Replacing the xB, what to get?
#1
Senior Member
Scikotics
SL Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Patuxent River, MD
Posts: 2,476
Replacing the xB, what to get?
I've been driving a 2004 PW since I picked it up in 2009, but I feel for a daily driver it's time for an upgrade. Any suggestions for a replacement? Most of my driving consists of low-speed, city traffic on the weekdays, average speedis 45 mph w/ lots of lights. However, I'm only an hour from the city and civilization, so most weekends involve a 1-2 hr road trip on the freeway. The xB runs fine, but want something a bit more modern. The little 1.5L is showing it's age getting around 26-28 mpg city, and without any fun factor.
For a replacement I'm not sold on a body style, but want factory turbo and direct injection. Something I won't have to mod to be fun to drive.
Right now my top pick is a Nissan Juke
It seems to embody the xB's utility but adds in creature comforts and a lot more HP (188 HP). Upright seating, AWD, independant rear suspension, direct inject turbo, 31 MPG highway, keyless entry, pushbutton start, smaller than a Versa so easy to park, crazy styling, why wasn't this available as a Scion?
Second pick is a Mini Countryman S
Similar specs to the Juke, 181 turbo-charged horses, same motor size, similar MPG, but different styling and a little more expensive. Better resale but I'm worried will be a bit more to maintain, though a bit more cargo space.
Third would be to finally get a 2-door coupe, a Genesis R-Spec.
The (big IF) is if Hyundai upgrades the existing 200-HP turbo 2.0L with the direct inject version now in the Sonata and Optima, good for 284 HP and probably tuneable higher for a sport model. Seriously, when the Sonata outperforms your RWD coupe, it's embarrasing.
I'll still be in the Scion family with my 2006 xB, now on it's 3rd forced induction incarnation [Greddy supercharger (threw rods through the block) --> Greddy turbo (blown head gasket) --> Garrett GT2252 w/ (built block, still being tuned)]. Still too many mods awaiting install to list.
For a replacement I'm not sold on a body style, but want factory turbo and direct injection. Something I won't have to mod to be fun to drive.
Right now my top pick is a Nissan Juke
It seems to embody the xB's utility but adds in creature comforts and a lot more HP (188 HP). Upright seating, AWD, independant rear suspension, direct inject turbo, 31 MPG highway, keyless entry, pushbutton start, smaller than a Versa so easy to park, crazy styling, why wasn't this available as a Scion?
Second pick is a Mini Countryman S
Similar specs to the Juke, 181 turbo-charged horses, same motor size, similar MPG, but different styling and a little more expensive. Better resale but I'm worried will be a bit more to maintain, though a bit more cargo space.
Third would be to finally get a 2-door coupe, a Genesis R-Spec.
The (big IF) is if Hyundai upgrades the existing 200-HP turbo 2.0L with the direct inject version now in the Sonata and Optima, good for 284 HP and probably tuneable higher for a sport model. Seriously, when the Sonata outperforms your RWD coupe, it's embarrasing.
I'll still be in the Scion family with my 2006 xB, now on it's 3rd forced induction incarnation [Greddy supercharger (threw rods through the block) --> Greddy turbo (blown head gasket) --> Garrett GT2252 w/ (built block, still being tuned)]. Still too many mods awaiting install to list.
#6
Senior Member
Scikotics
SL Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Patuxent River, MD
Posts: 2,476
I already emailed blue batmobile, he said he can do overlays for the turn signals. In person the Juke is actually pretty nice looking, but it depends on the color. Lighter tends to look better because they hide the turn signals. A lot of people said the same thing about the xB if you recall.
Could wait on the '12 Genesis but Hyundai has yet to confirm if it's getting direct inject and the twin-scroll from the Sonata. When the base Mustang puts down 305 HP, I'm not getting RWD good for only 200, and am not too keen on the extra cost for the Gen V6.
Any other vehicles I should consider? The list of factory turbos around or under $25k seems pretty short. Only other I can find is the base WRX.
Could wait on the '12 Genesis but Hyundai has yet to confirm if it's getting direct inject and the twin-scroll from the Sonata. When the base Mustang puts down 305 HP, I'm not getting RWD good for only 200, and am not too keen on the extra cost for the Gen V6.
Any other vehicles I should consider? The list of factory turbos around or under $25k seems pretty short. Only other I can find is the base WRX.
