X B?

Is there any reason not to consider an XB for a DD and occasional traveller? I'm considering a 2005 w/58K and 5 speed, from the original old owner. What to look for, what to expect, etc.

This XB?

or

Me thinks he is talking about this XB:

ya fink so

I have one, an '05. Great car around town, not so much on the highway. Toyota hardly changed the gearing for the US model, and you can enjoy the whine of 4000rpm at 80mph, if you really want to.

That being said, it's a super in-town car. Mine came with a K&N CAI, no other mods, and I can get an easy 36mpg around town. It also came right before the decline of Toyota quality, and I expect it to last a long time.

One of the flimsier Toyota products I've dealt with. I know people like these, and I'm indifferent to the styling. However, the number of them I've had crashed to deal with I can tell you they are a throw away car. The front structure just collapses into a wad of tinfoil. I rate the body structure on par with the Kia Rio's from the bad Kia years.

I test drove one when they were new. My take away was that they had quirky styling, lots of interior space for their size, and not enough power to get out of its own way. One interstate on ramp merge and I knew I wasn't going to buy one.

EvanR, my miata spins at 4,000 RPM at 80 MPH in 6th. Not so good for mileage when a good portion of my commute is at or above 80 MPH.

T.J. wrote: I test drove one when they were new. My take away was that they had quirky styling, lots of interior space for their size, and not enough power to get out of its own way. One interstate on ramp merge and I knew I wasn't going to buy one.

The XB doesn't have enough power? So YOU are the reason America can't have nice things!

You don't know "not enough power to get out of it's own way" until you have driven the incredible number of gutless beasts on my "car's and bikes I've owned" list.

I like them but they're a bit too small for me. I could see them being a bit on the slow side but then again I'd expect that from something that get's 30+ mpg.

You haven't driven "underpowered" until you've merged into traffic with a Subaru Legacy wagon w/automatic trans.

I'd get it if it's going to be a DD and occasional traveler, I'd say do it. They're reliable and get good gas mileage. They have a lot of room on the inside for 4 adult passengers as well. They are a little nerve racking with passing speed and they're not going to out run the law, but they get their DD service done.

I have two friends with them, I've been in them, and I've driven them. I like the new ones better, they do have more power and room.

My wife has one,with an automatic to boot. I can merge with traffic just fine, you just use the whole travel on the throttle.I like the darned thing a lot. It's roomy for four, it doesn't rev as high as my Miata at highway speeds. From new it's running at just over 30 mpg. We travel from Detroit to Toronto in it occasionally, and it's not a bad car for that either. Aside from oil changes ,maintenance costs have been zero in the 5 years we've had it.I'd recommend it pretty highly.See the "Slow Cars Are Fun" thread.

I love those 1st gen XB's. Kind of wish I would have bought one when they came out, they really seem to hold their value.

Love 'em.

They handle surprisingly well, they're comfy, i love the shifter feel, and i never really felt the need for them to be much faster. They aren't fast, but they're definitely adequate. They have no problems getting a nice healthy chirp out of 2nd gear. The gearing really helps them out.

They look cool with certain aftermarket wheels as well..

aussiesmg wrote: This XB? or

I like THOSE XB's.

My wife has one. Fantastically practical car. Amazing rear leg room. You can carry almost anything. It is what it is, though. Don't expect it to be a Miata. Also, I really wish it had cruise control.

My wife and I both love our 05 xB. Its a utility, not a pleasure vehicle, but the way it excels at being a utility makes the overall experience a fun one.

It won't win any races, but its ridiculously useful in so many ways. We're knocking down low 30s mph in town and high 30s on the highway, it has a timing chain instead of a belt, its fun and easy to work on.

Its basically different sheet metal placed on a Yaris chassis. If you like the Yaris, you'll love the xB.

curtis73 wrote: We're knocking down low 30s mph in town and high 30s on the highway

Lol, that's pretty Damn slow!

2002maniac wrote:

curtis73 wrote: We're knocking down low 30s mph in town and high 30s on the highway

Lol, that's pretty Damn slow!

That's just the european pronunciation: miles per hallon.

LOL.

Thanks for the input guys. I located a 2006 with 38K miles, 5 speed, tinted windows cruise control, etc., at a dealer, that was priced surprisingly well. Called him on Thursday,and made the 3 hour drive Saturday. I drove it, liked it, made a lowball offer, and they took it! I didn't embarrass them(or myself), and what they were asking was a really more than fair price, but all in all a very pleasant experience and they made it worth my while. Only downside is Wednesday I have to drive back and pick up my new to me car, but maybe I'll try to convince 914 Driver to let me buy him a beer!