I just wouldn't want to even fathom what it would be like driving the heavier xB with the same size engine. Good grief! The box would not only be much slower, but also have the same gas mileage, too, simply because of the weight.

I like the size engine in the xB2. I wish I could get much better gas mileage, but I'm not doing too bad. The xB2 gets 22 city and 28 hwy (methinks) and I average about 24.6, considering that I drive so much and so fast. Not bad for me!

 

After having made a few modest engine mods, my 2.4L is more than capable with my xB2. If the 1.8L responded to the same mods, I'm sure I would have been satisfied given a commensurate increase in gas mileage.

You refer to the EPA estimates. I'm concerned with my personal results, not those . I'd have liked my xB2 to comfortably beat my 1990 Turbo Eclipse, but the margin turns out very small. Not that that's a big problem, my XB2 can carry much more than my Eclipse, but given druthers, I wouldn't have minded a MPG boost for the XB2 !

 

True. And the average Joe buying a car is concerned about those EPA estimates. For instance, as I'm writing this, I see an add below that purports a 41mpg rating for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. That number, of course, is an estimate and average rating for the car.

Some people (and I stress some because the majority is inherently stupid) are aware that driving habits effect gas mileage. I'm aware of my driving habits, so I am thankful for my 24.6 average in gas for my xB. If I drove slower on the interstate (rather, if I actually DROVE the speed limit rather than soaring past it at all times), I would have improved efficiency that would probably push me past 28mpg. But time is money and since I don't have the time to drive slow, I spend more money.

 

Yeah, speed is just one factor of fuel economy. When I went to wva to a show, I went 75-80 the whole way and got 28mpg from gas station to gas station. Going back and forth to work and even when my dad drove it, 30mpg. Its easier with a manual than auto to beat the fuel economy est. Way more with a hybrid.

I drove a 09 carolla with the 1.8 in it and it sucked, reminded me of the yaris. There is no comparison to the drivetrain in the xb. I was on the fence about it since its a 4speed for the automatic, but it rocked. I loved going 0-75 where it topps out in 3rd gear.

 

Yeah, you're screwed. Keep your B.

I've had my xB2 since Feb '08 & I still owe (just checked $22,121,11. I got raped because I gave up my gen1 for the xB2 & was upside down $3.5k).

I love my xB2 tons but I won't lie, I don't want it anymore. Am I going to go & get myself even more upside down for the car I really want? (135i) Hell no.

So either deal with it, or make a bunch of extra payments to the point where you can get an even trade for it.

 

So i actually test drove the Cube, Soul and Xb2 in that order.

i was leaning towards the cube on paper, but after driving the xb2 is leaps and bounds better put together.

It has more room, and is quieter. The other two vehicles just feel cheaper. Maybe I'm getting old, but being quieter, riding smoother and holding more crap while returning decent mpg (oh and having scion's insane resale value) was worth 17,900 bucks to me. I bought a RS6 and haven't looked back, the cube/soul are great for city cars, but unless you like road noise and minimal cargo/backseat room, its not a good commuter.

 

also, for what its worth, my tank has been 60% city and 40% highway thusfar and i'm averaging 27.7mpg. This car will do 30+ easy for highway commuters.

 

the grass is always greener on the other side my friend live with it thats life

 

I agree. The xB is simply a very refined car for its class.

And if you're concerned about any kind of road noise, check out my Cheapo way of making a quiet car thread in the ICE & Interior Forum. My car is significantly quieter after I lined it with insulation.