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Used 2008 Scion xB Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
224 reviews

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Pros
Cons
3 out of 5 stars

So long old fellow

Don't send me any e-mails, 05/20/2016
2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Good little car for getting around town. Can haul 4 thirty-three gallon garbage bins to the dump. Noisy ride, can also feel every bump in the road. Rear panel obstructs view, especially on the right side, contributed to a small fender bender of "the other car". With some improvements I would have bought another one, but since Toyota is not making the line any more, I am out looking for a replacement.

Performance
2 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Love my little Toyota Box!

Amber abshire abshire, 11/19/2016
2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought my 2008 Scion XB new in 2008. It was a great value for new at 16k and a Toyota product too! I've had next to zero issues with my car, routine oil changes, brakes and tires is all besides one sensor that was under $200 to repair. I love how easy this car is to drive and park, great visibility for me and although small looking, very spacious. Scion drivers are so friendly too, its like having a secret club where you get waved at all the time. I didn't use the warranty at all but I'd expect Scion to be competitive with the Kia Soul for a similar style and price point vehicle but sadly no. For the money it was a great problem free car that was fuel efficient and fun to drive! I'd recommend one for sure but sadly Scion stopped making them in 2015 😐

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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2008 Scion xB for sale near you
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Solid as a rock...

kenwid1988, 12/24/2012
2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

My mother bought the Scion XB brand new in Nov. 2007. It was a random choice I admit. She wanted me to test drive it before she bought it. I thought it would be sluggish, BOY WAS I WRONG! This car has pep in it's step. Drives better than a V6, I think. 99% of new cars nowadays feels like a temporary car. The quality of the XB feels like 10+ years of ownership. The drive and flow feel tight and sturdy. People giving it crap for its drive needs to STHU. This car is under $20K, what do you expect? Interior room is shockingly roomy. I don't like all the crap my mom put on it. I would have liked it as the base model.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Not Reliable As Advertised

steve_cabral, 04/14/2012
2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

I had this car since 2008 (only owner). I took care of it and had all service done. As of April 14, the car had 47,760 miles. On April 12, I was leaving Publix after stopping there to pick up a few items. The started like it normally does, but the steering wheel would not turn like it normally did. I looked at the dashboard and noticed a strange indicator. I looked in the owner manual and it said to take car immediately to dealership. I found out that it was something called an ECU (some sort of computer device) that is going to cost about $1,100 to repair. How is it possible to be charged so much with not even 5 years of ownership. Sad.

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5 out of 5 stars

Better than most. Auto dealer for 40+ years

Goodcar, 03/20/2021
2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

The Scion xB is an amazing little car/ van/station wagon. Will not being the smoothest, quietest or most nimble car on the market, it is comfortable, economical, and durable. It willl get your butt from point A to point B for years to come. They represent good value since Toyota doesn't Market the Scion as of 2016, they are inexpensive in the resale market. I've seen many of them with close to 300,000 miles with original motor and transmission. This is 2021 as of writing. In the current day and market where can you buy a $4000 or $5,000 car with the reliability and longevity of a Toyota? When purchasing an inexpensive used car, it's important to play defense a little. You shouldn't be concerned with how does this car make me look, but how long will it get me to work. The Scion xB along with most other Toyotas will do that for a long time and many miles. There have been some complaints on this board of their Scion using oil. 2.5 quarts in 5000 miles. That is one quart in 2000 miles. I know of many German cars that would love to accomplish that when they're new. Talk to a fairly modern Subaru owner, most of them use oil. If you're complaining about your car using a quart of oil in 2000 miles, DON'T BUY A USED CAR! I forsee a Scion xB running well into the future with a minimum of reliability concerns.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

160,000 miles and rolling strong

Leon, 12/23/2016
updated 06/26/2019
2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

After 12 years and 160k miles still fantastic reliable transportation with great cargo room and comfort for up to five passengers. Other than replacement of steering ECU and Takata recall no other major repairs, just regular maintenance. Planning to give to teenage daughter and keep for another 150K. In fact I'm thinking of buying a 2015 in addition since this car is so practical for my needs and is fun and sporty to drive.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.13 out of 5 stars

Potentially a good car...but not.

troytali, 07/24/2014
2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful

Having grown up on pocket rockets like the GTi, Honda Prelude Si, Civic Si, Mazdas, etc., the Scion xB was a bit more practical extension of that. I only wish Scion would make it with some performance. We know they use the same engine in the tC, so it's a mystery why they castrate the xB so deliberately. Put an engine with actual power below 4k rpm, close ratio 5 or 6 speed manual and auto choices, GOOD sound system, less body roll, NO MORE center gauges then maybe we have a car worth buying again. I've had two of these, and auto and the manual. Both have squeaks and rattles in the same places, and from new and almost new. Plasticky interior, peaky power delivery, lazy throttle response? Wow

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4 out of 5 stars

I know xB in a very object way

brytface, 05/17/2010
2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

We have driven xB for over 2 years. Our experience with this vehicle has been deteriorating mainly because of continuing mechanical problems and poor interior material quality. First, some plastic under passenger seat fell off within 6 months normal usage. Big surprise! And the engine stopped in the middle of the way. (wife almost made an accident) Toyota fixed it under warranty. However, problems continues.. When waits for the signal with brakes on, the car shakes and make noises. I knew Toyota Quality slips away but I thought Built-in Japan Scion would be fine. My mistake! when a company fails to do what they are supposed to do (making value products)consumers suffer.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun, reliable and cheap

Paul, 06/18/2010
2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought new and now have 50,000 miles. Have not had a single problem. Does not burn any oil. I've used synthetic since 5K. Does well in snow. AC works well and iPod hookup is nice. Lots of room is nice. I knew I would be putting a lot of miles on this car and I wanted something practical that would deliver with no hassles, that's just what the XB does.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Fill it shut it and forget it !!!

Urbandale XB 2008, 01/03/2010
2008 Scion xB 4dr Wagon (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Very practical, no nonsense reliable car for the long run. This car is a glue in snow and the stability control (VSC) works amazingly in snow. Had 2 blizards each amounting 16 inch of snow within 2 weeks and it drives amazingly with VSC taking care of skids. I have a Nissan Quest minivan which has VDC same as VSC but it doesn't work this good. I felt very secured driving this car in ice and snow

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