I am getting ready to purchase a 2006 xA, and I just had a couple accessories questions. Any advice would be very much appreicated!

I would really like Keyless Entry, but I don't feel that the entire security system is necessary. Does anyone recommend this feature? Or does anyone know what it would cost to add keyless entry myself?

If I get the 15" Alloy Rims, would it be stupid to not get the wheel locks? It seems like a waste of $60.. I just couldn't see anyone trying to steal those rims.

As far as the Scion license plate frames, they look sweet in the pictures (and definitely better than the cheap plastic ones you get from the dealership).. does anyone have one or recommend picking one up? Again, it could just be a waste of money.

Thanks for your help!

 

I'll try to help... but my general stance is that the dealer options are expensive!!! You can find better options for every Scion option online for a MUCH cheaper rate!

If you want keyless entry only, then I would definitely go with a system somewhere other than the dealer. If you are comfortable with installations, it's definitely cheaper to just buy a system and install it yourself. Plus, it'll probably be a better (in quality and security) system.

If you get rims, it wouldn't be stupid not to get the wheel locks, if you follow me. Just depends on whether you truly think someone will try to steal them or not. Personally, I wouldn't get any. Not for 15" rims anyways. Besides, you can get a set of wheel locks somewhere else (AutoZone, Discount Auto) for $20. These locks will probaby be better in quality, durability, and security!

Lastly, do you really want a license plate frame?! They do have some appeal to them, but it's NOT something you have to get. And again, if you really want them, try a search online. I guarantee that you'll find the EXACT same frame online for half the cost.

By the way, welcome to an addiction!
-- gg

 

nice!

the addiction part sounds right.. i've already read every piece of information i could get my hands on...

thanks for the info!

 

Check out http://www.trdsparks.com/. They sell dealership stuff for cheap. But try to shop around and Google different things.

 

thanks again.. i found one of those license plate covers for $20 on one site last night.

my dealer is driving an xA down from Columbus today and (obviously) he would like me to buy that one instead of ordering my own. i wouldn't mind not waiting 4-6 weeks, but i believe some of the options i wanted have to be installed in the factory.. specifically the auto-dimming mirror.

any ideas?


oh, the other accessories i'm looking at are:

blue LED
fog lights
rear bumper applique
center armrest
cargo net
stereo w/ ipod
15" alloy wheels


also.. they should set up a deal where you can buy an ipod with your car and roll it in to your payments. i don't have an ipod yet, but plan to pick one up eventually, so i went ahead and got the upgraded stereo.

 

i wouldn't bother with the wheels. bit expensive for 15 inch wheels. most of that stuff you can install yourself honestly. them put in the stero and rear bumper applique. everything else if your not even really super inclined you should be able to put in look up instructions on how to do most of the stuff to save some cash. most people who get stock wheels have plans to upgrade to a better wheel and tire combo anyway.

 

oh, the other accessories i'm looking at are:

blue LED
fog lights
rear bumper applique
center armrest
cargo net
stereo w/ ipod
15" alloy wheels

First off, welcome!! You made a great choice in vehicles!

As for you list of plans, here is a suggestion....or 3...
blue LED... You can do this for $10 from Auto Zone.It took me 45 minutes to install, it would have been quicker but thewre was a James Bond marathon on... Savings$290
Fog lights A lot of folks here are looking at aftermarket lights,but a good set of fogs will cost some serious change, so that is a toss up.
rear bumper applique GET IT!
center armrest ditto
cargo net Why? The area behind the seat isn't that big, stuff can't roll too far.
stereo w/ ipod That is a personal decision. No one should tell you what sounds best.
15" alloy wheels I think 15's are too small, but if you are happy with the factory style, get 'em.


You can do a lot of stuff by yourself, this is a very easy car to dismantle.....And a lot os stuff is cheaper elsewhere.

 

thanks for the heads up on the LED. i'm looking into that now.

i was told that the auto-dimming mirror had to be wired from the factory.. do you know if that's correct?

thanks!

 

I really don't know about the AD mirror....I'd just tint the back glass.....

 

Anybody have any pics of the rear bumper applique?

 

heard on the tinted glass..

i'm basically trying to roll all this stuff into my financing if i can.. what's a ballpark on tinted windows anyway?

i have no clue. to be honest, i'm really looking forward to playing around with this car and adding some cool after market stuff down the road, but i'm not really a hardcore car enthusiast and don't have many tools to do the work myself. not to mention - i have wedding to pay for coming up, so all this fun stuff will have to wait a while.

 

My daughter got her tC tinted for around $200 for top of the line stuff. I'd expect about that for the xA.

And to oversimplify, if you have a 10mm socket and a long extension, you can almost rebuild the car.

This is an easy car to do little things that look major to.
Besides, you got help here.....

 

That's true, but if you want to add the turbo, you may need a roll of duct tape.

 

wow.. that's not bad at all.. will any autoglass place do that, or are there specific places to take it?

Also.. let me just thank you for all the help. most message boards treat noobs like crap, but everyone has been really helpful and i just wanted to let you know: I APPRECIATE IT!

:D

 

You bought an xA. That tells us you're alright!

 

Next week we treat you like crap.

 

We just asked the dealer who they use. You get a dealer job without the dealer markup.

 

LOL.....that's after we lull you into that false sense of security.

 

awesome! i'll be sure an hang around for that! Just wait til tomorrow when i have a hundred questions about synthetic oil!

that's a good call on the windows.. i wouldn't have thought of that.

 

I just wanted echo what the others have said.

I got an aftermarket keyless entry installed for about $120.

I got tires and rims from Disount Tire Direct and they came with the locking lugnuts.

I got the Boomerang armrest with the optional leather top (highly recommended).

All-weather rubber floormats from Wal-Mart (fit great)

Did the LED cupholders and storage box myself for under $10

These are great little cars and, like oldmanatee said, very easy to work on. Enjoy!