[Rev_Rock]

Hi everyone,

I just joined this forum today. First, let me admit that I don't yet own an xB, but am a fan of the looks and obvious Toyota quality. My son had a TC before he got married and had to trade it for a Camry when my granddaughter was born. Nice little car, though!

I can't quite afford a car yet, but might be coming into a little money that will allow me to purchase something outright. My first choice is the xB. I've never ridden in one or driven one. I just know that I like how they look and the room they have, especially for passengers.

Now, here's my question. How do they ride, bone stock? I'm not expecting luxury, or I'd be looking at a Camry, Sonata, or something on those lines. But I also don't want something that has a harsh or uncomfortable ride. I'm only 5'5", so I don't have some of the issues that a tall driver would. But I do have a bad back from an old lumbar injury, so I need some support there. I currently drive a Geo Prizm everyday to work and back, and on short drives of about 100 miles round trip, so almost anything would be an improvement over that! :biggrin: If I decide on an xB, it'll mostly be based upon how it rides. Smooth and quiet, or harsh and noisy? The only mods I can see doing are some rims (if I get one without the factory alloys) and maybe a K&N filter, unless there's a semi-quiet catback available. My son had an HKS catback on his TC that wasn't overly loud. The OBX system on my Geo is pretty darned loud, so I don't want anything like that again!!

Anyway, any input is truly appreciated! Thanks!!

P.S. I'm 52 years old, so practicality and comfort are beginning to be more important than style!

 

[scion]

I have read that some people with bad backs don't think that the xB has enough lumbar support and they have actually ask about a seat replacement. I would think that if you have a Geo now that it the xb wouldn't be much of an issue. I would like my xB seats to have more padding, but that's just me, others have said something different.

I think my xb is roomy and I like that the windshield doesn't lay back so you don't have that small car feel. Still like my xb, but they have issues with them burning oil for the 2008-2009 years, so unless they have fixed the pistons/rings in the newer xb's get the extended warranty for at least 100k miles. Wish I did.

Good luck, don't want to rain on your parade, just want to make sure you know about this problem that exists in the xb, tc and a lot of Toyota's with our engine.

 

[TrevorS]

The stock xB has a very relaxed and smooth ride, definitely not harsh or noisy. Lumbar support would probably be best provided by an added lumbar pillow. I personally wouldn't count on any car meeting that need in stock form. FWIW -- seat adjustment counts for a lot.

 

[Rev_Rock]

Thanks for the info! I know that there is no perfect car, and there's a whole lot of personal preference involved, but a smooth and quiet ride is the most important thing for me. Like I said, almost anything would be an improvement over my Geo!!

And about the oil consumption thing: I was reading a few threads on here about that. Kind of has me a little concerned, since one of the cars I was really considering is an '09 with about 61,000 miles on it. I might have to look into that a little more before I decide! Thanks again!!

 

[scion]

The newer xB's have a little wider seat and the steering wheel can be adjusted fore and aft which will give you a wider choice of driving positions, so that may help your back problem. I think that my xB's is quiet, rides nice (for a small car) and handles well. The standard wheels are 16 inch, if you go to 17/18 or 19 inch tires the ride won't be as smooth since the tires have less sidewall.

The TSB for the piston/rings causing oil to be used at 1 qt. per 1200 miles just came out recently and as of right now only involves 08/09 xB's, but it could include all of the years if they haven't fixed the problem.. The 2010, 2011 and 2012 are probably too new and not enough miles for this problem to show up yet.

Good Luck with your choice!

 

[TrevorS]

The newer xB's have a little wider seat and the steering wheel can be adjusted fore and aft which will give you a wider choice of driving positions, so that may help your back problem.

I don't have personal experience with it, but I've asked and have been told the new telescoping steering column really only extends toward the dash, not the seat. I think Toyota completely FUBAR'd that one !

 

[phobic]

I loved the stock ride, still love my modded ride too!