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Want to buy xB -- have Qs for xB owners.

Old Apr 1, 2010 | 07:23 AM
  #1  
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Default Want to buy xB -- have Qs for xB owners.

Howdy all,

I want to buy an xB – took two test drives and rented one for the weekend. I’m really digging it, but had some concerns/questions I was hoping to get some opinions on.


A -- I wasn’t too impressed by either the base stereo or the upgraded Alpine unit. The Alpine was just too hard to use and the display washed out in ordinary daylight, to the point of being almost unusable sometimes. I had the brightness all the way up.
1—Will all head units have this problem due to the mounting location / angle?
2 – how much better would the head units sound by changing the speakers?


B – I don’t do a ton of freeway driving, but they love to use rocks on the roads where I live, instead of salt. I’ve been reading some reviews where people are replacing a lot of windshields due to the angle. Although I’m not sure if this is being blown out of proportion.
1 -- Do you think there is a pretty good chance with the xB I’ll get a cracked windshield due to rock usage on the freeway?
2 – Does any one make a deflector? I can’t find one.


C -- What’s the deal with the VSC? I had read some complaints that it kicked in too early, but I had the whole car in a slight sideways skid and it never kicked in. Another time I was plowing forward with major understeer – and it still never kicked in. I’ve tried stability control out on other cars and they kicked in right away. What’s the dealio? It only complained about wheel spin, and even then didn’t seem to do much about it.


D – There was a transmission “whine” at the 30 – 35 mph range. Is this normal or just the particular car I was driving? It took me to the end of my weekend rental to notice it, so the test drive cars may have done it too and I just didn’t hear it at the time.


E – The projector bream headlights have a sharp cut-off and, as a result, when driving on pitch-black unlit roads you can’t see that far in front of you. It was very unpleasant and nerve racking, but it seems like all cars are coming like this now. Aside from using the brights, is there any other work around? Has anyone re-aimed their headlights?


F – How does the xB hold up squeaks and rattles wise? My rental was brand new and had a rattle coming out of the driver’s vent, by the A-pillar. If there are known-rattle issues, are they easy fixes?


G – What’s your opinion on the 16 inch OEM aluminum rims? Are they worth the upgrade price? Anyone know the weight?


H -- I like the look of 17 inch rims better, but how much ride harshness and noise do 17” rims add?


I – Does the optional rear sway bar add any ride harshness or stiffness?


J -- The ride is a just a tad too stiff – ideally I’d like to soften it a little. Is there anything I can do about it? I’m assuming that lowering the car will make it ** worse**, right?


K – I can’t find any information on the TRD brake upgrade kit (reviews or posts by people who have it installed). I was wondering how much this kit improves things, especially preventing warped rotors.


I know it’s a lot of questions. I’ve done some searching, but haven't found what I'm looking for.
Old Apr 1, 2010 | 08:41 AM
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Ive had my xB2 since 09', so I'll comment on what I know.
A1: Most head units will catch some light due to the dash angle. I've got a Sony single DIN there and there are times that it's hard to see, but it's not that often.
A2: From most of the reports, the head unit and stock speakers are designed to work together. The stock fronts use a full range 6" driver and a hard dome tweeter with only a high pass capacitor for a crossover. Peaky and dull. The rear uses a full range 6". Both are just barely passable for sound. For better sound, get new component speakers for the front and a matching (same brand/series) coaxial for the rear.

B2: Hood mounted deflectors are generally only effective for very low mass object (like rain). A good rock will punch through the air path made by the deflector easily. However, rock chips on the hood are a problem (solved by bras or products like the 3M clear polymer sheets).

E: Projector lights greatly reduce the amount of spill light, which most lights are supposed to do, but rarely do. This makes it easier for the oncoming drivers. I haven't found any hazards in driving with it personally.

F: Unless you get a upper line car model, you can almost expect some body/interior noise. The boxy shape of the xB invites a little more interior movement (emphasis on little). Your rental may have just a part not fully snugged into place. My interior is quiet. Oh, but you'll get more tire noise, thanks to it's large free interior, but not much.

