Edmunds Answers questions

Is electronic stability control worth purchasing as an option on a new car?

doffer — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:38:44 GMT

I am considering the purchase of a 2008 Scion Xd (automatic) for my teenage daughter and it comes standard with anti-lock brakes and front and side curtain air bags, which are good safety features. As an option (for about $600), they are offering electronic stability control (ESC). Is this worth purchasing, given that there are a number of standard safety features, as previously mentioned?

06 Scion xA - Brake and ABS warning lights on.

batman77 — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:30:30 GMT

This occurred about 2 months ago, but was gone the next time I cranked the car.

Returned 2 days ago, and has been intermittent, but mostly both lights on. The brake fluid level is good, the cap is tight. There have been no actual problems with the braking.

Any known issues/recalls regarding this problem?

Of course, the car just turned 40k miles, so it is out of warranty.

I've been thinking of adding a Rado widebody kit to my 2007 Scion tC and some 19s. How do I line up my wheels & fenders?

captinroo — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:47:56 GMT

i'd like the front and rear fenders to line up w/ a set of 19's but the new kit adds 5 inches of width to each wheel well. i would also like to fill this space w/ bigger shoes not spacers. what are my options

2004 Scion XB changing the alternator

howdog — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:54:44 GMT

How many items do I have to take off to get a new alternator installed on my scion? There is no room to move near the front of the engine. Would only removing the radiator work for this install?

I am replacing the tires on a 2005 Scion xB. Want to buy Continental Extreme Contacts - 205/55/15 is the closest size. Fit ?

bobpet001 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:10:38 GMT

My first, original equipment tires (all 4 at once) are in need of replacement after 25,000 miles. 2005 Scion xB standard size 185/60/15 is not available in the tire that I want to buy. Will 205/55/15 fit on the rims and, more important, will the wheel wells take the extra width ?
Standard steel car wheels.

What are the best all-season replacement tires for a Scion tC? Where's the best place to get them? Thanks. :)

buckcherry69 — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:40:16 GMT

I've heard the Toyo Proxies are good. I'm replacing the OEM Bridgestone Potenzas. Looking for a better alternative. Stock wheels.

Tire size on a 2005 Scion xB

nitrobrain — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:13:19 GMT

On a 05 Scion xB. OEM tire size is 185/60R15. The Michelin tires I want are available in either 195/60R15 or 185/65R15. I want to keep the MPG at or higher than now. Any opinions?

Is any Scion model able to carry a handicap chair lift? If so what model?

bfollansbee — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:11:59 GMT

I have a Scion xB and was told I cannot add a chair lift for my small power chair. Does Scion have any model that I could add the lift to?

Bent hub on a 2008 Scion tC.

friedm72 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:33:16 GMT

I recently went to my local Toyota/SCION dealer to have a brake noise checked. I've noticed this noise (that seems speed related) about 3 weeks ago. The dealership says the noise is caused by a bent hub which will cost approximately $900 (that I don't have) and is not covered by warranty (car has 24k miles) because they think it was caused by collision. As the cars only driver, I can personally guarantee that no such collision has ever occurred in that vehicle. In fact, no collision of any kind has occurred in this vehicle. Do you have any suggestions as to why/how this hub is bent or how to ensure the repairs are covered under the vehicle's warranty? I'm not sold on this dealership as I've had trouble before, but I certainly trust the dealership more than Jiffy Lube, Midas, etc. They told me it is unsafe to drive my car yet would not offer me a rental. A lot of red flags were raised here. Please help.

Anyone have experience driving in snow with Scion xA or xB? Heard bad things but like both cars.

redbozoz1 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:52:47 GMT

I'd just heard from a very young driver that his xB wasn't good in snow and want to confirm or deny this as I'm seriously considering one of these as my next car!

