I've finally made a decision on what vehicle I will be getting. After spending a few more hours driving these cars(I was making the dealer nervous by keeping them out for an hour at a time), I was able to get used to the speedo in the middle, but I still didn't like it. I also found that in the xA specifically, I found myself speeding frequently.

So, I then to the xA out on some country roads since I will be living out of town in a few months. I take the highway to head there, and for what it is, the acceleration is alright. As people have metioned, the tires were a bit noisy, but it was decent overall. Then I get out onto the bumpy backroads and it was just ridiculous. The roads out there are bad, but this car just bounces all over the place. My head was about 1.5 inches from the ceiling, but frequently the bumps would cause my head to hit the ceiling.

It's a great car for in town or on smooth roads, and the mileage is nice, but that kind of bumpiness disqualifies it from what I need. I can't justify spending that much on a new car and then still having it bounce all over anyhow.

So, because I do like a llot of what comes in the Scions stock, I try the xB again. This time I also go more than just around the block. So, I get out on the highway and it accelerates alright. Could be better, but I cant' complain. I like that the speedo is a bit more to the left, and larger than in the xA. I get it out onto the bumpy roads and this thing handles them a good deal better than the xA, so I'm starting to lean towards the xB.

When I get back to the dealer, I want to try another car. I ask them what would be the best in my price range with the features that I want and the mileage that I want. They have me try a Corolla LE, and let's just say I loved it. That thing accelerated just fine onto the highway, the cruise control(a BIG selling point) was smooth as can be, and the braking was great. Like the xB, it wen't from 60 to 0 in next to no time. It was crazy. I liked a lot of what it had, and it was just a smoother ride in general. I am very pleased, and since it's not a hell of a lot more than the xB, I see it as a very good buy.

So, I want to thank everyone for all the help they gave me in the week or two that I've been here. I finally know what I want. Now to just wait a couple of months to get a little money to put towards it so I don't have to take out as big a loan.

Thanks again!

 

I dont understand how the xA accelerates slower than the xB. Maybe I'm stupid

 

I'm sorry if I worded it poorly. I meant that the xB accelerated a bit slower than the xA.

 

$10 says he changes his mind again.

 

If I didn't get the xA it was going to be between the Corrola XRS and the tC.
I can understand the issue with bumps, the springs are really stiff and I wonder what the bound/rebound on the shocks is. But then again I'm getting new shock/stuts/springs anyways.

 

Well good luck on whatever you finally choose.
I finally got my box last night and I'm quite happy!

 

I went the opposite route. I started off looking at Corollas. I felt the new ones were overpriced. Two-year-old used Corollas were going for $13,000 to $14,500 but the xA was $12,995 brand spanking new with full warranty. Plus, once I drove an xA, I was hooked. The Corollas are nice cars, but next to an xA, they have no personallity.

 

Very true. If I wasn't moving out of town and going to be travelling on bumpy roads all the time, I'd definitely get the xA. The reason I don't want the xB is that cruise and side airbags aren't an option, and as for the tC, it doesn't quite get the mileage I want.

Although yes, it i ridiculous that a 2 year old corolla with 25,000 miles goes for about $13,000, I'd much rather just get a new one. It'll cost more, but I'll be happier with it, and if I'm happy with my car, then I will keep it until it dies, so I figure I'll have it for about 15 years or so. The first thing to start wearing out on it will be the body due to all the sand and salt up here.

As for me changing my mind again, I don't think that will happen. I'm not going on any more test drives(I've spent over 6 hours total doing that), and I've really fallen in love with the Corolla.

As soon as winter is over, i'll probably be getting it. I'll have my tax return by then, and I should have a couple thousand saves up by then to reduce my payments. Just gotta wait for winter to end, which in Maine... meh... it could be a couple more months.

 

I'm just messin' witcha. The Corolla is a great car. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

 

If youre gonna get a rolla, you can still be unique by getting an XRS in either Desert Sand or Cactus Mica.
I see dozens of Corollas on the road every day, but never in those colors!

 

We didn't look at the normal corolla, but we did look at the Matrix. There were a few reasons why we didn't get one though.

First, the mileage isn't nearly as good in the city as the xA.

Second, its too high up. It feels like an SUV. Looks like one too.

Third, for the previous reason, its a rolling roadblock. I'd be afraid of getting rear ended. You can't see past it.

Fourth, its quite a bit more expensive.

Fifth, its not built in Japan. The Matrix is built in Canada. The Corolla is built in Canada and the US.

As for the Corolla, it isn't a hatch so it was never a contender.