Thinking about buying a new Scion xD

[dkrivosheyev]

I am on the market for a new vehicle and I was loooking into 2011 Scion xD. I was actually thinking between xD, Matrix and Corolla with manual transmission. They have the same 1.8L engine so the MPG is about the same, however, for some reason Matrix is about $3000.00 more expensive and I really need a hatchback to carry my camping gear. Did not have much experience with Scion xD, so wanted to check on this forum and see if I can get some feedback on the ride quality, handling, sound insulation, reliability, etc.

Thank you!

 

[wallyuwl]

Would you consider used? Are you looking specifically for a small vehicle (even if mpg is not much different in a larger one)?

I'm not a fan of the xD and the Matrix is overpriced new or used.

 

[dkrivosheyev]

No, I rather get a new one. I really like Matrix and don't understand why it is so overpriced...

 

[kkreit01]

Hyundai Accent 5-dr: 21 cuft behind rear seat. Much better mpg, and overall better vehicle.

 

[dkrivosheyev]

At this point I am not sure about the reliability of their new GDI engines...

 

[Spazdog]

I just can't get on board with anything about the xD. And I like hatchbacks.

The Mazda2 is less expensive and doesn't shove you into that "Asian shopkeeper girl" seating position. Plus the Mazda2 makes driving an economy car fun. It's like my 6. It doesn't have the most engine output....in fact it's near the bottom, but that doesn't matter when the road gets twisty.

The xD actually manages to be more expensive than a base Fit. And if it doesn't fit into a Fit, you probably should have brought a pickup.

The Accent is a better buy all the way across the board.

If you don't mind having an automatic, I would rather have a Kia Rio5. Spend the price difference on a mountain bike, and a roof rack.......and a kayak that will also fit on the roof rack. Or just wait for the new Kia Rio which looks pretty [darn] good

Or spend the extra few bucks on the xB.

Or find a nice clean, low mileage, HHR LS. See Rio5 above with what to do with all that money.

to my eyes, the xD looks like a PT Cruiser and an xB mated. Individually, I like those cars but melded together? Ewww.

 

[dkrivosheyev]

Mazda 2 does not seem to be as roomy as xD and I just don't feel comfortable with the new GDI engines in 2012 Accents. I like Fit, but when I was looking it was more expensive than xD...

 

[Spazdog]

Or get a leftover Kia Seoul.

The new ones are going to have GDI.

I gotta' admit, I didn't like the Seoul at all when it came out, but it has really grown on me. Every time I see one, I see something else about it that I like.

And then there's the Nissan Cube. The 1.8 base is a little under $15,000.
I'm still not a fan of the asymmetrical Cube, but I like it a lot more than the Honda Element.

The xD, for me personally, is just overpriced and unattractive. The xB with a bigger engine is just a smidge over $1000 more and the Cube and Seoul are less expensive

 

[Cogito]

In practically every thread I read here where DI engines are involved, people are knocking them and saying they are afraid of reliability, etc. Why would so many major automakers be using this technology if it is flawed or problematic? Is this some kind of urban legend or is there actually a cause for concern about DI technology?

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: Cogito
In practically every thread I read here where DI engines are involved, people are knocking them and saying they are afraid of reliability, etc. Why would so many major automakers be using this technology if it is flawed or problematic? Is this some kind of urban legend or is there actually a cause for concern about DI technology?


Many GDI engines have oil fuel dilution problems.
The other problem is that how much is a GDI component going to cost when it must be replaced.

And as far as why car makers use it? GDI engines have higher MPG and less smog than earlier fuel injection types.

 

[kkreit01]

With a 10yr/100K warranty, is it really a concern? Would you really keep an Accent this long anyway? There's nothing of the xD that impresses. MPG is quite poor compared to any B-segment (larger) vehicles. Most new midsized cars also beat it for MPG. Resale used to be pretty good for Scion. That's the only plus IMO.

Something I read of the FIT recently: with seats folded/down, it has more cargo room than the CrossTour. Pretty kewl for a tiny car.

 

[dkrivosheyev]

Now looking at Fit also - apparently you can get a base Fit with manual transmission for about the same price as Scion xD. Just wondering about Fit ride quality and sound insulation, I do a lot of highway driving...

 

[odie]

The ride is quieter in the FIT than the XD . We test drove both and now have a 2011 FIT . The 2012 FIT is now arriving at dealer lots . It starts at $15,175 for the base model with manual , not a bad price . I also think the 2012 comes with more sound deadening . As for gas mileage , we're averaging very close to 38 m.p.g with the 5 speed auto since buying it new in MAY . There's also 0.9 % interest on 24 > 36 months or 1.9% on 37 > 60 months through American Honda Finance on the 2011 FIT ( not sure for the '12 ) , that offer ends on 9/6/11 . We have the 0.9% rate . Best of luck .

 

[dkrivosheyev]

Originally Posted By: odie
The ride is quieter in the FIT than the XD . We test drove both and now have a 2011 FIT . The 2012 FIT is now arriving at dealer lots . It starts at $15,175 for the base model with manual , not a bad price . I also think the 2012 comes with more sound deadening . As for gas mileage , we're averaging very close to 38 m.p.g with the 5 speed auto since buying it new in MAY . There's also 0.9 % interest on 24 > 36 months or 1.9% on 37 > 60 months through American Honda Finance on the 2011 FIT ( not sure for the '12 ) , that offer ends on 9/6/11 . We have the 0.9% rate . Best of luck .


Thank you for your inside. I did not get a chance to test drive them yet, and I will probably be purchasing sometime in November, so I still have some time. I do a lot of highway driving for 8-10hrs and sound deadening is very important for me. I am going for the manual too, I always had manual cars. Do you know what RPM it turns at 75mph? I currently have 2001 toyota echo and it runs at 3300 rpms at 75mph which is quite noisy. I know Scion has the same drivetrain as corolla and new corollas are very quiet. I would go with Matrix as I really need a wagon/hatchback, but they are so much more expensive...

 

[odie]

Ask SCIPHI of the rpms at interstate speeds . He has the 5 speed manual , he's very helpful . I think our 5 speed auto hovers around 2,500 at 69 or so . We've always had small cars , so we're immune to engine noise .