G: OEM is where Scion makes it's money! You'll easily get a nicer set of rims for about half of what Scion asks for from an aftermarket dealer. If you do get the xB, don't add anything onto it from the dealer! They mark it up anywhere from 40-100% higher than outside. For example, car alarm. Theirs is very basic, with sound sensing; $500. My aftermarket Autopage uses a shock sensor, plus it automatically locks the doors when you start the engine (nice feature).

As to the other things, I have no experience with. No sway bars, cold air induction or upgrades brakes (not one to ride the brakes). Just got it because of the large interior space, and at 6' 2", I fit comfortably.
Old Apr 1, 2010 | 12:39 PM
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B1 - Drop your comprehensive insurance deductible to $100, not much more expensive than a $500 deductible, and the first windshield you replace will be worth 5-7 years of the increased deductible cost.

E - Get an HID conversion kit for the low beams. About 3x more light output.

G - No, not worth it.

H - Not much difference in ride quality for 17's. Noise is more a function of the tire tread, so get good tires.

J - Replace the stock linear springs with a good set of progressive springs.
Mild drop, great ride quality:
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=124875

K - Do you drive like 2F2F?
Old Apr 1, 2010 | 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by natesi
Howdy all,

I want to buy an xB – took two test drives and rented one for the weekend. I’m really digging it, but had some concerns/questions I was hoping to get some opinions on.


A -- I wasn’t too impressed by either the base stereo or the upgraded Alpine unit. The Alpine was just too hard to use and the display washed out in ordinary daylight, to the point of being almost unusable sometimes. I had the brightness all the way up.
1—Will all head units have this problem due to the mounting location / angle?
2 – how much better would the head units sound by changing the speakers?

First off, make sure the audio is set to 'xB' and 'feel'... They are options in the audio menu which make a BIG difference on sound quality. The speakers that come stock actually sound very good. But if not set to the correct settings, sound like crap. And for some reason, come set on 'tC' and 'hear' or something.


B – I don’t do a ton of freeway driving, but they love to use rocks on the roads where I live, instead of salt. I’ve been reading some reviews where people are replacing a lot of windshields due to the angle. Although I’m not sure if this is being blown out of proportion.
1 -- Do you think there is a pretty good chance with the xB I’ll get a cracked windshield due to rock usage on the freeway?
2 – Does any one make a deflector? I can’t find one.

It is blown out. I have had my OEM windshield for three years now, hit by PLENTY of large projectiles on the freeway. It happens with all vehicles, not just the xB. The new xB is also more angled than the original, so that helps. Don't worry about it...

C -- What’s the deal with the VSC? I had read some complaints that it kicked in too early, but I had the whole car in a slight sideways skid and it never kicked in. Another time I was plowing forward with major understeer – and it still never kicked in. I’ve tried stability control out on other cars and they kicked in right away. What’s the dealio? It only complained about wheel spin, and even then didn’t seem to do much about it.

I have NO issue with VSC being "protective". I find the drive in difficult and harsh conditions predictable and controlled. If you need to, you can disable ESC/VSC if you wish.

D – There was a transmission “whine” at the 30 – 35 mph range. Is this normal or just the particular car I was driving? It took me to the end of my weekend rental to notice it, so the test drive cars may have done it too and I just didn’t hear it at the time.

I don't experience this at all. My car sounds like any other... Don't buy that specific xB!


E – The projector bream headlights have a sharp cut-off and, as a result, when driving on pitch-black unlit roads you can’t see that far in front of you. It was very unpleasant and nerve racking, but it seems like all cars are coming like this now. Aside from using the brights, is there any other work around? Has anyone re-aimed their headlights?

Most new cars are like this... The xB is one of the better ones IMO. If you want, convert to HID's. It will help big time. Cheap and easy with great results. Get a good quality kit with relay to protect stock harnesses. Also, the 'brights' are excellent on xB, very bright if you need them.

F – How does the xB hold up squeaks and rattles wise? My rental was brand new and had a rattle coming out of the driver’s vent, by the A-pillar. If there are known-rattle issues, are they easy fixes?

I have the common "A-pillar creak", but it really is not that bad. It may or may not drive you nuts. My dad's 2010 prius has more "squeaks" which to me, are worse than "creaks". With the radio on, you never hear them But honestly, you hear stuff time to time but it is never that bad.