Does anyone who lives in a state with winter weather have a Scion tc? I'm curious how they handle snow.

wthrwrry — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 18:33:41 GMT

scion tc

What do you think/have you heard 'bout the Scion?

sgloon — Sun, 11 May 2008 23:09:24 GMT

I just took a look and the Scion seem to have a really flat roof line, good for carrying canoes. Better mpg rating and smaller than the Forester. I haven't checked the actually cargo space yet. I know nothing about them, and the toyota dealer who sells them did not point me to them when I told them the matrix won't work.

I did look at Mazda5 today as well. They only had 07 on the lot...like you said, same issue with roof line, and the 09 forester (without driving the mazda, looks like the better bet. don't know if the 08 Mazda5 is different?

New ScionXB gets only 17/23 mpg; rated at 22/28. Car checked twice, "nothing wrong." What's your experience/advice?

metdeb — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 03:37:02 GMT

Bought 2008 Scion XB in March after my 1989 Corolla finally called it quits - I LOVED that car; great gas mileage,handled great,etc. Wanted another Toyota - went for Scion b/c of high safety and overall rating. Really wanted Prius but could not afford. Thought I could live with 22/28, but not even getting close to that. I live in Queens and work in Brooklyn, NY - lots of stop and go driving, true - but it didn't affect my old Corolla this drastically. When a straight highway roundtrip got only 23mpg - REALLY disppointed & now feel it's the car. Frankly, wish I could return it for something else (considered another Corolla - but price with minimum safety features too expensive; looked at Fit but way too tiny - Versa not enough info available & unfamiliar with Nissan. Enjoy driving the Scion except for annoying blind spots in rear/side. Anyway - I just wanted to know if others are getting lower than advertised mpg also, or if anyone can suggest what I should look at to try to improve even a little. Thanks!

Looking for a Scion car club to join in the Santa Barbara Area. Know of any I can join?

raptor777 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:27:24 GMT

Looking to go on vacations, etc. with a group.

Scion tC gas cap and tail pipe leak? Paid dealer $100 to fix, is this legit?

maddmatx — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:22:09 GMT

My young and cute neice was recently charged $100+ to have some $8 dollar part installed in the gas cap to stop gas leaks in her tail pipe. The tech said it was because she wasn't tightening the gas cap enough. The car is brand new and I just dont get this. Can anyone tell me what is up with this and why she would have to pay for it rather than it being warranty item?

Scion TC has developed a starting problem. What else is there to check?

chef8 — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:12:27 GMT

At 37000 miles my 06 scion TC has developed a starting problem. I have changed the air filter, plugs and added fuel injector cleaner. It seems to be starving for gas. After it starts the power is fine, no misses no performance problems, but shut it off and I am back to cranking it again until it starts.

How hard can it be to change the wiper blade on the rear hatch of a 2006 Scion xA?

nomech3 — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:01:30 GMT

the wiper on the back is squeaking and needs to be changed.i'm not sure how to attack it.or is it another dealer payoff?

How to use find iPod song list on navigation? Scion.

xmy3nlie4u — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:17:02 GMT

i just bought a 2007 scion. it came with navigation all hooked up and also came with a aux plug and already wired plug. when i plugged it into my ipod i heard the music but have no idea how to get my song list onto the nav. screen or better yet how to change the song without having to disconnect the ipod?
help?

2009 Scion xB. Anybody got audio system manual?

XBOwner — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:59:11 GMT

Brought home my new 2009 SCION XB yesterday. In the pile of manuals, the audio system manual was missing. Got one?

How is the Scion xB in the snow?

richdesh — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:20:00 GMT

I live in New England and we get a lot of snow in the winter. Has anybody had any experience driving the XB in the snow? How does it handle?

On a Scion, what is the one light on the back bumper (left) used for?

rachelle56 — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:39:31 GMT

On a Scion, what is the one light on the back bumper (left) used for?
?

