VA guy looking at buying a xb among other cars - Page 2

TheStepChild · 12-28-2012, 08:41 AM

Windshield rattle across the top - just had mine fixed under warranty. Not a big deal, just annoying to listen to. Only did it in cold temps.

Thats been the only issue with my 2011 so far. 25,000 miles on it.

boomee · 12-28-2012, 11:43 PM

cool thanks for the info

BrickPig · 12-29-2012, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomee

Is there anything I should be aware of on my test drive of the xb?

Not yet mentioned for 2011 and newer, the steering wheel column tilts and telescopes. For 2008-2010 the steering column is in a fixed position. Also the head units change from year to year, latest versions have bluetooth and HD radio.

When you test drive the xB, be aware there are some very bad blind spots due to the combination of high beltline, upright windshield (lots of roof above and in front of your head), big side view mirrors, thickish A pillars and very thick rear pillars. The Matrix has similar thick rear pillars. A lot of these blind spots go away if you are taller than 5' 6" since your eyes will then be above the side view mirrors. I've been surprised (more than once) by a car I did not see...now I look a lot more carefully.

Also the ride is a bit stiffer than your typical sedan. I like the ride when by myself (better handling) but wish it rode better (softer) when company is aboard.

All in all the xB offers a combination of style, utility, interior space, and economy that is hard to beat. Can it be improved? Sure but only if Toyota upped the price. I really wish they gave it the 6-speed manual/auto from the current TC, then it would be a REALLY great car. Have fun shopping!

WaggOn · 12-30-2012, 04:43 PM

Mine is an 08 5spd, very good car with minor issues,
One issue is bouncy ride, dont bother me much but has made my 2yr old daughter car sick a couple times. Took awhile fore puke smell to go away..
Other issue is plastic trim on winshield/roof came up., fixed with gorilla glue.., it could use 20 horses more, and i average 27mpg.
I would buy another, love it!! When ihave a bigger budget i may get a WRX..
Hope you find what you want, i had a hard time finding a used 5spd..

SCOTTRODS · 12-31-2012, 10:20 PM

Of ALL of the cars my wife and I drove.... this xB (2012 models that we both have now) has the best visibility and lowest instance of blind spots in ALL of them. The Corolla was Terrible, the Camry trunk is so high you can't see behind you. The xB I can (and do) take the rear headrests off and gain even better visibility out back, even though the open visibility is excellent ..... The Nissans are worse than the Toyotas.... didn't drive a Honda anything... although the Element doesn't look any worse or better than the xB, the Cube is actually fairly close in visibility, but is actually smaller, bringing the rear corner blind spots closer and wider..... The Juke (My second personal favorite) was terrible for visibility, but a VERY fun car to drive nonetheless..... I wasn't looking at anything more than about $23k simply because I figured on buying 2 cars this year, and that would pretty nearly tap me out.....

The Numbers give the xB the clear lead in all areas, if the money and the amenities are compared closely, as well as safety and comfort and all the other things one generally compares in their "needs" brackets.

The 2013 is on the lot now here, so give that one some consideration as well.

boomee · 01-01-2013, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTTRODS

Of ALL of the cars my wife and I drove.... this xB (2012 models that we both have now) has the best visibility and lowest instance of blind spots in ALL of them. The Corolla was Terrible, the Camry trunk is so high you can't see behind you. The xB I can (and do) take the rear headrests off and gain even better visibility out back, even though the open visibility is excellent ..... The Nissans are worse than the Toyotas.... didn't drive a Honda anything... although the Element doesn't look any worse or better than the xB, the Cube is actually fairly close in visibility, but is actually smaller, bringing the rear corner blind spots closer and wider..... The Juke (My second personal favorite) was terrible for visibility, but a VERY fun car to drive nonetheless..... I wasn't looking at anything more than about $23k simply because I figured on buying 2 cars this year, and that would pretty nearly tap me out.....

The Numbers give the xB the clear lead in all areas, if the money and the amenities are compared closely, as well as safety and comfort and all the other things one generally compares in their "needs" brackets.

