[yodar]

5-speed xB owners:
After 5,000 miles my clutch still grabs to the extent that I am not able to engage it smoothly in first gear unless I'm level and really take my time. Unfortunately, that's not the real world.
I've owned and driven stick shifts for many years, and know how to shift smoothly, so the problem is NOT me. The dealer service tech killed the engine the first time he drove my car, which further bolsters the idea that it's the car, but he basically said there was nothing wrong and nothing to be adjusted.
My question: do other 5-speed owners have clutches that grab?
Or is my 08 xB a silver-colored lemon?
Yodar

 

[boblamb58]

Been driving stick-shift since I first began driving in 1978. After nearly 10 months and just over 9000 miles with my xB, I *STILL* have occasional problems with stalling on start-out. Hills, flat, don't matter. If I forget about the delay, or am rushed, it gets me often. The accelerator delay built into this car is awful. Never experienced anything like it.

So no, it's not just you.

 

[L0stS0ul]

I can't say that I've noticed much sticking in the clutch. I've only got about 2k on mine. I get a slight knock when shifting in and out of first but it's actually quite smooth.

 

[eviljack]

I can't say I have that problem I don't know if I got used to it or if its worn in. I do have 11k on mine though.

 

[yodar]

My synchros clunk, the clutch grabs, the accelerator pedal has no feel, and the brakes are way too sensitive. All the things that make driving a stick shift fun ... stink!
How can Toyota screw up so badly on such things?
Yodar

 

[ryeguy]

Keep in mind, as much as we love to think otherwise, Scion is an economy car. Perhaps you're expecting too much for a car in the sub-20K price class?

 

[eviljack]

I have to re-feel the acclerator but I don't agree with you on that part. The brakes, yes they are way over sensative for such a low preformance vehical. It kills my girlfriend that they are so sensative, but I like them. Always have loved brakes like that. Shifter is definatly clunky. For the price of the car though I am happy. Sometimes even highend cars have little quirks as well.

 

[TartanJack]

Sounds like I should be glad I got the auto . . .
Switching between the xB manual and the Miata's WONDERFUL manual might drive me more batty than I already am . . .

 

[MidlifeCrisis]

Keep in mind, as much as we love to think otherwise, Scion is an economy car. Perhaps you're expecting too much for a car in the sub-20K price class?

I don't think so. I have an auto because I get tired of driving a stick real quick but I've driven several economy sticks that were smooth as silk so there should be no excuse.

 

[Geezer]

My synchros clunk, the clutch grabs, the accelerator pedal has no feel, and the brakes are way too sensitive. All the things that make driving a stick shift fun ... stink!
How can Toyota screw up so badly on such things?
Yodar

And how about that crappy gauge cluster!?

 

[yodar]

Crappy gauge cluster? That's a different thread -- let it go. :naughty:
True, the xB is a half-step above an entry level car, but that's no excuse for Scion/Daihatsu/Toyota to build cars that have grabby clutches, accelerator pedals with no feel, synchros that clunk, and brakes that are hyper sensitive.
For 40+ years I've owned and driven stick shift entry level cars and pickups (averaging 8 years old when I bought them) and I've NEVER had those problems.
When I test drove the xB I assumed these characteristics were because I'd never driven an xB, and I would smooth things out after a short time. Well, it's 5 months and 5,000 miles later, and those problems are still there.
Admittedly, some xBs may not have the same problems, and some people don't notice such things, and some people don't care about such things. That's fine. But it does nothing to excuse Toyota from screwing up on such important driving characteristics of a new car.
Yodar

 

[scion]

Why not put a stiffer spring on the accelerator pedal to give it more feel? I know that this is a drive by wire system, but you should be able to attach a spring somewhere to the linkage under the dash.

As far as the brakes being hyper sensitive, just think of them as a high performance braking system that you didn't have to pay thousands of dollars extra for the ability to stop in time to avoid an accident.

 

[DJPatoD]

I got mine early August. I noticed since the test drive, occassionally the clutch will not enter in the 1st gear. It comes & goes, I thought it might have been me. Currently i am at 990 miles, 5spd 2009. So im hoping it is something that has to be broken in & will go away over time. Maybe..... :x

 

[FobikrokzScion]

I have had mine since feb of this year.. 08 xb and i have that exact same slight delay in the clutch and gas..
if i dont hit the gas to get kick start on the rpm, then i will definitely stall.. and then i have to really accelerate to get it goign after i hit the gas the first time..
kinda sux.. i too have been driving manuals for a while now.. and never had this problem.. i think the other problem is the length of the shifter..but thats me..
it ain a jeep so it shouldnt be so long (THATS WHAT SHE SAID) but anyhows..
i was questioning toyo also on the clicking noise when shifting from 1st to 2nd sometimes..
if i push the clutch in a bit to much and shift when coming out of first it clicks or sticks one of the 2..

oh well we will see how it turns out