G – What’s your opinion on the 16 inch OEM aluminum rims? Are they worth the upgrade price? Anyone know the weight?

I would save your money and buy aftermarket rims and tires form Tirerack, discount-tire, etc... This way, you get a much more custom look, as well as better, high quality tires.



H -- I like the look of 17 inch rims better, but how much ride harshness and noise do 17” rims add?

I use 17's and do not notice any difference over the 16's. Tires are more a factor in the noise. I would not worry about the harshness unless you went to 18" or bigger.


I – Does the optional rear sway bar add any ride harshness or stiffness?

I have the TRD sway installed and it does help with the ride. I did not notice any increased stiffness with the TRD, but it does help body roll for sure. I highly recommend this.


J -- The ride is a just a tad too stiff – ideally I’d like to soften it a little. Is there anything I can do about it? I’m assuming that lowering the car will make it ** worse**, right?

Not really... It is just the suspension of our "budget" vehicles. You can not expect Lexus type ride. Lowering the vehicle will just increase the stiffness as spring rates increase with drop. Not much you can do here!


K – I can’t find any information on the TRD brake upgrade kit (reviews or posts by people who have it installed). I was wondering how much this kit improves things, especially preventing warped rotors.

No idea here... But I replaced my brakes with Centric Ceramics and love the performance of them. Just pads, but very low dust (excellent for wheels!) and great performance. A little less 'bitey' then the stock pads, but with increased pressue they are better than stock. I can actually skid my falken 912's with these pads.


I know it’s a lot of questions. I’ve done some searching, but haven't found what I'm looking for.
Answers above.. Hope that helps somewhat!
Old Apr 1, 2010 | 03:31 PM
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you have to use the 19 inch wheels for the brake upgrade,,, fyi
Old Apr 1, 2010 | 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by natesi
Howdy all,

I want to buy an xB – took two test drives and rented one for the weekend. I’m really digging it, but had some concerns/questions I was hoping to get some opinions on.


A -- I wasn’t too impressed by either the base stereo or the upgraded Alpine unit. The Alpine was just too hard to use and the display washed out in ordinary daylight, to the point of being almost unusable sometimes. I had the brightness all the way up.
1—Will all head units have this problem due to the mounting location / angle?
2 – how much better would the head units sound by changing the speakers?

A1-A2:Both of these questions are hard to answer for those of us who have stuck with the stock systems. Also, sound quality is subjective. What sounds to one person may not to another.


B – I don’t do a ton of freeway driving, but they love to use rocks on the roads where I live, instead of salt. I’ve been reading some reviews where people are replacing a lot of windshields due to the angle. Although I’m not sure if this is being blown out of proportion.
1 -- Do you think there is a pretty good chance with the xB I’ll get a cracked windshield due to rock usage on the freeway?
2 – Does any one make a deflector? I can’t find one.

B1: I have a 2010 and have only had it for 8 months. I do have a couple small chips in the windshield from rocks. No cracks yet. Your main source of rock related issues is going to be the front bumper, not the windshield. This is a fact of life with a vehicle that isn't that aerodynamic. I have quite a few chips and dings in the front bumper. Oh well.

B2: There is no deflector made that I have been able to find. There are fabric bras and clear plastic stick on bras made.


C -- What’s the deal with the VSC? I had read some complaints that it kicked in too early, but I had the whole car in a slight sideways skid and it never kicked in. Another time I was plowing forward with major understeer – and it still never kicked in. I’ve tried stability control out on other cars and they kicked in right away. What’s the dealio? It only complained about wheel spin, and even then didn’t seem to do much about it.

C: I haven't had any issues with the VSC. As others have stated, if you don't like it, it can be turned off.


D – There was a transmission “whine” at the 30 – 35 mph range. Is this normal or just the particular car I was driving? It took me to the end of my weekend rental to notice it, so the test drive cars may have done it too and I just didn’t hear it at the time.

D: I have the automatic and have not noticed any unusual sounds or behavior from it. All is well.


E – The projector bream headlights have a sharp cut-off and, as a result, when driving on pitch-black unlit roads you can’t see that far in front of you. It was very unpleasant and nerve racking, but it seems like all cars are coming like this now. Aside from using the brights, is there any other work around? Has anyone re-aimed their headlights?