The 2013 is on the lot now here, so give that one some consideration as well.

I will definitly be a used vehicle not a 2013 this car purchase comes at a bad time so I am not trying to spend alot of money also you said the nissans were bad but the cube has good visibility I am confused to what your were trying to say there.

SCOTTRODS · 01-01-2013, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomee

I will definitly be a used vehicle not a 2013 this car purchase comes at a bad time so I am not trying to spend alot of money also you said the nissans were bad but the cube has good visibility I am confused to what your were trying to say there.

I said the Cube is Close..... but due to the blind spots being closer to the driver, they are a bit larger.

boomee · 01-03-2013, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTTRODS

I said the Cube is Close..... but due to the blind spots being closer to the driver, they are a bit larger.

Understood now I was also gonna drive a mini Clubman ( base modle) but after researching reliability Im taking that vehicle off the list its back to this and the fit sport

boomee · 01-04-2013, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaggOn

Mine is an 08 5spd, very good car with minor issues,
One issue is bouncy ride, dont bother me much but has made my 2yr old daughter car sick a couple times. Took awhile fore puke smell to go away..
Other issue is plastic trim on winshield/roof came up., fixed with gorilla glue.., it could use 20 horses more, and i average 27mpg.
I would buy another, love it!! When ihave a bigger budget i may get a WRX..
Hope you find what you want, i had a hard time finding a used 5spd..

Im finding a few 5 speeds now finding a white one with 5 speed that may be a bit harder lol

TheStepChild · 01-04-2013, 07:14 AM

funny, A white 5 speed was the first one I test drove when I was shopping. That was march, so doubt they still have it

12-30-2012, 04:43 PM	#14 (permalink)
WaggOn Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Dallas TX. Posts: 25	Mine is an 08 5spd, very good car with minor issues, One issue is bouncy ride, dont bother me much but has made my 2yr old daughter car sick a couple times. Took awhile fore puke smell to go away.. Other issue is plastic trim on winshield/roof came up., fixed with gorilla glue.., it could use 20 horses more, and i average 27mpg. I would buy another, love it!! When ihave a bigger budget i may get a WRX.. Hope you find what you want, i had a hard time finding a used 5spd.. __________________ 08 bsp, 5spd, k&n drop in, 18" trd camry wheels with 225/40zr rubber.

12-28-2012, 08:41 AM	#11 (permalink)
TheStepChild Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 97	Windshield rattle across the top - just had mine fixed under warranty. Not a big deal, just annoying to listen to. Only did it in cold temps. Thats been the only issue with my 2011 so far. 25,000 miles on it.

12-28-2012, 11:43 PM	#12 (permalink)
boomee Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 34	cool thanks for the info

12-31-2012, 10:20 PM	#15 (permalink)
SCOTTRODS Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 115	Of ALL of the cars my wife and I drove.... this xB (2012 models that we both have now) has the best visibility and lowest instance of blind spots in ALL of them. The Corolla was Terrible, the Camry trunk is so high you can't see behind you. The xB I can (and do) take the rear headrests off and gain even better visibility out back, even though the open visibility is excellent ..... The Nissans are worse than the Toyotas.... didn't drive a Honda anything... although the Element doesn't look any worse or better than the xB, the Cube is actually fairly close in visibility, but is actually smaller, bringing the rear corner blind spots closer and wider..... The Juke (My second personal favorite) was terrible for visibility, but a VERY fun car to drive nonetheless..... I wasn't looking at anything more than about $23k simply because I figured on buying 2 cars this year, and that would pretty nearly tap me out..... The Numbers give the xB the clear lead in all areas, if the money and the amenities are compared closely, as well as safety and comfort and all the other things one generally compares in their "needs" brackets. The 2013 is on the lot now here, so give that one some consideration as well.

01-04-2013, 07:14 AM	#20 (permalink)
TheStepChild Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 97	funny, A white 5 speed was the first one I test drove when I was shopping. That was march, so doubt they still have it

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