[guht]

I went and test drove the xB last nice, and I was really impressed by everything, except the power and the gas mileage. It seemed decent off the line, but when hammering on the gas to get up to freeway speeds, it seemed a little sluggish?

Are there mods that can be done to improve the gas mileage and the low end performance?

Also, I have heard about the "no haggle" policy, but I have also heard many reports on scion forums about people getting the price lowered on NEW cars.

The sticker price is not outrageous, but there has to be SOME room for play, and at the end of the day the customer wants to feel like they received a deal.

Any stories and advice on purchasing appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[TrevorS]

You're asking about improving gas mileage, but relative to what? Your only experience is apparently a test drive.

I don't know what you're comparing to, but the xB2 has a somwhat largish frontal area and a fair bit of weight, so it's appropriate to ask what you're comparing performance to? Yes, there are mods you can make to boost engine performance, but engaging those mods will cost you MPG. MPG depends heavily on your head and foot -- if you expect it regardless, forget performance! The base design tries to conserve MPG despite the driver.

Pure pricing is a very specific policy and so don't expect any heed to be taken of your desire for a lower price. Best shot for a price break is an earlier model year.

 

[alfundo]

the xB comes with real time MPG readout, you can use this info to obtain better than the advertised mileage. with summer gas i often get 30 - 31 mpg per tank. i have a cai, lightweight wheels and im lowered. each of those mods have slightly improved MPG with the CAI aiding merging onto the highway.

you wont have much success in getting anything knocked off the sticker price but there can be a difference between dealers and the pure price. when i bought mine it had the premium head unit already installed, i told dealer i didnt want it and to take it off the price. they wouldnt, some bs about thats how it was delivered to them. a couple of weeks later i saw an xB minus the stereo and a lower sticker price. on my 08 i did manage to get them to throw in floor mats when i played 2 dealers against each other.

Good Luck!

 

[TrevorS]

Unfortunately, the "real time" and also "average" MPG reported by the xB2 computer aren't real -- just a rough estimate. The only way to find out your actual MPG is to hand calculate it (elapsed miles divided by amount of gas required to refill the tank). As far as I'm concerned, the xB2 does just fine, but you can believe my driving practices are designed to assist that !

 

[alfundo]

i believe it to be more than a rough estimate. idling time enters the equation as well. I've only ever found the stated MPG average to be off from the actual calculated MPG by 1. so if the dash says 32, ive gotten 31. It is a very useful tool for correcting your driving habits.

 

[Dale]

The "deal" that one gets in purchasing an xB is, a vehicle that is built well,gets vairly good MPG,and has a good amount of room. All this for a comparitively good price.
If one is to get a more balanced opinion,try test driving other cars that might be of interest and read up on what others say about their simular experiences.

 

[AJ_Gil]

I bought my 2012 around 2 months ago and here are my experiences & impressions.
Power; I traded in a modded Hemi Magnum on it and while (of course) it's never going to pull like that beast I find the thing pretty spirited for a 4 banger. Peppy around town (with the AC on) and getting up to and holding 80 on the Hwy (my usual cruising speed) easy. I rarely have to push the pedal much beyond 1/3 for my driving (I ain't a real heavy footed street driver anyhow).
Gas milage; I added a AFE CAI and Borla duals and while it may breathe easier (and sound better) my gas milage in the SA Fla heat w/ AC on driving more around town with some Hwy I'm averaging 23.5 mpg and that's measured filup against miles. The computer falsely gives you another mpg or two.
Sound; I listen to most of my music driving to work and having to do it again I'd have gone for the premium sound. I did replace the door speakers with Boston Acoustic SC60 / 65s and am happy with it now.
Price: Definately deal with the internet sales manager as opposed to the showroom guys (bought my last 2 cars this way and got them both just over cost). I got my base 2012 for around $18,175.
I have other threads in here about the CAI, Borla and my sound system mods if you care to read them..
All in all, love the XB and am very happy with the whole experience so far! :cheers:

 

[ToasteRS5.0]

I've had my 08 5Spd since Feb and as far as power goes, I've noticed that if you push the gas peddle just a little past half way you reach a point where the car feels slow, but if you lift off the gas a little the car seems to speed up. I know it sounds weird but that's what it feels like and the speedo supports it.

 

[SamCarroll]

I've had my 08 5Spd since Feb and as far as power goes, I've noticed that if you push the gas peddle just a little past half way you reach a point where the car feels slow, but if you lift off the gas a little the car seems to speed up. I know it sounds weird but that's what it feels like and the speedo supports it.

i too have noticed this. If you hammer down itll bog out. But if you just keep on it but not crazy or even lessen up on th epedal it kicks it in the ***.

 

[phobic]

I agree with this. ^

mine is an automatic and if you floor it, def bogs down and then speeds up a bit later, but if you know how to hit the gas it goes great.

 

[TrevorS]

That's an interesting observation -- wonder why that would happen? Seems to me it would have to have something to do with ECU programming, but why would be the point? Perhaps it's a result of going open loop?

 

[ToasteRS5.0]

That's an interesting observation -- wonder why that would happen? Seems to me it would have to have something to do with ECU programming, but why would be the point? Perhaps it's a result of going open loop?

My bet is that the ECU is programmed that way so that the idiots that don't know how to drive 1 don't blow the engine and 2 don't get in trouble because they can't control the car.

 

[TartanJack]

My bet is that the ECU is programmed that way so that the idiots that don't know how to drive 1 don't blow the engine and 2 don't get in trouble because they can't control the car.

Quite likely, esp. considering other things the xB has to keep idiot-owners from getting themselves in trouble like:
-A "reserve" that is 4 gallons, in a 14 gallon tank (to run-out is VERY bad for a VVT engine)
-Brakes big enough for decent stopping on 20s (generally, one up-grades brakes when going to rims that large)
-VSC that auto-turns-on (will work when computer detects relevant driving conditions) above 35mph, even when manually turned off entirely. (Helps idiots who don't know how to drive fast in curves and bends)

-Et Cetera

 

[penman53]

I love my 2012 xB and it works just fine. I wouldn't change a thing with it. I paid sticker and it didn't bother me a bit to do it.

 

[cductn]

with the rukus here in australia the car + onroads for my build 2 is $33758.20. i picked mine up for $24000.00 that was with onroads, tint, visors and floor matts. aswell as 5 year 100k warranty. 3 years free roadside assist and 6 capped priced services.... so down here they can knock prices's off especially when when you tell them your looking at another make of car..