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Honda Element or Scion xB

Honda Pilot or Scion xB?

  • Honda Pilot

    Votes: 18 34.0%

  • Scion xB

    Votes: 18 34.0%

  • Neither

    Votes: 17 32.1%
  • Total voters
    53
The Element was the most versatile vehicle I've owned when it comes to hauling stuff around. From friends as tall as me (6'3") comfortably sitting in the back to how the back seats quickly/easily fold flat and can hang from the side (giving you a totally flat-loading floor to haul stuff around on), it rocked.

Fit a whole kitchen's worth of IKEA cabinets (and more) in it once. I swear, with a little grease, you could probably fit an xB in the back of an Element. ;)
 

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I am considering the xB since I need some room for hauling things. With that said once I sat and tested the xB (new model, not the old toaster) I really liked it. It does seem wide once you are sitting in it and the seats are very nice on the back (I know this part the most). I must say I have only my 2006 PT Cruiser to compare it to but because the sizes are close I can only say this: my cruiser hauls a good amount, 1200 pounds of stone to be exact with the back seats folded up. My dog can get in and out very well and I don't have to worry about friends being crushed due to lack of leg room. Now compared to the xB, I brought my friend with me who is 6-6'1" to sit in the xB for comfort and size sake, he was fine. I think if small is what you like and need the xB is the way to go but if you may even need a touch more room, the Element is cool on the inside and doesn't look to bad to either. I know there are other makers in the sub-crossover sized realm so really go and check them all out before you buy any.
Last, consider the sound once you are on the highway, this can also make or break a vehicle because the old xB units were said to be somewhat loud once you hit over 40 to the point many people sound proofed (or tried to) the cabs to make long drives bearable.
Try www.scionlife.com and look at what people are saying about the xB. Hopes this helps somewhat :) Good luck!
 
valdore said:
They're both god-awful, and prove that corporate execs are totally clueless when they try to bid for the youth market.
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I'd agree with the Element. Where I live, I see more middle-aged folks using it to haul stuff around than I do the younger folks with surfboards, like the Element commercial, but I see the xB's full of young folks EVERYWHERE.

xBs (and Scions in general) seem very popular with the military/young crowd around here. I'm guessing because of their price tag and how easy they are to modify into your own creation.
 
adk said:
I'm pretty sure a washable floor and seats is also an option.
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I think the seats/floor are plastic-based for that very purpose.

With kids in mind, being at the beach, in the dirt elsewhere, that sort of thing.

You can take a hose to the inside without problems (taking care not to get the dash or electronics wet).
 
iJohnHenry said:
You can take a hose to the inside without problems (taking care not to get the dash or electronics wet).
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In the Element, that's not recommended. There aren't any drain holes, and if a sufficient amount of water gets underneath the virtually indestructible flooring, it can mold/smell funky.

Wet dogs, kids with wet bathing suits = not a problem. The seats are even waterproof, so you don't have to worry about the stuffing inside going wonky.

Just don't try to literally hose the interior out! :eek:

Way too many horror stories over at ElementOwnersClub.com from newbies that did that. :)
 
iJohnHenry said:
For the times you need it, rent a truck.

Otherwise you will be paying for extra gas for no good reason.
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Yeh that's what I've been saying to my one brother that has a dead van. Their older kid is already in college and the younger one kayaks but the k fits on their honda sedan ok. So when he starts talking about hauling plywood and lumber and stuff like that sometimes, i just say get it delivered or rent a truck. Buy some old 5-speed hatchback for riding around in, drive it for six months and you've saved enough money for several weekends of truck rentals plus some luxury items... pizza, iTunes movies... an iPod touch!
 
valdore said:
They're both god-awful, and prove that corporate execs are totally clueless when they try to bid for the youth market.
Click to expand...

Actually, I see quite a few Elements at my college. Along with Fit and Versas. The nifty thing with an Element is it looks like it'd be good if you have friends packed in it. For me, that's wasted space but for a lot of kids at school it's not. I say kids like I'm old and grey at 26. The people I see driving them are usually about four years younger than me.

I considered it before really evaluating my needs. Now I'm back to not knowing what to get in the compact/subcompact market because when I look online, all I find is horror stories. Though it was nifty to find a Honda Fit question around these parts.
 
aristobrat said:
I'd agree with the Element. Where I live, I see more middle-aged folks using it to haul stuff around than I do the younger folks with surfboards, like the Element commercial, but I see the xB's full of young folks EVERYWHERE.

xBs (and Scions in general) seem very popular with the military/young crowd around here. I'm guessing because of their price tag and how easy they are to modify into your own creation.
Click to expand...

and they are user friendly when it comes to add ons, right? anyone can customize one of these bad boys. if apple ever got in bed with one of these two the stuff they could make even more mac/ipod friendly would be amazing....
 
xB all the way

Go for the xB! I have a 2005 xB and its by far one of the most comfortable fun to drive cars out there. In the whole 3 years i've had the car I haven't really had any issues with it either. As for its looks, it's more of a you like it or you don't type of thing (I happen to love Japanese design, so i think the car looks awesome) . And best of all it only costs me around $40 to fill up with gas prices around $4.30 a gallon. You could always go to www.scionlife.com and ask those guys more Q's :)
 
I'd almost take the xB but I'll wait for Toyota to offer their new 150 bhp Valvematic engine with a 5-speed automatic on this car--hopefully for the 2009 model year! :D
 
xB

I have been a big fan of both since their inception. I sat in an early model Element and was not comfortable in the drivers seat. I recently fell in love with the xB and purchased a 2009 monday. My 4g iPod works perfectly with the stock Pioneer head. I wish the iPod connector was concealed. It is located between the center arm rest and the drink holders.
 
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