Date:         Fri, 28 Nov 2003 17:51:40 -0800
Reply-To:     Chris Radcliffe <chrisr_vanagon@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Radcliffe <chrisr_vanagon@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: (NVC) Scion xB
Comments: To: Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <005401c3b5de$11d75e00$8308b83f@computer>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

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