How much does a 2005 Scion TC weigh? Where can I find out? I need to know to register it in a new state. Thanks!

lfaigen — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 04:38:58 GMT

My Scion TC title in Oregon has no weight for the vehicle on it but I have to know the weight to register it in Washington. How can I find how much it weighs?

is it normal for the side window defrost to have a different grid design on the driver and passenger side on a Scion xB?

ecrum — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:25:32 GMT

Just bought an 05 Scion xB and noticed that the pattern on the side window defrost is not the same on both sides. Not that important, just wondered if maybe a window had been replaced. Curious to know if it may have been in an accident although got a clean Carfax report.

Scion xA, automatic, 40K. Air plenum began making very loud rattling noise at idle. Toyota says tough, can't be fixed.

umbo — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 10:13:49 GMT

I've owned many 4 cylinder engines so know how vibration and rattles develop as the car ages. I've always been able to fix them or reduce them to an acceptable level. But none that embarrassed me at the stoplight. Shifting to neutral lowers it substantially of course, but this defeats the purpose of an automatic. Do you know what a loss of face this is to an engineer and the son of an auto mechanic! All my passengers comment on it. Even my Audi 5000 couldn't come close. Stevens Creek Toyota of San Jose said it is a standard problem with the car, and can't be fixed, and suggested a new car. Any suggestions? Toyota appears to have tried to isolate the air plenum from the engine vibration, but now that vibration frequencies and damping components have changed with age it no longer works. I fixed the A/C so it works as it should, but see no way to fix this easily.

Does anyone know where to get a Toyota Scion XB 2008 replacement headlight low beam bulb for less than $33, that lasts 12 months?

xb2008owner — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:11:52 GMT

I need to find the correct H11 55W halogen type H11 bulb for my 2008 Scion xB. The correctly numbered part (Sylvania) at the auto parts store is not right. I need OEM. Any suggestions? Toyota/Scion has not chosen to authorize third parties to sell the bulb for around $10, so any way to avoid the $33 that the dealership charges, or the $30 plus untold shipping charges from the factory-named express parts web site?

I have the green Scion xB that has headrest monitors in the seats they work when you start the car then fade away and turn off.

jimmy34001 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:35:44 GMT

The monitors work for a minute then turn off.

I have heard that Scion xB is one of top ten ticketed vehicles for speeding. Do you have information about this?

chat — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:57:44 GMT

I have heard XB is one of top ten ticketed cars for speeding. Do you have information about this?

Would a TRD sway bar alone improve handling on the Scion xD, or do you need to have the TRD struts & shocks too?

onthefarm — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:07:31 GMT

I like the Scion xD, but prefer the agility of the Honda Fit. Would these additions help put it in the same fun-to-drive category as the Fit?

Credit Life/A&H Premium--did I get conned? F&I guy said I had to carry it, along with gap insurance. Financing a Scion xB. Thanks.

questionmyfocu — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:15:22 GMT

I signed papers last night to purchase an 08 Scion xB. Is this life/disability insurance something I have to carry? I feel like I got scammed.

2008 Scion xB rattle when at a stop sign/stoplight.

gwh89 — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:08:24 GMT

Car has 9,000 miles. Rattle is not always there, and stops when car is put in to neutral.

I am getting only 23 mpg on 2005 Scion xB. I should be getting 30 mpg?

br134 — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:36:26 GMT

runs great 50,000. miles newer tires good maintenance new shocks. Just not good gas mileage. Live in the desert. Heat a factor?

Can anyone please tell me when the 2009 Scion xD will be available?

mimi0305 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:57:36 GMT

When will this vehicle be available for ordering or on the dealer lots?

How do you know if a Scion tC has side curtain airbags?

autoboy16 — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:42:58 GMT

Looking into an 06 tC. I know they have Side Curtains as options. Does anyone know how to tell if the car has them or not just in case the dealer(s) starts BSing?

What are the Crash test ratings(please specify if NHSTA or IIHS) w/ and w/o them please.

