You are correct, as far as you have heard. However, although the xB does not require premium, it's high compression engine can utilize premium, and the manual indicates that when it recommends 87 or better. As for knocking, the ECU prevents that by retarding the ignition, which is why it makes less power on regular gas.

2005 xB tested on premium gas
108 hp @ 6000 rpm
105 ft-lb @ 4200 rpm
http://www.automotive.com/2005/12/sc...ons/index.html

2006 xB tested on regular gas
103 hp @ 6000 rpm
101 ft-lb @ 4200 rpm
http://www.automotive.com/2006/12/sc...ons/index.html

The power of the 2006 xB was reduced because Scion was required to rate the HP using the regular gas recommended in the manual. But you can restore your HP to the 2005 level by using premium gas.

 

RS 3.0 is the limited edition green one.

 

HA! I must say I'd have to disagree with this. Well maybe it's just because I'm overly excited (if i spelt that right) about gettin the XB. I've lost alot of sleep researching it and then trying to fall asleep...ya know...it's a real pain cause I think about it so much...last night I couldn't fall asleet for 4 hours...or about 430am...

 

I just took delivery on my XB last week. I've been looking (read drooling) at them since 04. I love my box, but I will concede that it is not for everyone. Here are some things to consider:

I had the cold air induction put in but I still find it a little sluggish on long steep hills. If you are frustrated by a lack of power in your car, this is not the car for you. I commute 100 miles a day so gas consumption is a bigger deal for me than power so it's a good trade-off for me.

2nd, this is not a luxury sedan ride. With the sport suspension, it rides a little more like a jeep. Personally I think it is part of what makes this car fun to drive but some people may find it uncomforable.

What do I love about my box? It's a blast to drive, I'm getting about 35-36 mpg highway, I feel in better control sitting up higher without having to have a whale to park. Oh yeah, and there's all the nice people you meet on those rare occassions you have to stop for gas. Someone always politely asks for a peak.

 

The ride becomes comfortable after you change the rear shocks to SensaTracs. They cost $75 and go o in 20 minutes without raising the car. Formerly the back end banged and jumped over speed bumps at low speed. Now the back end squishes smoothly over speed bumps, just like the front end, and the ride on the highway is firm but compliant and not bumpy.

 

Cool, thanks for the tip on the SensaTracs.

 

No apologies necessary - Release 3.0 is the third year of an annual limited production release. This year (2006) they produced 2200 of the "envy green" xB's. I own #89.

 

Checked out the few they had in Rockingham...I'm tempted to go back this afternoon.

This is a really tough decision for me, because I completely love my Scooby. It handles like a dream, has decent horsepower (165) and in my opinion looks pretty kickass. (has leather seats too)

On the other hand I really like the xB. Looks cool, room for my toddlers car seat, and my hockey equipment. The biggest bonus, and major reason I'm considering trading/selling my Subaru is the gas mileage. Doesn't look like the price is going down anytime soon.

Also, who's to say if the next gen. of xB isn't going to be bigger/more hp and not get the good mileage?

Ok guys...convince me!

 

One year owner here. Get the spoiler factory installed, it's the only way to know the paint is a perfect match. Buy rockblocker vinyl for the front end and either self -install or expect to pay $200+ to have it put on. The Zeta products armrest w/ center console is the only way to go, buy it and the rockblocker online when you order the car, install them immediately. Scion sent me a $50 gift cert. when I ordered my car, and I got better floormats from the dealer than they were offering with the car for that much. Rear mats = $6 at mal-wart and hold at least a quart of water each. I figured that any options they were offering I could buy and install myself cheaper. Also the puny 12" wiper on the back can be replaced with a Suzuki Grand Vitara wiper arm and 16" blade to wipe the whole window.
Bottom line: Buy it. Drive it. Love it. Life begins when you get your Scion. Oh, and read here. Lots. It's the best forum, and the Scion.com site should be dug thru too.

 

The RockBlocker kit cost me $250. I failed to be able to put it on, and sold the remnants for $30 here. Later a local installer said even he had not received enough factory training to be able to install the whole kit. Each piece is rated by 3M with a number of stars according to difficulty. The bumper is 5 stars, the highest difficulty. I failed the 3-star hood.
http://s49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...20RockBlocker/
I now have a Colgan, carry it in its pouch in the trunk, and put it on for highway trips.