E: The projector lights due have quite a dramatic vertical cut off. I haven't had any visibility issues because of this though. Even though HID lights do produce a lot more light, I am hesitant due to the questionable quality of these kits. I can't seem to find any direct information at to whether these ballasts are UL listed. Don't be fooled. It is important. There is a lot of junk out there. People selling HID kits have made it sound like UL listing isn't needed as it is just for household items. This is patently false. Many automotive parts are UL listed.


F – How does the xB hold up squeaks and rattles wise? My rental was brand new and had a rattle coming out of the driver’s vent, by the A-pillar. If there are known-rattle issues, are they easy fixes?

F: Unfortunately, the xB does suffer from both A and B pillar creaking. I have the B pillar creaking. Many cars have squeaks, rattles, and creaks. Cars are not made from one piece of metal. The creaking on mine isn't that bad, and I am on the fence as to whether to take it to the dealer.

G – What’s your opinion on the 16 inch OEM aluminum rims? Are they worth the upgrade price? Anyone know the weight?

G: DO NOT buy any accessories from the "stealership" you are dealing with. Dealerships will do their absolute best to extract as much money from you as they can. Most, if not all the accessories, including the wheels, can be gotten online for substantial savings.

I have added quite a few accessories to my car that I have got online, and the installation was ridiculously easy. Don't get suckered in. There are also many great "do it yourself" tutorials posted here and on other sites that make installing these parts even easier. Hell, the official OEM installation instructions are downloadable from a few sites on the web as well.


H -- I like the look of 17 inch rims better, but how much ride harshness and noise do 17” rims add?

H: With regard to wheel size. Anything larger than 16 or 17" will stiffen the ride. This is mostly due to the fact that the sidewall on low profile tires hardly flexes at all. I have the TRD 19" wheels and the ride is stiff. You will feel the bumps. This is subjective also though.

I – Does the optional rear sway bar add any ride harshness or stiffness?

I: I have the rear sway and didn't notice any increase in ride stiffness. It does make a difference in handling though. IMO, this is one of the best "bang for your buck" mods you get for the xB2.

J -- The ride is a just a tad too stiff – ideally I’d like to soften it a little. Is there anything I can do about it? I’m assuming that lowering the car will make it ** worse**, right?

J: Yeah, not much you can do. I don't think lowering will soften the ride. Most likely it will make it worse.

K – I can’t find any information on the TRD brake upgrade kit (reviews or posts by people who have it installed). I was wondering how much this kit improves things, especially preventing warped rotors.

The TRD brake kit comes with drilled and slotted rotors I believe. These rotors increase stopping power as they "bite" into the pads more. The downside to this is that your pads will not last as long.

Correct me if I am wrong here folks, but I believe these types of rotors don't last as long either.


I know it’s a lot of questions. I’ve done some searching, but haven't found what I'm looking for.
Great that your are doing your homework prior to buying. Please see answers above.
Old Apr 1, 2010 | 10:12 PM
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Originally Posted by natesi
Howdy all,

I want to buy an xB – took two test drives and rented one for the weekend. I’m really digging it, but had some concerns/questions I was hoping to get some opinions on.


A -- I wasn’t too impressed by either the base stereo or the upgraded Alpine unit. The Alpine was just too hard to use and the display washed out in ordinary daylight, to the point of being almost unusable sometimes. I had the brightness all the way up.
1—Will all head units have this problem due to the mounting location / angle?
2 – how much better would the head units sound by changing the speakers?
My Kenwood Excelon KDC-X692 (not LCD) is usable in all but direct sunlight. Not a problem IMO. I wouldn't expect any LCD display to be visible when hit with direct sunlight anyway.


If you're serious about increasing sound quality, you're going to want to replace the HU, get an QUALITY amp (at least 100w/channel), get a QUALITY pair of component speakers, and deaden the doors. Deadening the doors will be key. Our stock doors are pretty thin. At minimum, change the HU and speakers at the same time. The factory HU and speakers are designed to sound good together. Changing just one won't give you better sound. Possibly worse sound. Skip the factory option HUs, they're overpriced and better aftermarket options can be found for cheaper.