Also, on the 06, the Aux Jack is standard right?
-Cj

Which one would you choose? A 2009 Scion xD or a 2009 Toyota Yaris 5 door liftback?

callisto_stars — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:36:57 GMT

I am trying to decide between the 2009 Scion xD or a 2009 Toyota Yaris 5dr Liftback. Both are great vehicles and the price is right for both. If you own/lease these cars, what do you like and dislike about them? What are the advantages or disadvantages for both?

Do I have to go to the dealership to fix a Toyota like I do with a Volvo?

mary7322 — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:41:22 GMT

do i have to go to the dealership to fix a toyota like i do with a volvo? why is scion not listed under toyota?

How is the Scion xB 2008/9 for getting car seats in and out?

songlit — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:43:15 GMT

I am looking for a car and am interested at this point in a new or pre-owned Scion XB. I can find all sorts of info re this car but nothing much for car seat use and I am a grandma of 3!! thanks Cecelia

09 Scion tC manual stock vs a 09 Honda AccordLX-S 2 door. Which is faster? Scion gives 161hp and Honda 190hp but it's a bigger car.

paintballkingz — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:29:06 GMT

09 Scion tC manual stock vs a 09 Accord lx-s 2dr which is faster? Scion gives 161hp and Honda 190hp but is a bigger car. The scion tC is a performance series 5.0 2dr. I just want to know which is faster and which is better performance? thanks I appreciate your help

Am I being tricked? Transmission and power steering fluid change on a Scion tC.

bledsoe1 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:36:53 GMT

I went in for an oil change on my 05 Scion tC and was told i needed a transmission and pwr. steering change because the fluid was dark and hadnt ever been changed. Is this true? I want to take care of my car, and keep it for a while, but I just want to make sure I'm not getting my pockets emptied.

2004 Scion xB radio display is washing out. Like an Etch a Sketch. Battery replaced. Suggestions?

deni11 — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:17:04 GMT

I have a 2004 Scion xB and the radio is washing out like an etch a sketch. I replaced the battery a week ago. Any suggestions? I don't see any problems with the other displays.

What's the cost for repair for a 2005 Scion xB for vsc, tracking light and engine light?

reelluv1 — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:27:56 GMT

My tracking light, vsc and engine light stays on. What's an approx. cost for repair for a 2005 Scion xB w/11,000 miles?

How do the Kia Soul and Scion xB handle in winter weather (snow/sleet) driving?

poptown — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:58:23 GMT

I'm going to be buying a car and am looking at the Scion xB and Kia Soul, but am wondering how they handle in winter weather. I live in Minneapolis and we get quite a bit of snow here at times. I'm leaning toward the Soul because of the warranty and current 0% financing, but want to be sure it's going to be a good car for our winters.

I have a 2006 Scion tC. Took it to dealer 7 times to repair AC fan. Went out again and works intermittently.

sl65 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:42:08 GMT

The ac blower keeps going out even after being "repaired" 7 times at the dealer. Sometimes it will work intermittently. I jiggled some wires under the glove box the other day and got it to work somewhat but still not as well as it should. Any ideas? Thanks!

Do you suppose the news article regarding ticketing Scion xB's might be admissable in court?

chat — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:47:08 GMT

Thank you for verification regarding ticketing of scion xB's. I am a 57 year old who works from my car, full-time, and have had probably a record number of tickets over a short 5 years of owning an xB.

When I had heard of my fate with driving this most comfortable car I've ever owned-vehicle, I almost went into a rage. I don't have accidents, knock on my brain, and I can't afford to continue to risk my license being pulled or pay the exorbitant fines, nor can I see myself able to modify my driving style any further. I do feel targeted.

I am even stopped and ticketed in nursing uniform, my profession entails seeing "patients" in their homes. No professional courtesy. I feel speeding UPS drivers are treated better.

Finally, my question.

Do you think taking the article to court might be able to be used as evidence of the targeting nature of ticketing the Scion xB?