I've been debating between the xB and the Element for almost a year and after test driving each (quite a few times) I realized that the xB was the right car for me.

I had a 94 Toyota pickup with a Leer topper that I purchased to haul my dogs and stuff, but never really used it for that and didn't like having my dogs in the back anyway. I really needed a dog car since our Audi A4 Avant is not high enough inside for him to comfortably fit.

The only accessories purchased were the rear applique, floormat/cargo mat and some 17" rims with Kumho tires that really make the car look nice. I was concerned that the large rims would impact the ride, but they're not too bad unless I'm doing around 75 on the freeway and there is a bumpy bit.

I'm also getting tint on the windows since it gets quite bright here in Arizona and it's almost a requirement to protect the interior and passengers from that blazing fireball.

The sound system with the one cd that reads mp3 discs is perfect since they hold so many songs and display the text. I am also planning on putting a subwoofer under the front passenger seat with the amp placed under the driver seat. I thought that the bazooka sub offered in the accessories took up too much space.

It is amazing how many people will just walk up and start asking me questions about the vehicle.

I am really enjoying the 5-speed manual which seems to give it a little extra pep (may only feel that way) and have been looking at some kits to improve power.

I am in my mid 30s and am not sure I am the demographic that Toyota/Scion wanted to hit with this car, but most of the people I see driving them are around my age which shows that people just want a car that is functional and easy to maintain.

I've had a couple Toyota vehicles in the past and know that this one will be just as wonderful.

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Update: 12/03/2005

I wanted to update my review after having the xB for almost 8,000 miles. I haven't had any trouble except for the dealership balancing the tires incorrectly and my ride was impaired for a few days.

The radio has a few settings for whichever car it is installed. I found out that the dealership had not set it to xB and it was on tC which uses a different amount of speakers because when I changed it to xB it added the dash speakers and sounds much, much better.

I do not use the XM radio, but added the aux input cables from Pioneer so I can connect an iPod or any other input device. This works great. You can find the cables on eBay for much less than any radio shop.

I also had the windows tinted and I would not recommend going "limo" tint on the back windows since they are already tinted and the resulting tint is quite dark.

I do not have a single complaint about my xB and will update if anything arises.
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Amount Paid (US$): 17000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: xB 5-speed manual