So coming up soon I'm gonna be getting an xB and i'm way excited. I want to customize it and maximize it all I can. I saw alot of things that the dealership can do with the car (I.E. interior lights, subwoofer, etc). My question is...exactly what ones are worth getting through the dealer? Would I be better off and save money buying after market parts for some of the customizations?

I don't know a ton about cars (why i'm askin hehe) so any suggestions, help, death threats would be appriciated

 

whats the difference between 2006 and 2006.5?

 

Radio controls on the steering wheel and the upholstery is slightly different. I think that all that's changed.

 

The dealer sells OEM (original equipment of manufacturer, i.e. Scion) accessories, and TRD (Toyoto Racing Department) performance parts. These items can also be bought from online vendors. Aftermarket parts are those not connected to Toyota, and are sold by online vendors.

The dealer is the most expensive place to buy items. You should only buy items from the dealer if you need him to install them. If you can install an item yourself, you can buy it from an online vendor cheaper.

There are many "how-to" threads in SL. Many of them are collected under the Tech section, and others are in the section at the top of the Topics screen. By reading the "how-to" instructions, you can tell what you can install. Some people have more tools and mechanical ability than others, but most of the Scion projects are simple once explained.

 

ok I figured i'd make a list of the things I was interested in getting from the dealer and if you could tell me if I'd be better off getting them from an online vendor afterwards and doing it myself or just getting the dealer to do it that would be awesome. I don't care if its the same part these are just the upgrades I liked to see in general i'd be happy getting any of this from any good company that sells any variation.

Rear tail lights by TYC = $275


B Pillar Applique by Superior Dash = $189


Fog Lights = $350


Rear Bumper Applique = $58


Spoiler = $385


Exhaust Tip = $64


Center Arm Rest = $125


Scion Security = $469


Red LED Illumination = $275


Sports Pedal Covers by OBX Racing Sports = $79


Ipod Compatable Sterio Upgrade = $260 (I believe this comes standard in the 2006.5)


8" Subwoofer by Bazooka = $429


TRD 18" Alloy Wheels and Tire Package = $1,999 (I probably want to get these from the dealer just cause I know rims are expensive and if i get these they go into the loan with the car rather than from my pocked which I can't afford)


Alloy Wheel Locks = $59


I was kind of interested in the performance parts but i'm sure I can get all that stuff afterwards for sure from an online vendor for way cheaper than what they charge so I figured I'd wait on them.

Thank You for taking the time to look at my long freaking post lol

 

Sorry for going off topic but - If you are interested, I am selling an unused rear bumper applique for $30 shipped. it's never been used and it comes with the instructions! please let me know if you're interested. it's just sitting in my apartment doing nothing! i think it would look better on a box! ;-]
- sh00k

 

I'd be interesed for sure. The dealer is gonna do a search for cars in the area...so the one he finds that fits my needs closest might already had the applique. I'll messege you for sure though once I know.

 

Start with these online venders.

http://www.ssuperstore.com/

http://www.jscspeed.com/scion/scion_base.html

http://www.brandsport.com

http://www.scionpartspeople.com/Sear...del=xB&year=06

http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bi...2Fnsearch.html

 

go to ebay and do a search for the scion parts. I bought a lot of items from sullivan toyota i think. they combine shipping and are really easy. prices are way cheaper than going to your local dealer. for the alarm, i would definitely go aftermarket for that price.

 

www.mcgeorgeparts.com

www.trdsparks.com

 

The iPod stereo upgrade is NOT standard in the 2006.5. You still have to pay $260 for the upgrade. As for the LED interiors lights, I've heard disappointing reviews, I would look at www.randode.com and look at his cold cathode light kits, they come with instructions and everything. Very easy to install (seriously easy) and look way better than the OEM LEDs.

 

I have purchased several parts (tyc tail lights, CAI, and front strut bar) online from Sullivan Toyota. They are sometimes on E-bay. They sell below the list price at your dealer. They even accepted my Scion gift card. What I saved on tax paid for the shipping. I wanted to stay with genuine Toyota parts as much as possible to avoid as much warranty problems as possible. Have fun with your modifications.

 

ok so here is another question. the ipod stereo upgrade...is the only benifit the ipod capabilities or do I get a better system for that $260?

 

I believe it is just the iPod capabilities. Which for me were totally worth it. To be able to plug in my iPod and shuffle through songs/playlists right at the steering wheel made it worth the extra cash. There are alternatives, but from what I've seen and for the money, the iPod upgrade through the dealer is worth it. You'll find a million different opinions here, but just assess what you are going to need/want out of the mods and it it fits, do it.

 

Rear tail lights by TYC = $275 - buy online and install yourself
B Pillar Applique by Superior Dash = $189 - buy online and install yourself
Fog Lights = $350 - buy online and install yourself
Rear Bumper Applique = $58 - buy online and install yourself
Spoiler = $385 - have the dealer install if you don't want to drill holes in your baby
Exhaust Tip = $64 - buy online and install yourself
Center Arm Rest = $125 - buy online and install yourself
Scion Security = $469 - consider an aftermarket one, I haven't heard the best things about the Scion security
Red LED Illumination = $275 - buy online and install yourself
Sports Pedal Covers by OBX Racing Sports = $79 - buy online and install yourself
Ipod Compatable Sterio Upgrade = $260 (I believe this comes standard in the 2006.5) - isn't standard, but you should have this installed by the dealer if you want to control your iPod through the headunit
8" Subwoofer by Bazooka = $429 - - buy online and install yourself, or buy something aftermarket for much cheaper
TRD 18" Alloy Wheels and Tire Package = $1,999 - see if the dealer offers other options for rims. Many dealers will install a whole bunch of different rims for you and let you cover the cost with your financing.
Alloy Wheel Locks = $59 - buy online and install yourself, or consider aftermarket ones from a local car parts store

I've found that scionpartspeople.com seemed to have the cheapest prices for the items I'm going to get for my xB (once I have it!).

