I like my box

I bought a new xB (2008) in December of 2007.... What a great little car! I read all the reviews and did some serious research before deciding on it. For me, it's a great combination of power (yes, it's got enough), versatility, economy, and good looks (subjective, but I love the chop-top look of this boxy wagon). The 2008 xB is a completely different car than the earlier model. Purists argue that it doesn't carry forth the original brand concept, but I disagree. It's simply a more well-rounded car that will appeal to more people. I personally would not have bought the first gen xB because of its small, underpowered engine and looks. The 2008 xB looks much more like a sport compact tuner JDM hot rod, and I like that a lot.

If you have never considered a Scion, here's the deal.... When you buy one, the only manufacturer option you really have to choose from is a manual or auto transmission. For the xB, that was a $1,000 difference (more for the auto). Where the dealers really make money is in the accessories and dealer-installed options. You can get fancy wheels, upgraded stereos, LED interior lights, and the ubiquitous floor mats (they never come standard anymore, I guess). Also note that Scion has a flat pricing across all dealers, similar to the way Saturn sells cars. However, you may be able to negotiate on the financing, so check that out. I ended up getting a 72 month/75,000 mile extended warranty basically for free at the financing stage.

Ultimately, I opted for the manual 5-spd base model with an upgraded subwoofer and amp. That's it. A week after I took delivery, I ordered a new set of Scion xB floor mats off eBay and saved myself about $100. One thing worth mentioning on the xB - take time to drive the manual AND the auto back-to-back, then decide. The two cars have completely different "personalities." I came away from the manual with a sense that it is the sportier of the two. The auto felt utilitarian, and a little lacking in the fun department.

I now have almost 1,000 miles on the Box, and it's one of the best "feeling" cars I've owned. It just feels good.... Plenty of pickup, lots of interior room, no noticeable torque steer or strange handling characteristics, fairly spartan accommodations (a plus, I think, in this world of EXTREME, got-to-have-it-all consumerism), and Toyota build quality.

Pros:

-- Economical (low price, low maintenance, and I've been getting 28.7 mpg over the first 800 miles)

-- Cool (some love it; some hate it. I love it. Reminds me of a little chop-top Japanese hot rod)

-- Peppy (new 2.4L Camry engine is a good match for this fatter new model)

-- Aftermarket (you can mod this thing quite a bit, and the options for modifications will continue to grow)

-- High beams (I swear they're the brightest high beams I've ever seen)

-- Safety (I was impressed that the ratings on this little Box are 4-5 star all around, and it comes standard with a full array of airbags)

Cons:

-- Clunky shifter (my manual clunks into 1st and 2nd gear, which will require me to go have it fixed already - covered under warranty)

-- C-pillar blind spot (lots of cars have this spot, but it's pronounced on the box. You have to be extra careful when changing lanes)

-- Base stereo (the base Pioneer is 160 watts, just enough power but needs a better equalizer)

-- Interior lights (getting nitpicky here, but I will have to upgrade soon to aftermarket lamps for the interior lights. They're just not powerful enough)

-- No telescoping steering (this would be great, and it's needed)

-- Thin body panels (weight savings yes; durability no - and talk about featherweight doors!)


OVERALL: A great buy for a tall wagon, as long as you like the looks.