Today I drove by the local Scion dealer and saw that they now have the new 08' Scion xB. I'm thinking of possibly trading in the MINI for something with more space in the next year or so (baby on the way) so I checked it out. I was really surprised, it had decent power(158 hp), decent handling, and looks much better than the old body style in my opinion...and only $16230. I love the MINI but I may switch to the xB eventually.

 

xb

 

Clubman all the way

 

i thought those were called xD (?).

i would get the GTI wagon over that... but that's just me.

 

I looked seriously at the xB 2007 before I purchased a PT Cruiser TurboLite as my "other" car. xB gas mileage is a big plus. Little creature comforts and lack of power a big minus. I haven't driven the 08 xB but I've looked at it.It has very little styling, poorer mileage, but, more hp. My future is looking at the MINI Clubman. In fact, I showed a pic to my husband today and said this will be my PT replacement.

 

The xD is the new model coming out in August that replaces the xA. I really like the new xB but I think the Classic xB's look better (I think I'm kinda biased though...I have three... ) If you have any questions about Scion just PM me and I'll try to answer your questions. Dealers don't know what they're talking about.

 

^^ oh, i see. thanks for the clarification. I kinda got lost with all the
similar names.. xX

 

No problem. I get kinda confused when I'm talking about them because xB and xD sound the same when you say them. I think Scion should've skipped D and went to E.

 

I would definetley go with the gti or the Clubman too but price is an issue(baby on the way), that's why Im leaning towards the xB

 

I saw a new xB this weekend, and it was every bit as boring and hideous as I'd been led to believe by photos. Say what you will about the original design, at least it stood out and had some originality. The new one lacks even the slightest bit of edge/surprise; I'd be shocked if they sold a single one to someone under the age of 40. It looks like a cross between a Wrangler and a Camry - utterly pointless. And they gave it a bigger engine, so even the fuel economy is worse. As if anyone is driving one of these for thrills. I think the new model is worse in every possible way, other than the dash/console being slightly less ugly.

 

I am disappointed to read such an ageist comment from you, Chris. I would also be shocked if they sold a single one to anyone over the age of 40.

 

really? cause xB and xE sounds kinda the same too...

should skip the 'e' sound and go directly xZ oh wait, that's still 'e'.
i don't know where they get these names...

 

actually, i see some elderly people driving these cause i hear they
are easy to get in/out. and the rear seats are VERY spacious.

on the other side of the spectrum, kinda funny watching these younger
ladies get into their tall SUV's while they wear cloths that are so tight
they can't raise their leg. hehehe. like watching them
do a high jump into their trucks.

 

ken, ever hear of irony?

 

we are a rebellious crowd of young folks. (or so we think we are...)

 

Ageist? Are you familiar with Scion's marketing strategy? The whole reason that the marque was created was that Toyota was losing younger buyers. Now they're trying to pull off a bait and switch, because they can't stand having nonconventional vehicles in their lineup. It's just disappointing.

 

I agree. I know very few young people that would actually CHOSE a Scion..I have a couple friends with tCs, but they only have them because their parents thought they were practical first cars..which they are. The new Xb is definitely blander than the old one..kinda odd. They had a neat idea going and they scrapped it. The new xD is one of the ugliest cars I've ever seen.

I've seen two 2008 xB's on the road, both had elderly couples driving..I see more young people in the sportier Yaris hatchback..which would have been more fitting as a Scion.

Toyota marketing needs to re-think the direction of Scion.

 

Check out the Honda Element, It is what I had before the MINI. That was a great little AWD truck with tons of room, cool looking, and made well.

 

and that new "SC" is pretty cool looking. they have MT for it too.

 

I like the SC, it has a 6 speed manual option. If they had it in AWD, I would of picked one up.

 

yah, but considering the bad mgp already and it being more for the
city dweller, perhaps FF is enough?

 

Its more interesting watching them get into a low sportscar

 

This has been written about in terms of their marketing strategy a few years back. It appears that, if I remember right, in fact, main stream Toyota buyers saw the value in the scion line to the dismay of Toyota. Toyota wanted to market them as low end vehicles to a young crowd and the opposite was happening. Older folks saw the Toyota name and wanted the value

I agree, their marketing strategy needs evaluation.

 

yah, they look like they kinda drop and fall into the car... then they
can't get out.