B – I don’t do a ton of freeway driving, but they love to use rocks on the roads where I live, instead of salt. I’ve been reading some reviews where people are replacing a lot of windshields due to the angle. Although I’m not sure if this is being blown out of proportion.
1 -- Do you think there is a pretty good chance with the xB I’ll get a cracked windshield due to rock usage on the freeway?
2 – Does any one make a deflector? I can’t find one.

I wouldn't worry about the windshield. Get a 3M clear bra if you want to protect the paint.

C -- What’s the deal with the VSC? I had read some complaints that it kicked in too early, but I had the whole car in a slight sideways skid and it never kicked in. Another time I was plowing forward with major understeer – and it still never kicked in. I’ve tried stability control out on other cars and they kicked in right away. What’s the dealio? It only complained about wheel spin, and even then didn’t seem to do much about it.

Dunno what happened in your case, but Traction Control tends to cut power somewhat aggressively with wheelslip. Not a problem in casual daily driving. With aggressive and spirited driving, this can present a bit of annoyance when making sharp turns. TC and VSC can always be disabled in these cases. ProTip: Replace the stock tires. Their performance under spirited driving leaves much to be desired.

D – There was a transmission “whine” at the 30 – 35 mph range. Is this normal or just the particular car I was driving? It took me to the end of my weekend rental to notice it, so the test drive cars may have done it too and I just didn’t hear it at the time.

Haven't noticed anything whining with my car. Yours being a rental, you can bet that its been beat on its whole life. Wouldn't worry about it.

E – The projector bream headlights have a sharp cut-off and, as a result, when driving on pitch-black unlit roads you can’t see that far in front of you. It was very unpleasant and nerve racking, but it seems like all cars are coming like this now. Aside from using the brights, is there any other work around? Has anyone re-aimed their headlights?

I don't find our headlights bad. Do a HID conversion and remove the squirrel finders. I've read about a few people adjust the lights a few degrees up though.

F – How does the xB hold up squeaks and rattles wise? My rental was brand new and had a rattle coming out of the driver’s vent, by the A-pillar. If there are known-rattle issues, are they easy fixes?

Its an economy car, and as such, I don't find the squeaks unacceptable. I only have a squeak that comes from the passenger side B-pillar when I get the chassis flexed on a hill. There might be a few more I've forgot about, but considering the sound system I have in my car, those are to be expected.

G – What’s your opinion on the 16 inch OEM aluminum rims? Are they worth the upgrade price? Anyone know the weight?

I would skip the 16" alloys. There are reports of the center hubcap having problems with breaking. I have the optional 17" alloys, they look much nicer IMO. I bought them as parts from the local dealership's parts department after I bought my car. Dunno if its normally cheaper that way, but I have a friend that works there.

H -- I like the look of 17 inch rims better, but how much ride harshness and noise do 17” rims add?

I haven't noticed any additional harshness. Noise is a product of the tires you put on there. I have very aggressive, performance-oriented BFGoodrich G-Force KDWs on there, so they do make more noise. If you go with something more suited for daily driving, I'm certain it wouldn't be an issue. The 17"s leave plenty of sidewall between the pavement and rim.

I – Does the optional rear sway bar add any ride harshness or stiffness?

Don't own it.

J -- The ride is a just a tad too stiff – ideally I’d like to soften it a little. Is there anything I can do about it? I’m assuming that lowering the car will make it ** worse**, right?

Reportedly, the Tanabe NF210 improve the ride quality and reduce the huge fender gap (esp. in the rear). Its a mild drop. Try it out, most like it.

K – I can’t find any information on the TRD brake upgrade kit (reviews or posts by people who have it installed). I was wondering how much this kit improves things, especially preventing warped rotors.

I doubt you'll need the TRD big brake kit unless you're doing some very serious driving. But if you were, I doubt you'd be concerned about ride harshness. In any case, the BBK adds huge rotors upfront, so I would assume it would be much harder to warp the rotors. Its also very expensive and requires a 19" wheel to fit the rotor. The TRD 19"s do look pretty slick though. Ride quality will suffer due to the reduced sidewall height and additional unsprung weight. I haven't had a problem with rotor warp and I live 2 miles up a mountain road. Use lower gears when descending hills and everything will be alright.