Good luck and have fun!

 

[quote="Durakus"]ok I figured i'd make a list of the things... if you could tell me if I'd be better off getting them from an online vendor afterwards and doing it myself or just getting the dealer to do it that would be awesome. I don't care if its the same part these are just the upgrades I liked to see in general i'd be happy getting any of this from any good company that sells any variation.

Here's what I have found:

Rear tail lights by TYC = $275
Scion Warehouse has them for $185. They should be plug and play.
http://www.shop.myscionwarehouse.com/

B Pillar Applique by Superior Dash = $189
Scion Warehouse has them for $185. Just stick on carefully.

Fog Lights = $350
Scion Warehouse has them for $193. If you can follow directions on how to plug in the wires, you can do it.

Rear Bumper Applique = $58
Scion Warehouse has them for $35. Just stick it on.

Spoiler = $385
I think these require painting, and have a difficult installation. They are usually installed by experts at the port.

Exhaust Tip = $64
The Valor tip is better than the OEM, $42 from:
http://www.newscionparts.com/product/?id=432

Center Arm Rest = $125
The OEM arm rest from the dealer at that price is rather low quality. Check the Zeta armrests - the one with storage is really nice:
http://secure.crisp.net/ecommerce/ze...hp?cPath=30_32

Scion Security = $469
I think this is best ordered for installation at the port. If not there, the dealer.

Red LED Illumination = $275
Scion Warehouse has OEM for $140. If you can follow directions on how to plug in the wires, you can do it. Randode has brighter lighting for $100, if you want.

Ipod Compatable Sterio Upgrade = $260 (I believe this comes standard in the 2006.5)
The standard stereo can play mp3s from an iPod, but the iPod controls the stereo, which can be awkward when driving. The upgrade stereo controls the iPod from the dash, plus some other stuff. The cars come without stereos and either the port or more likely the dealer installs them.

TRD 18" Alloy Wheels and Tire Package = $1,999
Many similar packages are available cheaper from various vendors, such as Discount Tire and Tire Rack:
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/home.do
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/asa/asa.jsp

Alloy Wheel Locks = $59
Scion Warehouse for $30.

 

Not bashing the TRD wheels, they're good looking and all, but for $1200, you could probobly have whatever kind of wheels you want.

Only things I see the dealer would need to install are:

1) Spoiler
2) Security (it's not as bad as they say it is, just make sure they set everything properly before you leave the dealership)
3) Stereo Upgrade (because they cut into the center console)


Everything else is easy to do. The car is pre-wired for most of everything (at least the fog lights are, or so I heard) I suggest avoiding the Bazooka Sub, heard a lot of complaints about it from my club members, who ended up dumping it on e-bay at a loss.

Armrest, haven't had anyone near me get it, so I couldn't tell you any which way. I had the Randode kit, and it was awesome, but it is fragile, so if you have a lot of people in your car (like I do) or you slide your seat around a lot, be prepared to shell out some extra $$$ for replacements. In my new xB, I have the OEM LEDs, and they work fine as far as I'm concerned. If I drop something at night, I can find it.

If you aren't looking to get an exhaust, please get the exhaust tip, or consider it. It fills out the back end of the car nicely and takes about 2 minutes to put on. Looks a lot better than the sheet metal they wrap the end of the exhaust with.

Tail lights were a pain in the butt to get in, but only cause I didn't have the right tools and I have big hands, but I still did it in about 20 minutes. As long as you have a socket wrench with an extender (which I couldn't find for mine, people keep "borrowing' my tools), it'll be a piece of cake. Don't be afraid to tighten them down either, otherwise you'll have a good sized gap between light and car.


Just my $0.02

 

Don't buy anything from the dealer... it's not worth it. They try to rip you off as much as they can. You will find the best prices from eBay.

 

For additional clarification the 2006.5 model has an Aux input (for Ipod, mp3 player etc.) The 2006 model year does not have this included. The $260.00 is for an Ipod dock that charges it and a stereo with an interface for the Ipod.

 

I can see the iPod compatible stereo. That's what I'll be getting in mine.

the "2006.5" comes stock with the Aux. jack. You can plug your iPod (or anything else with using a headphone sized jack) into that Aux., but it doesn't charge or allow control of the iPod through the stereo (also steering wheel now) like the iPod one does.

I think that upgrade also lets you change colors of the the stereo dislplay (gimmicky, but it's there).

Wheels you can get for 75% or less of the price including tires depending on how picky you are about name brands.

Spoiler, you can get a much bigger cooler looking one from bbist.com and probably other places and I don't think they require drilling for certain ones.

okay.. i'm tired of typing for now... that's my 2 cents