#8
Avoid the Juke, I test drove one and hated it, then as I read the owners manual I saw the advertised MPG is when it's in ECO mode and if you put the Juke in that mode....it just feels like someone yanked out the turbo and put a 250cc motor in there. YUK
I ended up with a 2011 tC
I ended up with a 2011 tC
#9
Mazdaspeed 3 is 263 hp turbo & under $25k, but FWD. Personally, I gave up playing boy racer, because there's always someone else faster. I'd get a Soul or Cube, and stop trying to compete against EVOs, Mustang GTs, STis, etc.
#10
Mini of those 3 would be my pick. The juke's design is not to my liking. Looks like a shrunken murano with a poorly designed front end. Not a hyundai fan.
For the new odd feeling, there is the Fiat 500 http://www.fiatusa.com/en/build_your_own.html
For the new odd feeling, there is the Fiat 500 http://www.fiatusa.com/en/build_your_own.html
#11
Senior Member
Scikotics
SL Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Patuxent River, MD
Posts: 2,476
have you seen a Soul in person, or worse, driven one? Absolutely horrible inside and out, very cheap construction (all hard plastic), uncomfortable paper thin seats, and ridiculously tiny on the inside. No thank you. Cube would be pointless, if I want slow and big interior I'd just keep the xB.
Not trying to be a boy racer, and hence avoiding the Focus ST, EVO, etc., though the Mazda Speed3 does look promising, I didn't realize it was turbo. Thanks for the suggestion Sentra, it's def. going on the list.
Surprised there hasn't been one positive voice for the Juke though, other than the front end styling it's pretty much everything us 1gens wanted in an upgrade, more power, better handling, no big hit on gas mileage. As wierd as it looks, it's pretty much on par w/ the Mini from most reviews I've seen, edging it out even in Motortrend's comparison.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/index.html
I'm sorry, but the Fiat is just too girly. If ford threw an Ecoboost in the Fiesta I'd consider it, or a boosted non-ST Focus.
The last thing on the list is the Veloster
Again a love or hate it design from Hyundai, but 40 MPG, easy ingress / egress from a coupe (via the 3rd door), and a loaded cabin make it intriguing, along with the dual-clutch trans and possibly a turbo model. Won't be out until 2012 though.
Not trying to be a boy racer, and hence avoiding the Focus ST, EVO, etc., though the Mazda Speed3 does look promising, I didn't realize it was turbo. Thanks for the suggestion Sentra, it's def. going on the list.
Surprised there hasn't been one positive voice for the Juke though, other than the front end styling it's pretty much everything us 1gens wanted in an upgrade, more power, better handling, no big hit on gas mileage. As wierd as it looks, it's pretty much on par w/ the Mini from most reviews I've seen, edging it out even in Motortrend's comparison.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/index.html
I'm sorry, but the Fiat is just too girly. If ford threw an Ecoboost in the Fiesta I'd consider it, or a boosted non-ST Focus.
The last thing on the list is the Veloster
Again a love or hate it design from Hyundai, but 40 MPG, easy ingress / egress from a coupe (via the 3rd door), and a loaded cabin make it intriguing, along with the dual-clutch trans and possibly a turbo model. Won't be out until 2012 though.
#13
That was my main sticking point. Some folks on the nissan forums are clocking in a 20mpg on the Juke. That just made me 180 on that car. If I want mpg that low I'll just find a twin turbo and be done with it.
#15
Senior Member
Scikotics
SL Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Patuxent River, MD
Posts: 2,476
Read the forums a bit. It seems most of the OMG 20 mpg comes from the trip computer not calculating mileage correctly. People going old school (# miles between fill-up / gallons put in tank) report 24 city, 31 highway. They also say ECO is useless except for long highway commutes, and putting it in 2WD will also help the numbers.
People don't seem to understand a turbo motor. When it's in boost, it burns more gas and acts like a 3.5L V6 for gas and power. When not in boost, it's a fuel-efficient 1.6L direct inject motor.
I drove one last weekend, it rides great, has a clean interior, plenty of space, and the keyless entry is great. Right now it's my #1, but need to sell the xB before considering anything.
People don't seem to understand a turbo motor. When it's in boost, it burns more gas and acts like a 3.5L V6 for gas and power. When not in boost, it's a fuel-efficient 1.6L direct inject motor.
