I can see its the same price and the same thing....
6. I'm thinking of getting the base xB with foglights, any other mods that's worth considering?
Fog lights?? I dont know about that but the 6 disk changer rules!! Because of the MP3 player!! I have it loaded with 6 disk and over 1000 songs in the car!!
Dude, I took it from LA to Las Vegas up some steep hills and it had a little trouble going up hills at about 80MPH. I was impressed!! And in the desert theres some real steep hills too!! Mine is a Automatic and the stick would have less trouble I'm thinking.
I'm installing a cold air intake and an exaust this weekend so let me know if you want a report on how much better the XB runs.
2. I'm looking for reliability. Yeah I know it's a Toyota but is the xB reliable?
I've had no touble so far.
3. Is road noise really that bad as claimed by the car critics?
No its not bad at all. I drive an hour to and from work and I have no complaints
4. The price on the scion website. So what they advertise is what I pay? no price bargaining right?
Right, I love that!! I went in knowing what I wanted and they said heres the price! Of course your intrest rate will depend on your credit but they played no games!!
5. What's the difference between the 2004 and 2005 model. Isn't the 05 a little more expensive than the 04?
As far as I can see its the same price and the same thing....
6. I'm thinking of getting the base xB with foglights, any other mods that's worth considering?
Fog lights?? I dont know about that but the 6 disk changer rules!! Because of the MP3 player!! I have it loaded with 6 disk and over 1000 songs in the car!!
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 498
From: Charlotte, NC
1. Take a large adult with you for a test drive. (You, salesperson, extra person.) Find a hill. See if it works for you.
3. It all depends on what you’re used to. Take it for a test drive and see what you think.
4. The destination charge can be different. If the dealer wants to tack on more to the base price (excluding options) then walk out.
6. When pricing the dealer options versus aftermarket versions, consider that installation is included on the dealer options when you get them at the time you finance the car. You pay installation on anything you get after that.
Get the fog lights if you like the look, but they don’t work very well as fog lights because of their location.
If you get a manual tranny, the quick shifter is worth it.
All the Scions on the lot when I went to buy had already been upgraded to the 6-disk/satellite-ready audio unit, so I didn’t upgrade. If they just had the base unit, I would have gone with that and then swapped it for an aftermarket unit with easy iPod connection.
I got the wing because I like it and I didn’t want to be responsible for drilling my own holes. I also had them do the window tint while they had the car.
Later I had the lowering springs installed, and though the ride is a little rougher, the box sways a lot less.
3. It all depends on what you’re used to. Take it for a test drive and see what you think.
4. The destination charge can be different. If the dealer wants to tack on more to the base price (excluding options) then walk out.
6. When pricing the dealer options versus aftermarket versions, consider that installation is included on the dealer options when you get them at the time you finance the car. You pay installation on anything you get after that.
Get the fog lights if you like the look, but they don’t work very well as fog lights because of their location.
If you get a manual tranny, the quick shifter is worth it.
All the Scions on the lot when I went to buy had already been upgraded to the 6-disk/satellite-ready audio unit, so I didn’t upgrade. If they just had the base unit, I would have gone with that and then swapped it for an aftermarket unit with easy iPod connection.
I got the wing because I like it and I didn’t want to be responsible for drilling my own holes. I also had them do the window tint while they had the car.
Later I had the lowering springs installed, and though the ride is a little rougher, the box sways a lot less.
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From: What's in your Box...
Look at my sig I have a few other cars all with a lot more horsepower and I never feel my box is slow... Bottem line I would not be concerned with any of those things based on my ownership thus far.....I would buy another one to replace any of my other cars... :D :D :D
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