I don't see what the real difference is. They seem the same to me, except the 05 had like 5 more horsepower, so wouldn't I be just as well of getting an 04 for less than buying an 05 or 06?

 

Use the search feature....now that that is out of the way

This does NOT apply to the RS xBs (those had more differences)

But for regular xBs the STANDARD differences (not including dealer options) were :

- different color selections in different years
- different headunit in 06
- AUX port in 06
- gauze-like filter after air filter in intake in 06 (easily removed)
- stronger windshield (from what I've heard)

As for the hp rating, it went down b/c the SAE changed how automakers had to rate the hp in their vehicles, a lot of asian manufactured vehicles experienced a small drop in their factory rating. The 2006 xB has the same engine as all the other years, don't let the hp rating fool you.

As seen here:
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosins...A01-283759.htm

As for what year you should buy, new cars have their merits (0 miles, you're the 1st owner, longer warranty, potentially higher resale due to newer year, 3 free oil changes, easier to finance at a lower interest rate) and used cars have their merits (usually cheaper in price, potential for free upgrades from previous owner). But both have their drawbacks as well.

So just see how much you or your parents are willing to pay and go from there.

 

Do you have a source for this? Any additional info?

RichC

 

I read it somewhere on this forum, I looked fo the post, but it was a while back (like 2 to 3 months ago). Thats why I said, "From waht I've hear"

In my experience, I've had about 6 or 7 very loud (not sure about rock size) hits on my windshield with no cracks yet (some small pits though, but those are easily filled).

 

Got an 06 m'self, 1100 miles, so far have had 3 instances of a quite loud 'thwack' of something smacking the windshield and so far there's not even a scratch on it as far as I can see (Havn't exactly taken it under a microscope). Hopefully this is an indication that I won't need to be fixing or replacing the thing anytime soon.

 

just got my 05 windshield replaced last week! hopefully i got an 06 one in it now! haha

 

not to be a downer, but there is a very definitive thread on this. It's the first post listed in this forum, and it's a sticky.