I know it’s a lot of questions. I’ve done some searching, but haven't found what I'm looking for.
Hope this helps!
Old Apr 1, 2010 | 10:55 PM
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You have to remember this is a cheap $16k economy car. Its a great value for the money but don't expect performance or luxury out of it.

Here are a few things I can advise you of the xb2 after owning mine for 2 1/2 years...

1. You are going to go through a windshield or two, its just a matter of time.
2. It is a rattle trap and needs sound deadening material BAD.
3. The stock suspension is scary when trying to take a "tight" turn, the vehicle feels like its going to flip over very easily. Lowering springs and a rear sway bar are a must!
4. The sun visors are WORTHLESS.
5. Gas mileage sucks if you go over 3k RPMs.
6. Having no rear quarter glass windows can be a challenge at night in poorly lit areas (having one rear reverse light doesn't help).

Even though I have these complaints, I still love my xb2. Its a head turner and no other car on the market could provide the same options as the xb2 did at the time.
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 01:32 AM
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Originally Posted by AAG
You have to remember this is a cheap $16k economy car. Its a great value for the money but don't expect performance or luxury out of it.

1. You are going to go through a windshield or two, its just a matter of time.
3. The stock suspension is scary when trying to take a "tight" turn, the vehicle feels like its going to flip over very easily. Lowering springs and a rear sway bar are a must!
4. The sun visors are WORTHLESS.
AAG, I disrespectfully disagree with some of your points. I don't think the 2nd gen xB has nearly the windshield problems of the 1st gen. I've taken the xB through its fair share of "tight" turns, always with the stock suspension, and some of the time with my ~150lbs of stereo equipment in. It does have a fair amount of body roll, but never seemed scary to me. It always felt pretty confident. The sun visors don't work so well for the sides, but do their job when in front. NMB xB pride!
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 02:15 AM
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One thing that stops me from working on the suspension to improve the ride with lower springs (besides money and time) is the front scrape factor. In some parking lots, the bottom engine cover scrapes the curb or parking barrier strips. The face always winces when that happens. Being that I can't see the front of the car, it's a little tricky judging when to stop.
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 02:18 AM
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Originally Posted by AAG
You have to remember this is a cheap $16k economy car. Its a great value for the money but don't expect performance or luxury out of it.

Here are a few things I can advise you of the xb2 after owning mine for 2 1/2 years...

1. You are going to go through a windshield or two, its just a matter of time.
2. It is a rattle trap and needs sound deadening material BAD.
3. The stock suspension is scary when trying to take a "tight" turn, the vehicle feels like its going to flip over very easily. Lowering springs and a rear sway bar are a must!
4. The sun visors are WORTHLESS.
5. Gas mileage sucks if you go over 3k RPMs.
6. Having no rear quarter glass windows can be a challenge at night in poorly lit areas (having one rear reverse light doesn't help).

Even though I have these complaints, I still love my xb2. Its a head turner and no other car on the market could provide the same options as the xb2 did at the time.

thank you my brotha!!! I have wanted to say that you don't know how many times// lol
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 04:00 AM
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Default Awesome!

AWESOME GUYS -- thanks for all the feedback. I really appreciate it.

I'm still planning to get one. Just not sure if I want to do new or used.

Looking at trying to snag this for a good price: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...52#post3526652

This is the color I'm after.

But if I can't get it for a good price I'll probably just buy new. The new ones look like they are coming with some nice options now, such as telescoping wheel. Just not so sure that would be worth 4K (assuming that's what I can save).

THE 2011 MODELS DO NOT COME WITH A TEMP GAUGE THOUGH!! Isn't that freaking LAME!?!? I mean, first sign my car acts up or sounds funny I'm looking at the temp gauge. It's kind of important, IMO.

Plus, when I think about everything I want to do to the car after I get it, it's kinda scarry, $$$ money wise:
  • 16 or 17 inch rims $??
  • Tint front windows and and front windshield $200?
  • Stereo $300?
  • Speakers $200?
  • Possibly amp (alpine makes this "add on" amp I was considering) $120
  • At least some sound deadening for the doors $??
  • Perhaps a custom fit sub (to hug the wheel well) for the back. $300-600?
  • Clear bra $500-700?
  • Floor mats ?
  • Rear spoiler $200?
  • Maybe an alarm (possibly paging alarm)
  • Maybe the optional rear sway bar
  • Maybe a temp gauge
Without the "maybe" items, that's about $2500 of extras. WOW. And sitting next to a completely stock xB you would hardly be able to tell the difference. Seems almost like a waste -- hard for me to justify.

