2011 Scion xD Base 1.8

Summary:

Perfect choice for a commuter car or a city car, or for a couple

Faults:

The only issue with the car at pickup was a couple of paint bubbles on the hood, which had gone unnoticed during the pre-delivery inspection. As soon as another white one came in, the dealer swapped the hood for us.

General Comments:

While we have only had the car for a few months so far, we are impressed with it more than any other vehicle we have had.

We thoroughly researched owner comments before purchase, and the one which stuck is that the ride is a little choppy. In saying that, it is NOT uncomfortable at all. It is a little car after all.

The main reason for this early comment is regarding the stated gas mileage. Never before have we had a vehicle (out of 27) that actually attains the fuel mileage the manufacturer claims. We get 7.4 litres per 100 km in the city and 5.9 highway, combining for 6.5 or less, depending on the amount of highway.

Our previous vehicle had a stated combined mileage of 8.5; we averaged 10.6 litres

We are saving 4 litres every 100 km - $800 saved so far. More than makes up for it being smaller!!!!

Also lots of room for a small car. Not a performance machine though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st June, 2012

2008 Scion xD 1.8

Summary:

Not good

Faults:

All 4 tires are cupped on the inside as if the car has bad struts. This is a certified used vehicle that was supposed to go through a dealer check, to ensure it is "like new' condition.

The tires are cupped and started making road noise. Took it back to the dealer, and they laughed at us. They said that we needed to buy the tires. What a joke, I work on cars and have worked on them for years. Tires cupping is a sign of a bad strut or suspension problem.

I took the car back to my shop, and found out several issues with the car that was just inspected and certified at the Toyota/Scion dealership. I repaired them myself, and finally after several hours of work, the car rides almost as nice as my 94 k1500 with 200k on it. I am very unsatisfied with the dealership, and with the overall quality of the car.

General Comments:

Slow, eats tires, and for the size, it gets bad MPG. I have a 2006 Impala that boasts 30 MPG. It is a way nicer of a ride, gets similar mpg, and with 87k miles on it, the tires are still not cupped.

I hate low quality on a vehicle. I will be selling the xD ASAP. Lesson learned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th November, 2010

2008 Scion xD 1.8

Summary:

Not bad, but not great if you like driving

Faults:

Nut came loose on the shifting linkage, and the car was stuck in 3rd gear.

Leak in rear roof.

Brake vacuum hose recall.

Driver side front door locks itself with the key in the ignition and the engine running after leaving the car.

General Comments:

The good:

Very stylish design inside and out, and very comfortable to be in and drive.

Gets great gas mileage.

Storage space with rear seats down is much greater than other cars in the same class.

Wind noise at highway speeds is fairly low.

Visibility is very good.

The bad:

The manual transmission is abysmal. There is a hitch in the shifting between all gears, and often times when I have the clutch fully disengaged while at speed, the gears grind when shifting. It's sometimes impossible to get the car into reverse, which can be frustrating when trying to get out of the way of traffic on the road or in parking lots.

I stall the car at least 3 or 4 times a day. The engine stalls easily when starting from a standing position. I suspect the engine's flywheel is too small to compensate for its low power.

The warning beeper (for open door, no seat belt, etc.) is exceptionally annoying. It is enough to make me never want to own a Scion ever again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th November, 2009