VA guy looking at buying a xb among other cars

boomee · 12-27-2012, 07:19 AM

Hey new to the forum I currently have a 2004 forester xt on swift springs and kyb shocks with almost 200,000 miles on it (GREAT CAR BTW). Looking for something better on gas and cheaper maintinence and good cargo room.I have narrowed my choices to second gen XB, honda fit, or Toyota matrix. I would prefere manual transmision. how is the XB in light snow? what do you guys typically get on the highway(mpg)? I am planning on getting a used car no more than 72 000 miles.

**TartanJack** · 12-27-2012, 08:36 AM

The Matrix and xB are closely related, with the 2.4 engine being the same. The xB has a much larger interior with the Matrix having slightly better economy. The handling and other characteristics are VERY similar (the xB and Matrix are technically the same car with 2 bodies).
On here, you'll get supporters for the B, as that is what WE all got.

Personally, I LOVE the balance of performance, handling, economy, and interior space the B has. I was looking at a 2006 black RX-8. Yellow and black 2009 Mini Clubman, Mazda 3, and the 2009 B (. The B was just too hard to beat overall, as it was the best balance in the various needs I had and what performance characteristics I wanted.
I have yet to regret or second guess that decision! Only ever retrospectively second guessed the color (LOVE Stingray) and transmission (the xB's manual works well, unlike the "similar" Toyota sedan manual I test drove).

zinger · 12-27-2012, 11:40 AM

My xB (with auto trans) handles snow just fine. The traction control light and antilock brakes operate as you would expect when starting and stopping. I would expect snow handling to depend a lot on what tires you have. I am still using the stock all-weather radials. I will probably replace them next year and am leaning towards a more dedicated winter tire as I have different wheels for summer.

08xB-Tsedan · 12-27-2012, 01:33 PM

As said I'm sure you'll get support for the xB here since we drive them. I just bought mine in August an 2008 with then 49k. I wanted a good commuter with room, I'm 6'4" and fit in it just fine as well as plenty of room to haul stuff. I average 26 mpg with mixed conditions and would probably do better if I didn't drive 80 on the highway. I'd buy another one in a second if needed I think its a great car and I'm glad I got it....

boomee · 12-27-2012, 05:24 PM

Is there anything I should be aware of when looking at a used scion XB Manual trans?

**TartanJack** · 12-27-2012, 05:24 PM

IF I get a business up and running . . .
I plan to get a second one and make it into the "shop truck."

boomee · 12-27-2012, 06:25 PM

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

zinger · 12-27-2012, 06:39 PM

I haven't been in the newer models (2011+), but several people on here have said the seat support, center console height, and armrest are much improved over the 2008-2010.

08xB-Tsedan · 12-27-2012, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomee

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

There is nothing that I know of that is a common issue with them....

**TartanJack** · 12-27-2012, 10:58 PM

I will add this . . .
The ECU learns how YOU drive and tunes to you. So, if it seems a bit "sluggish," it will improve. If it feels a bit "too peppy," it will calm down. It all depends how you drive it.
When I first got mine, it would hesitate with high throttle from a stand-still. Now, it will chirp the tires if I'm not too careful.

12-27-2012, 07:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
boomee Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 34	VA guy looking at buying a xb among other cars Hey new to the forum I currently have a 2004 forester xt on swift springs and kyb shocks with almost 200,000 miles on it (GREAT CAR BTW). Looking for something better on gas and cheaper maintinence and good cargo room.I have narrowed my choices to second gen XB, honda fit, or Toyota matrix. I would prefere manual transmision. how is the XB in light snow? what do you guys typically get on the highway(mpg)? I am planning on getting a used car no more than 72 000 miles.

12-27-2012, 08:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
TartanJack Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sticks, South Carolina Posts: 3,725	The Matrix and xB are closely related, with the 2.4 engine being the same. The xB has a much larger interior with the Matrix having slightly better economy. The handling and other characteristics are VERY similar (the xB and Matrix are technically the same car with 2 bodies). On here, you'll get supporters for the B, as that is what WE all got. Personally, I LOVE the balance of performance, handling, economy, and interior space the B has. I was looking at a 2006 black RX-8. Yellow and black 2009 Mini Clubman, Mazda 3, and the 2009 B (. The B was just too hard to beat overall, as it was the best balance in the various needs I had and what performance characteristics I wanted. I have yet to regret or second guess that decision! Only ever retrospectively second guessed the color (LOVE Stingray) and transmission (the xB's manual works well, unlike the "similar" Toyota sedan manual I test drove). __________________ Traveller 09 xB -scikotics-Upstate Chapter I don't eat nuts . . . I'm not a cannibal. _______ //__\|___\___ Ethanol is for drinking, NOT engines. [(+)____(+)_) Industrial SportsBox

12-27-2012, 11:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
zinger Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 646	My xB (with auto trans) handles snow just fine. The traction control light and antilock brakes operate as you would expect when starting and stopping. I would expect snow handling to depend a lot on what tires you have. I am still using the stock all-weather radials. I will probably replace them next year and am leaning towards a more dedicated winter tire as I have different wheels for summer. __________________ RS 6 WeatherTech digital-fit mats Fog lights WeatherTech in-channel visors TRD rear sway bar 5000K HID's Oznium 3rd brake light

12-27-2012, 01:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
08xB-Tsedan Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 51	As said I'm sure you'll get support for the xB here since we drive them. I just bought mine in August an 2008 with then 49k. I wanted a good commuter with room, I'm 6'4" and fit in it just fine as well as plenty of room to haul stuff. I average 26 mpg with mixed conditions and would probably do better if I didn't drive 80 on the highway. I'd buy another one in a second if needed I think its a great car and I'm glad I got it.... __________________ 2008 xB Red LED plate lights Red LED rear logo Red LED cup holder light Red LED puddle lights White LED DTR lights Tinted windows Aftermarket OEM style spoiler Aftermarket OEM style fog lights

12-27-2012, 05:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
TartanJack Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sticks, South Carolina Posts: 3,725	IF I get a business up and running . . . I plan to get a second one and make it into the "shop truck." __________________ Traveller 09 xB -scikotics-Upstate Chapter I don't eat nuts . . . I'm not a cannibal. _______ //__\|___\___ Ethanol is for drinking, NOT engines. [(+)____(+)_) Industrial SportsBox

12-27-2012, 05:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
boomee Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 34	Is there anything I should be aware of when looking at a used scion XB Manual trans?

12-27-2012, 06:25 PM	#7 (permalink)
boomee Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 34	Is there anything I should be aware of on my test drive of the xb?

12-27-2012, 06:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
zinger Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 646	I haven't been in the newer models (2011+), but several people on here have said the seat support, center console height, and armrest are much improved over the 2008-2010. __________________ RS 6 WeatherTech digital-fit mats Fog lights WeatherTech in-channel visors TRD rear sway bar 5000K HID's Oznium 3rd brake light

12-27-2012, 10:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
TartanJack Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sticks, South Carolina Posts: 3,725	I will add this . . . The ECU learns how YOU drive and tunes to you. So, if it seems a bit "sluggish," it will improve. If it feels a bit "too peppy," it will calm down. It all depends how you drive it. When I first got mine, it would hesitate with high throttle from a stand-still. Now, it will chirp the tires if I'm not too careful. __________________ Traveller 09 xB -scikotics-Upstate Chapter I don't eat nuts . . . I'm not a cannibal. _______ //__\|___\___ Ethanol is for drinking, NOT engines. [(+)____(+)_) Industrial SportsBox

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
NewScionXB.com Advertisement