Remember, the Element has a payload of 675 lbs. That makes it pretty useless as a replacement for a Vanagon. Don't know about the Scion, but I'm pretty sure it's no where near a Vanagon either. Cheers, Jeff
-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf Of Chris Radcliffe Sent: Friday, November 28, 2003 5:52 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: (NVC) Scion xB
The xB is really nothing like the Element. Smaller, more fragile, lower to the ground. Just cute packaging of an econobox. I've driven an Echo a little, and found it both very spartan and very reliable, Toyota-ish. The xB is probably an OK vehicle, mechanically. But it is not a mini-SUV (or a Mini Cooper, for that matter). I seriously considered buying an Element recently, drove one around for a longer than usual test drive, multiple dealers, took measurements etc... but convinced myself to hold off for a number of reasons, one of which is to see what VW does with the new microbus (so far, my hopes are not high). I carry surfboards, and found it just a bit too small. And my Vanagon is not suitable for my commute, so I'll continue to drive two vehicles. The xB is not a contender for me at all. Futher editorial on the "new microbus", skip or read as you wish: If Honda made a version of their Odyssey minivan with the same design patterns of the Element, well, I'd likely be driving one. Maybe VW will notice the Element, pull their heads out of their me-too-SUV-Touareg tailpipe and consider what Element owners (and Vanagon owners) use their vehicles for, and apply that to a version of the new microbus. If not, well, they'll have their cushy, cutesy minivan that really only moves people around, just another station wagon replacement with less utility than what we had in the '60s', so it may be new but it won't be a microbus. ChrisR '90 Westy Auto "Blue Whale"
-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf Of Gerald Masar Sent: Friday, November 28, 2003 10:33 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: (NVC) Scion xB
Has anyone looked at the Toyota Scion xB, The boxy one, available only in California for now, I believe? Is it larger than the Hxxxx Elements? Any comments? Thanks, Jerry |
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