I'm considering getting the xD because I like the fuel economy and look. I like the tC more, but the price tag and 2 doors turn me away. My dilemma is that I'll be migrating from a 1993 Honda del sol si. It's old, rusting, and becoming a money pit, but I still love how it handles so well. 55 mph on highway ramps that loop around is so much fun, and there's no better way to frighten a passenger.

I realize the xD won't handle like a del sol, but I am wondering exactly how different they will feel. I will be keeping the sol for another year and then selling it before another winter hits, so I have time if this car isn't for me.

 

Never been in a del sol but from what I've seen when I see em driving around is that they are ALOT lower. So you'll probably feel higher up in an xd. What makes me feel high up in the xD is the stock seats, im going to remedy that hopefully by dropping the car two inches and switching out the stock seats with some lower sitting ones. Cuz the stock seats just sit too high for my tastes, im in a decently low sitting hatch yet I look at people in sedans and coupes and see em sitting lower lol...My friend who has an 09 Eclipse feels like you're riding alot lower. Yet the eclipse itself only stands a couple inches shorter body-wise. But since the seats are alot lower and sporty it feels alot lower.

I have taken the xD out to the country and took some 60-70 degree bends at about 70+, doing this on stock suspension, no aftermarket suspension. I came from a 2008 GTI, which while being a hatch like the xD you were still alot lower cuz the GTI is a little wider, a little longer and made more sporty.Hope this helps, Nick

 

let me say than the XD has the potential to handle much better than you might think.
XD+tanabe nf210 springs+TRD sway bar+ TRD preformance shocks/struts+ sticky low pro tires= great handling. hell, i drive mine like james bond and havn't spun off the road yet. the lower center of grav and the increase in supension capabilities majkes the XD pretty nimble for an econobox wagon. just ask the slow sheepole i weave thru and pass every day to and from work.

 

The higher seats will be a benefit for me. Sitting with my legs almost straight forward seems to hurt my thighs. I also keep the rpms at around 3k. I'm hoping that won't kill the xD.

 

Then the xD has the seats you're looking for You should be fine at 3k rpm, I cruise at about 2-2.5k when driving at a steady speed and when rowing through the gears shift at 2.7k-3k

 

I can tell you the xD wont bottom out as easily as a delasol..thats for sure.... Respectfully in terms of room it will be nice to have it inside the car for a change and gas mileage is nice as well. Good luck in your choice, dont see how the xD is a bad deal for you.

 

I will say the del sol handles admirably in the winter.

 

Grab a D with VSC would be preferred for bad winter climates.... NHTSA says that is the 2nd best Safety feature for cars behind the seatbelt...

 

Why not go down to your local dealer and test drive it? Then ask questions. Just a thought.

 

Oh I want to but I'm obsessing over this enough as is.

Another issue: I'm reading up on tires and notice there is a pretty narrow selection that fit the the factory wheels. I do want to keep the steel wheels as I like the idea of being able to replace the cover if I rub against a curb or something, as well as being cheaper.

Do you think there will eventually be a greater selection out there to fit the factory wheels?

 

just find a different set of steelies using 5x100 pattern. prolly get some wider ones from a VW or something.

 

If your looking for a great deal on a loaded RS1 xD. http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/1126937112.html

 

I keep look at the tc now and I WOULD like it, but that fuel economy scares me away.

Driving with the top down in the spring weather reminds me why i bought the sol...it will be much better once I get the clutch gremlin fixed next week. oh well, one more summer.

I do wonder if it is possible to have a moonroof added onto the xD aftermarket, to imitate the tC.

 

The xD I'm selling has a moonroof, but you can't get one as big as the tC's because you wouldn't have any structural support in the roof.

 

It will be a while before I replace the sol so you xD will likely be sold by then. I'm just doing research and so far this car seems to be the best fit.

Who installed your roof? How much and what type is it? Leaks? Any pics?

 

As I look at this, I would be willing to get new wheels to replace the stock ones, but I don't see anything simple looking. -sigh- getting a new car is frustrating.

EDIT: I like these, and there seem to be plenty of avaliable tires for this one.
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...9&autoModClar=

 

a Del Sol? I dont think I've ever seen a male driving one of those. Ditch the chick car man, step up to the D

 

I don't feel the need to defend my masculinity, so I buy a car that I want, not what others want me to drive. -_-

 

I drive an 06 tC and my wife drives an 09 xD. I prefer the tC for funtime riding. It's easier to work on in my opinion, has a few more horse, and has sharper handling.

That being said, it's less comfortable than the xD, is a pita to get the kid in the car seat in the back, and takes up more room.

As far as fuel economy goes, I've gotten up to 34 mpg highway on the tC and similar on the xD (despite the advertised numbers for the tC). The xD definitely does better in the city, but we're talking 2 or 3 extra mpg. If mpg is your game, consider a prius, yaris, insight, or other small engine/hybrid vehicle.

It all depends on your priorities. In my opinion the tC handles better and is easier to work on. The xD is a better city people toter. I personally enjoy riding low to the ground in my car, but I enjoy being eye to eye with SUVs in thick traffic with my wife's vehicle. We're very happy with both of our Scions, and I doubt you'll be disappointed with either.

On a side note, digging the Threepwood quote.

 

YES! Someone gets the Monkey Island reference!

I'm seeing how speaker installation on these cars is needlessly complex. Unless there are plastic adaptors available I will likely be stuck with stock...

How do the stock speakers compare with my current setup:
factory tweeters
pioneer 2 voice speakers in the doors
Sony xplodes in the rear
Pioneer headunit (I forget the model, if thats relevant I'll add it tomorrow.) Usually with loudness set to medium and the EQ for flat or voice.