Howdy.

[mikochu]

Hey folks,

Zillion requested that I join the xateam.com forum. Wasn't this site around a while back? I might be mistaken... Anyway, I've had my Polar White xA since February '04. While in college, I worked for ScionLife.com writing tutorials and helping folks out. That lasted about two years before the checks stopped coming in. My real-life job is taking up most of my time, but I still try to help out Scion owners when I can...

As of right now, my xA is running pretty good. Some things I'd like to fix include a new driver-side CV joint (scrapes at lock-to-lock), driver side inside door armrest (cracked), and a new lightened crank pulley...The small pin that holds the pulley in place snapped and my Perrin one got fubared, so I'm back to using the stock one...It's funny how a 50 cent piece of metal can be the Achille's Heel of your form of transportation.

I love my xA. However, I've been thinking about buying a new car. I've been looking at the Yaris 3-door, Mazdaspeed3, Mini Cooper S, Audi A3, Honda S2000, Saturn Sky Redline, FJ Cruiser, Tahoe SS...pretty much any car under the sun. It's been hard for me to jump off the xA ship because of how much bang for my buck I'm getting. I'm not planning on trading in my xA, I just want another car. I don't have much left to pay off on the xA, and I'm happy with it as a daily-driver...I just want something more sophisticated. Any thoughts?

Anyway, I'll try to remember to stop by xateam.com when I visit ScionLife.

Thanks!

[Zillon]

Ah, you didn't treat my PM like the typical holiday fruitcake Aunt Edna sends to everyone. :D

This site's been around since December of last year, and before that, you might remember xATuner.com, which went under last fall.

Anyways, welcome to the forum!

I'm kinda biased, so I'll tell you to go for the Mini Cooper S. My long-term goal is to get one when I'm out of college - Yellow, with black roof and mirrors. I'd go for white, but Pepper White just isn't white enough. Too creamy of a white for me.

Unless you need it though, I wouldn't recommend a SUV. Not that I'm anti-SUV, I'm just anti-people-who-get-SUV's-but-don't-really-need-them. I used to not care so much about everyone having a SUV, including myself (I had a '92 Isuzu Trooper), but that was before 3.00 a gallon, and also before I got my xA. Now I'm a bit more active in pointing people towards smaller, more fuel-efficient, yet still sensible, stylish, and fun vehicles.

Get what you want though, it's your car! ;)

[mikochu]

I have a co-worker that has a White Pepper Cooper S...with the Cooper Works supercharger. The guy is a born-again bachelor. He's in his 50s, divorced, lives on a cutter in a ritzy marina off the coast of Central Florida. He's living the life! I just remembered he offered to let me drive it around...I may have to take him up on the offer.

I've like the Cooper S since it was released, but space is an issue. Can you believe I moved across town in my xA? It took me 16+/- leisurely trips over 2 weeks, but I got it done...and the xA is bigger then the Cooper S, I think. Maybe what I have to do is test drive one... Hrmmm... "Peter, can I borrow your keys?"

[Zillon]

What about the Clubman then?

I'm not a fan of the rear doors, but otherwise I kinda like it.

Otherwise, there's the MS3 and Audi A3, also have you considered the GTI?

[dexter_5000]

i think you need to decide what you want a functional vehicle or a fast sporty one.

[mikochu]

Otherwise, there's the MS3 and Audi A3, also have you considered the GTI?

Yeah, I've considered the GTI...but I've always had this impression that VW owners now-a-days are either girls or pricks. I've been gawking at the A3 since it was released. VW/Audi maintenance is hell, I hear...

I just built a Cooper S on the Mini site...I think I need to have very high expectations and drive my coworker's Mini. Hopefully I'll be disappointed. hah.

i think you need to decide what you want a functional vehicle or a fast sporty one.
Can't I have both? Hehe, that's why I still have my xA. I've been thinking about getting a new car for about a year now...I still don't have a clear winner. Why did Subaru have to fubar their line-up?

[Zillon]

Aye, Audi and VW parts aren't cheap. Reliability has definitely improved as of late, but not so sure about parts cost. Of all the VW's or Audis that we kept at my Lexus dealer, many had some stupid nitpicking problem that shot us in the foot when trying to sell them. Fuel sender problems, windshield washer pumps, windows falling out of their tracks. I really do like the new GTI though, and same for the A3. They are beautiful cars, inside and out, and VW moved the production of the latest GTI from Mexico back to Germany I believe.

If you're looking for the best owner's group outside of us xA owners (:D), I think the Mini Cooper crowd is where it's at. Less street racing, more cruising. I've spent some time on Northamericanmotoring.com and I'm simply dumbstruck by the amount of camaraderie present on there.

As far as Scoob goes, I'm with you. However, the new WRX wagon is growing on me, and with some red vinyl over the tails, and a small drop + some wheels, I think I could really grow to like it. They've made huge strides in interior quality, and honestly, I love the new front end design. The rear of the car is where the styling kills it though.

[Pengu56]

Welcome aboard Mikochu! Good to finally see you on xAteam lol.

[maxivisvires]

Welcome Mikochu! :bd: Thank you for all your write ups :bd: I'm must've used at least half of them. :D

[staypuft]

Welcome to the site amigo!

hope all is well with ya!