Scion XB for toad

jjrbus · August 11, 2007, 06:43:24 AM

Looks like it is time to replace the Ford Windstar. The Scion XB with automatic transmisson looks like a good replacement. Anyone useing one for a toad? Likes, dislikes?
What do you look for when looking for toad?

gumpy · August 11, 2007, 12:08:36 PM

Is that what NCBob pulls?

I like the Ford Explorer for toad. With the electronic transfer neutral kit, it's incredibly easy to hook up and tow.

bubbaqgal · August 11, 2007, 12:58:30 PM

Yes, that's what Bob uses and it is a great riding car. It is also a good car to use if you will have several people to ride with you so that anyone in the back seat can be comfortable. There is plenty of leg room and the back seats lie down so you can use it like a station wagon. From what I understand it is an easy toad to use also. Cat

Ncbob · August 11, 2007, 02:07:09 PM

Without question, Jim, we LOVE our XB and those who used it quite extensively at Arcadia last year didn't seem to complain either. One question I cannot answer is about the auto transmission as ours is a 5 speed manual....I like to stir well while driving.

Ross, who's a pretty good sized guy in his own right and Buddy and I logged quite a bit of time in it last year when they were here in Franklin. If Buddy will fit in the back with the seats turned down.. that's about the best example of having plenty of cargo room.

Being under 3000# (ours weighs 2300) brakes are not required in most states. I still use a 10K tow bar because in a panic stop it could exert a bit more than a couple of G's on the bar.

My mini-Hummer now has 35K miles on it (doesn't include the towed miles...it's been to CA and back) so that tells you we've made some pretty good trips in it. Flat land MPG is 38+ with prudent use of the A/C. There are no surprises with this little car...it's a pleasure to own and drive. For me...a "10".

It sure would help if they offer a mower deck for utility value...

regards,

Bob

superpickle · August 12, 2007, 04:56:03 AM

Quote from: NCbob on August 11, 2007, 02:07:09 PM
Without question, Jim, we LOVE our XB and those who used it quite extensively at Arcadia last year didn't seem to complain either. One question I cannot answer is about the auto transmission as ours is a 5 speed manual....I like to stir well while driving.

Ross, who's a pretty good sized guy in his own right and Buddy and I logged quite a bit of time in it last year when they were here in Franklin. If Buddy will fit in the back with the seats turned down.. that's about the best example of having plenty of cargo room.

Being under 3000# (ours weighs 2300) brakes are not required in most states. I still use a 10K tow bar because in a panic stop it could exert a bit more than a couple of G's on the bar.

My mini-Hummer now has 35K miles on it (doesn't include the towed miles...it's been to CA and back) so that tells you we've made some pretty good trips in it. Flat land MPG is 38+ with prudent use of the A/C. There are no surprises with this little car...it's a pleasure to own and drive. For me...a "10".

It sure would help if they offer a mower deck for utility value...

regards,

Bob

Look at this , he calls his friend "Cargo" and the Damn thing doesnt have any BRAKES

Aside from That, it look a LOT better than those Other lil Winde Up matchbox toys they make

bubbaqgal · August 12, 2007, 05:15:17 AM

With Buddy in the car you don't need brakes. He is huge and has 4 legs......he could stop a bus. You could tie a rope on him and use him for your anchor. (If he doesn't lick you to death first) LOL

Busted Knuckle · August 12, 2007, 07:34:06 PM

Quote from: bubbaqgal on August 12, 2007, 05:15:17 AM
With Buddy in the car you don't need brakes. He is huge and has 4 legs......he could stop a bus. You could tie a rope on him and use him for your anchor. (If he doesn't lick you to death first) LOL

Stop a bus?!?!? Buddy could PULL a bus! There were several times last year when Ross an Buddy were here at the rally that I was afraid when Ross got back from a trip to town he'd find BUDDY and the BUS both missing! LOL! But Buddy was patient and always waited for Ross to come back!

BK

uncle ned · August 13, 2007, 05:28:29 AM

I wanted a box just like "bob" but could not afford one. Had to settle for a 1963 econoline van. Pulls great, Just wished some one had put tires on it first.

Uncle Ned
"huggy Bear"

bubbaqgal · August 13, 2007, 05:35:37 AM

Look at it this way Ned, if you had a Scion you couldn't haul your "smaller toad" that you carry inside your van. In your case, you get 3 vehicles instead of just 2 like everyone else.

uncle ned · August 13, 2007, 05:41:53 AM

Kat

Wilma and i are trying to work everything out to make it to bk's in sept.

Will let you know soon.

Uncle Ned

JackConrad · August 13, 2007, 05:49:24 AM

Jim,
Whatever you get, check the owners manual for information on towing. Do not take a salesmans word for it. Jack

Songman · August 13, 2007, 07:58:14 AM

I have a related question since the different transmissions came up.

I have an 89 Jeep Wrangler for towing. Mine has an auto transmission. Last year at Christmas I was on my way to GA to visit my family and stopped for fuel and saw a guy towing a Jeep just like mine. I asked him how it towed and he said it was great other than the fact that since it had a manual transmission that it ran miles up while being towed. The automatic doesn't do that. Is that a normal thing?

Also, I have been a bit worried about mine because I recently lifted it 4.5 inches and put 33 inch tires on it. While it looks cool, I am afraid that it will make it not as good as a toad. Anyone else tow something lifted with big off-road tires?

JackConrad · August 13, 2007, 02:12:12 PM

Don't know about towing with oversize tires on a Jeep, but we towed an F250 4WD Ford with slightly oversize off-road tires. We did not notice any difference.
As far as the speedometer registering towing miles, it depends on what type of speedometer pick-up is on the vehicle. Our F250 had the mechanical cable drive speedometer and it would register miles. Our Grand Cherokee has an electric sensor that feeds an electronic speedometer, so no miles unless ignition switch is on. Jack

jjrbus · August 15, 2007, 02:00:13 PM

Thanks everyone for the replys!! But Bob you have to tell me your secret. I just came form the Toyota dealer. The owners manual says the auto cannot be towed. I know you have a standard, but the dealer told me that no Toyota can be towed 4 down? How are you towing yours?
I took a test drive it was really fun, like a skateboard on steroids.

Ncbob · August 16, 2007, 05:03:03 AM

Someone advised on another thread not to believe car salesmen when asking about toads....and http://www.towingworld.com/dinghytowing.pdf shows tht ALL Toyota's with standard transmissions can be towed 4 down.

Add to the fact that I've towed my Scion, with 5 speed standard transmission, all over the country without any problems at all...and that should blow Jim's car salesman out of the park.

Jim, we just hook it up, turn the ignition key to 'Accessory' and as Jackie Gleason used to say, "Awaaaaaay we go!"

NCbob

Scion XB for toad

Ncbob

Songman

Ncbob