By the way, is there an extension for the visor, or anything like that -- for when the sun is coming through the side windows?

Thanks again,

-Nathan
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 04:28 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by buickid
AAG, I disrespectfully disagree with some of your points. I don't think the 2nd gen xB has nearly the windshield problems of the 1st gen. I've taken the xB through its fair share of "tight" turns, always with the stock suspension, and some of the time with my ~150lbs of stereo equipment in. It does have a fair amount of body roll, but never seemed scary to me. It always felt pretty confident. The sun visors don't work so well for the sides, but do their job when in front. NMB xB pride!
I'm on my second windshield, going on a third at some point (currently two rock chips but they haven't spread....yet).

Yes it does have ALOT of body roll in stock form. Out of all the vehicles I have owned/driven (and I'm talking about stock non-performance vehicles) in stock form, the xb2 had the worst body roll of any of them. I was so unhappy with it that I had to get lowering springs and the rear sway bar because I couldn't drive it in a spirited way as my previous rides.

What's really sad is my Fiance's stock 06 Altima with 60 series tires corners better than my xb2 with trd springs/shocks/sway bar and michelin pilot sport a/s plus 225/45/17 tires . No joke

Last edited by AAG; Apr 2, 2010 at 04:33 AM.
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 04:42 AM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by KaneoheKoa
One thing that stops me from working on the suspension to improve the ride with lower springs (besides money and time) is the front scrape factor. In some parking lots, the bottom engine cover scrapes the curb or parking barrier strips. The face always winces when that happens. Being that I can't see the front of the car, it's a little tricky judging when to stop.
I'm running Eibach Prokit springs and TRD rear sway bar -- no underchassis contact issues of any sort -- speedbumps, driveway curb entrances, etc.
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 04:50 AM
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Originally Posted by AAG
What's really sad is my Fiance's stock 06 Altima with 60 series tires corners better than my xb2 with trd springs/shocks/sway bar and michelin pilot sport a/s plus 225/45/17 tires . No joke
Thanks, but if that's any tighter in corners than my 1990 Eclipse GSX with Eibach Prokit springs and KYB OE-replacement struts/shocks, then I'll definitely pass. My xB2 with the same model springs is not so far behind -- after all, it is a taller car ! (Both having the same sized tires and rims.)
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 04:54 AM
  #16  
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Add Tanabe NF210 springs to my list now! Sounds like they help with the stock ride.

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=124875

= )

kuching!! $$
Old Apr 2, 2010 | 05:59 AM
  #17  
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I have a 2009 model and one of the first things I noticed with "my" vehicle was a terrible understeer (push) in corners. I put TRD springs and Hotchkis front and rear swaybar set. It was like driving a different vehicle after installing. Highly recommend these two items, although if doing it over, I would have gone with the Hotchkis springs too. I was concerned about going "too" low and in hindsight, the extra .5 -.75 drop wouldn't have been a problem.......even here in Chicago with the snow.
Old Apr 3, 2010 | 02:36 AM
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Ummm...

I just saw the water pump sticky. Are the majority of the owners having problems with their water pumps? I'm kinda freaked out now -- replacing water pumps all the time would not be cool (and pretty expensive to boot).

Has anyone who has had their water pump replaced had the 2nd one fail/leak?
Old Apr 3, 2010 | 03:37 AM
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Originally Posted by natesi
Ummm...

I just saw the water pump sticky. Are the majority of the owners having problems with their water pumps? I'm kinda freaked out now -- replacing water pumps all the time would not be cool (and pretty expensive to boot).

Has anyone who has had their water pump replaced had the 2nd one fail/leak?

I actually started the thread and had it replaced at 25k. Im at 31k now and so far so good. I not too worried about it, I could be wrong but its covered under the powertrain warranty after the bumper to bumper one is
up.
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