I drove one last weekend, it rides great, has a clean interior, plenty of space, and the keyless entry is great. Right now it's my #1, but need to sell the xB before considering anything.
#17
Senior Member
Fail, INC
Club One
SL Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: What's in your Box...
Posts: 14,929
Read the forums a bit. It seems most of the OMG 20 mpg comes from the trip computer not calculating mileage correctly. People going old school (# miles between fill-up / gallons put in tank) report 24 city, 31 highway. They also say ECO is useless except for long highway commutes, and putting it in 2WD will also help the numbers.
People don't seem to understand a turbo motor. When it's in boost, it burns more gas and acts like a 3.5L V6 for gas and power. When not in boost, it's a fuel-efficient 1.6L direct inject motor.
I drove one last weekend, it rides great, has a clean interior, plenty of space, and the keyless entry is great. Right now it's my #1, but need to sell the xB before considering anything.
People don't seem to understand a turbo motor. When it's in boost, it burns more gas and acts like a 3.5L V6 for gas and power. When not in boost, it's a fuel-efficient 1.6L direct inject motor.
I drove one last weekend, it rides great, has a clean interior, plenty of space, and the keyless entry is great. Right now it's my #1, but need to sell the xB before considering anything.
#18
Senior Member
Scikotics
SL Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Patuxent River, MD
Posts: 2,476
Right, just as soon as I get my iPhone 5. If I wanted a Subbie motor, I'd go for the real-deal WRX.
Also checked out the Mazdaspeed 3. Engine note sounded great, but was unrefined and the interior still screamed Mazda3, hard, plasticy, and a bit like an alien spaceship. The tech package GPS screen was smaller than my phone, and more buttons on the steering wheel than an F-16 cockpit. Not exactly conducive to focused driving.
Got up close to the Gen coupe too, but as soon as I popped the trunk I was done. I'd have trouble getting my laptop bag in there, much less a full set of travel luggage (I fly fairly regularly for my job, sometimes for 2+ weeks at a time). The rear seats may as well be non-existent, and their fold-down reveals only a porthole view port, not a proper pass-through. Honestly, the 370Z had it right, saying forget it, pull the back seat and make it a hatch (like the OG 240Z).
I've yet to see the Mini, finding a dealer is a bit of a pain, but maybe this weekend. Any other vehicles to consider please let me know. Looking for turbo, direct-inject, 4-doors, ~$25k. Maybe the VW Tiguan or TDI is worth a look.
Also checked out the Mazdaspeed 3. Engine note sounded great, but was unrefined and the interior still screamed Mazda3, hard, plasticy, and a bit like an alien spaceship. The tech package GPS screen was smaller than my phone, and more buttons on the steering wheel than an F-16 cockpit. Not exactly conducive to focused driving.
Got up close to the Gen coupe too, but as soon as I popped the trunk I was done. I'd have trouble getting my laptop bag in there, much less a full set of travel luggage (I fly fairly regularly for my job, sometimes for 2+ weeks at a time). The rear seats may as well be non-existent, and their fold-down reveals only a porthole view port, not a proper pass-through. Honestly, the 370Z had it right, saying forget it, pull the back seat and make it a hatch (like the OG 240Z).
I've yet to see the Mini, finding a dealer is a bit of a pain, but maybe this weekend. Any other vehicles to consider please let me know. Looking for turbo, direct-inject, 4-doors, ~$25k. Maybe the VW Tiguan or TDI is worth a look.
#20
Senior Member
Fail, INC
SL Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Nice little room with padded walls
Posts: 9,975
Got up close to the Gen coupe too, but as soon as I popped the trunk I was done. I'd have trouble getting my laptop bag in there, much less a full set of travel luggage (I fly fairly regularly for my job, sometimes for 2+ weeks at a time). The rear seats may as well be non-existent, and their fold-down reveals only a porthole view port, not a proper pass-through. Honestly, the 370Z had it right, saying forget it, pull the back seat and make it a hatch (like the OG 240Z).
and yea, the back seat is no more than a padded shelf. I have a friend that is 5'4" and when he got in the back seat he had no head room
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DaBlackBox
Scion xB 1st-Gen Owners Lounge
134
04-10-2022 02:04 PM
TheTripleC
PPC: Vehicles
1
01-04-2015 06:46 PM