[MegaMan X]

Is it smarter to get a 2008 Scion xB right now during their end of the year sale (marked down approx. ~$1000) compared to the current 2009 Scion xB?

Are they any visual, engine, or body differences?

Is insurance cheaper on a 08 model?

I'm asking for a friend who is interested in buying and not leasing. SHE isn't very smart with her money, so I'm trying to steer her in the right direction.

(If someone told her the 08 model was really an 09 model, they would get away with it. So I know she won't get ripped off at a Scion dealership since its Pure Pricing)

 

[TartanJack]

Between them, there isn't any significant known differences.

The windshield corners are slightly different and that is about it. Any changes made mid-production aren't known and aren't major.
The only significant difference is that 08s have the Gold RS edition and the Nautical Blue (the deep navy) color, which was replaced with Stingray for the 09.

As for the price difference, that is about the ONLY way to get a major price reduction on a new one.
If it was me, I would consider whether Nautical Blue, Stingray, or one of the others is the desired color (or available), whether you could get the Gold RS, and how long you plan to own the box. If it is for only a few years, one model year is somewhat significant in trade-in value (the RSs are special limited editions and tend to hold a higher value for an equal condition box). If you plan to own it for a LONG time, one year in model makes less difference that the price paid new. A few hundred dollars or less after years is more money in the pocket than a thousand or 2 when new.
I almost got an 08 when I got my 09 to get a Nautical Blue, though the price difference of $100 made it a small issue and I liked the silver. A thousand or 2 might/would have.

 

[Maytag]

That was a great response TartanJack.

Your color preferences are about it. And how long you anticipate keeping it.

If one of the 08 colors grab you, and your going to keep it till the wheels fall off, buy the 08 and take the discount.

Insurance should be lower, but that'll be negligible.

 

[damasho]

Other than some color changes, I am not aware of any other differences between the '08 and '09 models.

 

[mustrd]

You can't really go wrong with the xb2. Great safety features, good insurance rates if monthly budget is a concern. My insurance dropped over $10 a month from a 98 4x4 Tacoma.

As a RS #5 owner, I mainly bought it because I always wanted a sunroof and cringed at the thought of having one put in. For people who don't like the color, I just tell them the color came with the sunroof. However, the color has grown on me and have gotten used to driving around in an eye catching color. My girlfriend was behind me on the turnpike last weekend, she said she could see my car almost a mile away (chuckle). You could even consider it a safety color, since I haven't had anybody pull out in front of me from not seeing my car.

If she ever gets into money problems, as stated before there will be a better resale value to the RS.

For the price, the xb is pretty hard to beat. Good cargo room. Peppy power. Decent gas mileage if you stay off the gas. If cost is any issue, go with the 08' and try to find a later vin # if possible or check the manufacture date. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the pillar creaks were fix with later in the year productions.

Does anyone know if the squirrel finders were tweaked in the 09's?

 

[TartanJack]

Does anyone know if the squirrel finders were tweaked in the 09's?

If you mean that it tends to hit squirrels . . .
I've hit over a half-dozen in mine, plus 2 cats and a LARGE black snake I thought was a rubber hose until it coiled up behind me.

 

[mustrd]

Speaking of snakes...here is a thread for you.

http://www.teamscionrg.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=13972

 

[TartanJack]

Speaking of snakes...here is a thread for you.

http://www.teamscionrg.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=13972

Required registration at Team Scion RG to view that thread . . .

 

[mustrd]

Ugh....sorry bout that....basically it was a guy talking about how he found 4 copperheads coil up in the underbody of car. One was 6' long.

 

[MegaMan X]

found a Gold RS 5 at a dealership, was only $16,600 + Taxes/Fees.

No other equipment installed. We asked the dealer, it came through the Long Beach Port in April, and its been sitting there ever since. The ODO has ~70miles on it from people that have test drove it, and didn't want it.

Is the pillar creaks were fix with this model?

 

[mustrd]

Is the pillar creaks were fix with this model?

If I understand correctly the pillar issue was dealt with by the time the RS 5 started being manufactured. I have had mine since the beginning of August, and haven't heard any creaks. You can always check on the "official RS 5.0" thread.

$16,600 is a good price. BTW--dealership fees are negotiable. Pluuuuuss the sunroof....sweet!

Stick or manual, or does it matter?

 

[TartanJack]

Is the pillar creaks were fix with this model?

If I understand correctly the pillar issue was dealt with by the time the RS 5 started being manufactured. I have had mine since the beginning of August, and haven't heard any creaks. You can always check on the "official RS 5.0" thread.

$16,600 is a good price. BTW--dealership fees are negotiable. Pluuuuuss the sunroof....sweet!

Stick or manual, or does it matter?

If you like the gold, GET IT!
I would have if the price was THE SAME or CHEAPER than an 09!
That sunroof would be great, unless you just HATE them.

 

[VC-17]

Between them, there isn't any significant known differences.

The windshield corners are slightly different and that is about it.

What's the difference with the windshield?

 

[TartanJack]

Between them, there isn't any significant known differences.

The windshield corners are slightly different and that is about it.

What's the difference with the windshield?

The corners are slightly different.
I only know b/c I had to get mine replaced. I have an 09 and he brought the moldings for an 08. They were supposed to go around a rounded corner, while the 09 had a squared upper corner. Also, the bottom corners have a different shape.
At least according to Glass Doctor . . . who AAA called.

 

[Capt Richard]

The real question is are you a keeper or a trader in a few years. IF you sell the car off for a new one when its paid for then you want to get the most for your money. Buying a car that is devalued when you drive off the lot vers one thats devalued plus a year. Unless you put several thousand down you owe more than your insured for on a new car with a total loss. If its a year older you have to make sure the discount is enought to cover the added devaluation for age. This is what they refer to as being upside down on a loan.

In my case my old vehice is a full size pickup with 193000 miles and 8 years old so buying a "last years model would not make a difference. I kept it since its got cargo room and only a few thousand in value to sell. The 2008 were gone so I got the new color ( stingray ) 2009.

The scions hold a good resale value since its a small fuel efficent car but it still worth less because its a year older. If your the lots of goodies kind of person you might consider the 2009 at full price and a few options under the pure price agreement then take a discount on adding parts later to sweeten the deal as some people have recieved. Generally the price is fixed and other than the last years model at a thousand less you wont find a better price. Using this plan you finance less and then have to have cash for the extras but at a better price than if you added them to the original sale and you benifit by not paying finance charges. If your handy you can get the same instruction that the dealers employees use to install them yourself and really save the bucks. As an example my overhead console was 158 and I had to take a knife to the headliner to put it in vers $320 ? from the dealer.