2006 xb

[tamu9403]

I am looking to buy the xb. Any one with any advice or comments. What about extended warranties?

[vintage42]

I just got an xB. Extended warranties are available from the dealer, but I did not want one. In shopping for one, look at the website Scion.com to build the one you want, and be sure to use the Hyperview feature. In pricing one, check the dealers websites and look under the About Us link for their fees. Scion has a Pure Price policy where dealers sell for their "posted" price without negotiation, however around here, the only posting of fees was on the websites in those About Us areas. Make each dealer write up a purchase order for you to review - that will flush out all the fees etc. Fees normally include documentation charges, which can vary hundreds of dollars, but also can include extra prep charges and added profit.

One dealer here listed "Special Benefits Package - $600", which turned out to be a dealership profit add-on. Another item was "Salesman - $250". The salesman explained that he did not get paid on commission. Needless to say I went to another dealer and saved $550 in fees.

The car is wonderful. It has almost the same engine specs and weight as a Minicooper, on a tight suspension. My manual transmission xB drives a lot like my friend's Minicooper - a roomy go-cart. Being 63 and 6'-2", I especially wanted an xB for the easy of getting in and out.

[mustang67408]

Originally Posted by vintage42

The car is wonderful. It has almost the same engine specs and weight as a Minicooper, on a tight suspension. My manual transmission xB drives a lot like my friend's Minicooper - a roomy go-cart. Being 63 and 6'-2", I especially wanted an xB for the easy of getting in and out.

They are nice vehicles. THE XB is and ECHO with a big box body. They handle even better when lowered.

[vintage42]

Originally Posted by mustang67408

...THE XB... handle even better when lowered.

I find the ground clearance too low already. I would like as much ground clearance and spring travel as possible. My second set of tires will be bigger to increase the clearance. The car handles better than most people are used to already, though a rear sway bar is available that bolts on in ten minutes and further reduces lean.

The single most worthwhile handling improvement is changing the KYB rear shocks to SensaTracs, made by Tenneco and sold under the Monroe and NAPA brands. The rear KYBs are just too stiff, too hard to compress, and they make the rear of the xB ride too hard. The comparison is easily felt when you change your own shocks and work them in and out by hand.

The xB uses Echo shocks; xBs are too new to appear in aftermarket parts store application books. SensaTracs cost $75/pair and install in minutes with a few wrenches.