The Brave Lil' Toaster (and some more random pics) - 56K beware!!!
this:
went to this:
and because i was in such a hurry to have a new car (wife wanted hers back and the rain wasn't allowing me to ride this):
i bought this:
2005 Focus ST
but, i just wasn't happy with it. i didn't fit well and couldn't see myself being cramped up in it with a 120 mile/day commute. so, i sold it to a buddy at work and bought this (and sorry in advance for the crappy pic quality):
2009 Scion xB in Blackberry Crush Metallic. 5 speed tranmission. and no, your eyes don't fool you:
that's some [FJ] love on the back of it. just like the GTO had.
take note of the legroom in the backseat. doesn't look like much, but that's with the front seats ALL the way back. for reference, with the seat in this position, my 6'7" frame can sit in the backseat with my knees only barely hitting the back of the seat and my head no where near the roof.
2.4L from the Camry. about 154HP and plenty of torque to get this box up and moving. i wouldn't hesitate to say this thing has just as much pickup as the ST. it's no GTO, but it gets up and moves just fine. the engine compartment is also a mechanic's DREAM. you could almost crawl in there and do the work, plus everything is right there.
i didn't go for many options, but the upgraded HU is one of them. it's not too shabby. comes with a direct hook-up for the iPod so you can control it through the HU. there's also a basic headphone jack hook-up for those who think they're 'raging against the machine' by having something other than an iPod. it also has RCA outputs, including a sub out, so a woofer is definitely in the works. i also added the Scion floormats and cargomat with the embroidered logos as well as the optional tint on the front windows. the tint wasn't actually my choice, but it was the only unit they had with everything else i wanted that wasn't over 3 weeks out.
this thing friggin' rocks! it's shorter than my wife's Accord, but is ridiculously huge inside. the looks are love it or hate it, but i actually like it a lot. it's got character, and after seeing some pics of what guys are doing to these things, it's really an awesome blank slate. the power is great, the ergos are VERY forgiving for someone my size, and the handling is surprisingly responsive for a box on wheels. very little body roll, and great feedback from the steering IMO.
the plan for now is to leave it mostly stock. money right now is mainly being earmarked for a house. but, there'll be little things here and there as i get to it. first thing will be some minor stereo upgrades, including satellite radio for making the commute a little more tolerable. as for performance parts, i'm going to try to stick to TRD as much as possible. i really don't need the warranty headaches associated with going aftermarket, plus TRD stuff tends to have excellent fit and finish. the dealer i bought it from gives lifetime powertrain warranties on all new vehicles, so i don't want to screw the pooch on that, either. i'm also thinking of putting a hitch on it and picking up a lil utility trailer to do all the stuff i was going to buy a truck for. this thing should tow the bike, make Home Depot runs, and basically do anything else i want it to do just fine.
obviously, the toaster reference is nothing new to the xB, so i'm running with it. i'm naming it The Brave Lil Toaster, just like from the books/movies. i'm thinking of getting a custom plate, and maybe a decal of the Disney character if i can find one.
and just to make H8SUVS and the rest of the guys back in SoCal jealous, i bought the following at Wal-Mart for all of $30. i LOVE NC!!! too bad it JUST started raining cats n dogs, though.
and, for the hell of it, some cute kitty pics. first is Holden, playing in any kitty's favorite toy (a box).
and Stella, playing in my riding gear:
I just waiting for somebody to paint one like a '55 chevy and say its a "Shoe Box". 
