The 2008 Scion xB was one of the first cube-shaped cars to hit the market, opening up the interior space of the compact for a more SUV-like cabin. With pricing in the $6,500 range and a built-to-last Toyota powertrain, this one is easy to recommend.
Is the 2008 Scion xB a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – The Scion xB is perfectly suited to daily driving. It’s not sporty, it’s not rugged, it’s not powerful, but docking points for that would be like criticizing a motorcycle for not having a spacious trunk.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – It’s surprising how much space they were able to get out of the quaint boxy body style in the 2008 Scion xB.
- Reliability 8/10 – Scions are built on Toyota parts, so repairs are cheap and breakdowns are few and far between.
- Safety 8/10 – The car has a Top Safety Pick award with the IIHS, and anti-lock brakes come standard.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Expect to get around 22/28 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- Value 8/10 – Sticker prices are fair, in the $6,500 range, but the real savings come into play at the shop and at the pump.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Scion xB?
Consumer Reports liked the new cube-like Scion xB for its spacious interior and ease of access. They report that the car is hard to beat for sheer volume-to-size ratio, with the quaint boxy shape maximizing every cubic inch of available space.
Kelley Blue Book found the xB to be versatile, fairly priced, and perfect for small families. They note that the box-style design is love-it-or-hate-it, the car is far from performance driven, and it lacks even a basic V6 as an engine option.
Edmunds liked the generous list of standard features, they found the i4 engine strong enough for a lightweight car, and they note that the interior is among the most spacious in this size class. They agree with KBB on the acquired-taste box appearance, and they note some awkward design choices in the control layout.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Scion xB Have?
The 2008 Scion xB has generated just 11 user complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, despite selling more than 40,000 units. The biggest recurring problem appears to be excessive oil consumption, with a handful of complaints on the matter.
One driver reports the hood flying open while they were on the freeway.
A driver in Alaska experienced brake failure after the right front rotor disc broke apart.
The 2008 Scion xB has not been recalled, or even investigated, a single time. Most of the issues you have with this car will likely come down to simple wear and tear rather than any common mechanical problems affecting the vehicle.
How Long Will the 2008 Scion xB Last?
Drivers have reported the Scion xB lasting 300,000 miles or more. One driver reports 450,000 miles on the original transmission. To be safe, you’ll want to bet on 250,000 miles when deciding whether or not it’s worth the money, but don’t be surprised if it’s still humming 50,000 miles later.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $355, with new A/C expansion valves and airbag control modules making up the most expensive common repairs, starting at around $674 and $587, respectively.
Yes very reliable. No problems as long as regular maintenance is kept up on it such as oil change etc.
I have owned the car for 8 years and have never had any issues. Aside of routine maintenance, my scion xb has never needed any major repairs.
I started having trouble with the fuel pump at around 117,000 miles. I have had the car for about 5 years.
No problems but does have some paint issues and it can go anywhere in the USA and it is good little vehicle.
Yes it's a reliable car and has no problems. Everything works great and smooth when you drive park or even open the doors.
No it does not have problems. In the three years I have had it the only thing it's needed is oil changes.
It's gotten through the years but it isn't great. Again, all the sensors don't work so they flash when nothing is broken so god knows if something is actually broken. It leaks all over, front to back,
No problems. It has been very reliable. In fact, I often let my daughter and son-in-law borrow it while their Kids are being serviced.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2008 Scion xB is pretty good for the model year. You’ve got a CD/MP3 player with 6 Pioneer speakers, plus an auxiliary input jack and a customizable welcome screen.
Safety technology is up to par for a 2008 compact. Anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control all come standard.
Is the 2008 Scion xB a Good Value?
The 2008 Scion xB is a pretty good value. Fair market prices range from $4,694 to $6,615 in the Blue Book, with a typical listing price at around $6,405.
If you’re after a practical, dependable daily driver that sips fuel and seats five adults comfortably, the xB is pretty hard to beat in this model year, and at this price. It’s not the sportiest, the biggest, or the flashiest car on the road, but it’s a capable little low-maintenance compact.
What are the Different Models of the 2008 Scion xB?
The 2008 Scion xB is available in just one trim level, in manual or automatic, featuring:
- Cruise control
- CD/MP3 player with 6 Pioneer speakers
- Manual air conditioning
- Fabric seating
- Power mirrors
- Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control
What Engines Come In the 2008 Scion xB?
- The 2008 Scion xB packs a 2.4L inline-four delivering 158 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, and it averages 22/28 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
What Colors Does the 2008 Scion xB Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2008 Scion xB?
The 2008 Scion xB’s cabin is somewhat basic, but very spacious for its size class. It’s a compact car that feels more like a crossover SUV, offering 47 inches of rear hip room and riding smooth on suspension that manages to be steady without feeling rigid.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Scion xB Have?
The 2008 Scion xB is one of the roomier compact cars released in its model year. The back end holds 21 cubic feet of cargo, which is better than most full-size sedans, packing six medium suitcases. This can expand to a whopping 70 cubic feet, which makes it bigger than some crossover SUVs,
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2008 was the first model year in the Scion xB’s 2nd Generation, running until the nameplate’s retirement with the 2015 edition.
2006: A revised front bumper and some new exterior colors were the biggest changes for 2006.
2007: There were no big changes for the final edition of the 1st Gen xB.
2008: The 2008 Scion xB stood nearly 3 inches wider, 4 inches longer, and 600 pounds heavier than the initial model, with rounder edges.
2009: No major changes for 2009.
2010: The 2010 Scion xB received a new Pioneer sound system with satellite radio and USB input. The car is also available with an Alpine system with a 4.3 inch touchscreen.
How Does the 2008 Scion xB Compare to the Competition?
Comparing the Scion xB to the other cube compacts, it typically sells for a couple thousand dollars less than an entry level Honda Element, and it’s more efficient than the Honda by a few MPGs, but less powerful by 6 horsepower. Both are endlessly reliable, though.
The Kia Soul actually wouldn’t make its debut on the market until the 2010 model year, but a Soul with just 126,000 miles on the odometer typically lists for around $5,290. It technically lists as a subcompact, so it’s not quite as roomy as an xB, but it is more efficient, averaging up to 26/31 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
Who knows why the cube style suddenly came into fashion after people got bored of wagon-style PT Cruisers and Chevy HHRs, but the design does open up the interior, making compacts feel like SUVs. The Kia Soul is the most affordable of these three, but you’re arguably getting the best overall value with the xB.
Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Scion xB?
Yes, it is like a SUV and a compact car all in one. It is very unique in appearance, spacious trunk and back seat with plenty of leg room. It runs great in gas as well.
Yes, it is an excellent vehicle. I have loved every year, month, week, day I have had with this car and I am terribly upset at the idea that someday I will have to get a different car.
Yes, it has a great turning radius, does not need a lot of pressure on the pedals, and has a lot of storage space for such a small car.
Yes it is and we love the space and it is got good gas mileage and enough space for all my kids and family.
Yes great on miles and safes a lot of gas has a good amount of space for a family of 5. It is easy and comfortable to drive on street and freeway.
Yes it is. It works like a dream. I have had it for a long time and have not had any issues with it at all.
Not at all. The sensors are all broken and it leaks horribly. It's also a moving blind spot. It's like driving a box-kite
I love my xB! I especially like that I don't feel closed in because the roof is nice and high. Also, it runs well, as I've found with Toyota's.