Unveiling the Scion xB
“What is that vehicle?” This is a question I frequently encounter, and honestly, I get the confusion. The previous owner had placed a Great Wall Coolbear badge on the back, which might have thrown people off. Many might also be unfamiliar with the Scion brand, a Toyota offshoot aimed at younger audiences that only lasted 12 years. However, most of the confusion likely stems from the fact that this quirky little car doesn’t resemble anything else on the road. (If you squint, it does have a slight likeness to the new Bronco Sasquatch. Whether Ford appreciates the comparison is up to the reader.)
Reviving a Forgotten Ride
I picked up this 2006 Scion xB in July 2023, and it was in rough shape. It lacked a title, had endured various edible experiments during driving, and even had a deer mishap in its past.
[Editor’s Note: This was my previous car that I cherished! I purchased the Scion when I needed a modern vehicle for my child, and it eventually became my wife’s main car. It served us well, helping with various tasks including hauling washing machines, and even got tracked by the legendary Tiff Needell at Willow Springs. Eventually, my wife sought something more sophisticated, leading to the Scion being neglected and eventually revived by David in a remarkable way.]
The Transformation Project
Despite the hastily spray-painted Autopian logos, the xB resembled other slightly worn-out models on the road. I had aspirations to customize it, but like the mold growing inside, my vision was fuzzy. This car’s transformation has been well-documented on the site. Within two weeks of acquiring it, I took it to a HooptieX race, and although I got stuck in the mud on the first lap, I ended the season ranked 11th in my class.
Preparing for Off-Road Adventures
Eager to enhance the car’s off-road capabilities, I began searching for aggressive tires while brainstorming customization ideas in the Autopian Discord. We decided on a vibrant sunset stripe design, which my family helped me apply. After adding some basic rally lights and attending car shows, I finally located my off-road tires in early 2024, readying the xB for its next adventure!
Introducing a Lifted Look
To accommodate the 27” tires, I worked with Randall “Randode” West from the Lifted xBs Facebook group to acquire a lift kit and modify the suspension. The installation went smoothly, but I had to trim fenders and invest time adjusting wheel wells for better steering clearance. After some trial and error, I got the lift and tires to fit the xB, creating a vehicle ready for excitement!
Racing Competitions and Achievements
With the modifications completed well ahead of my next races, I entered the OppoX rallycross, which turned out to be a hit. I quickly felt at home among fellow car enthusiasts, and my Scion proved competition-ready. The first race of the season featured a fierce competition, and I secured third place in my class while I was even interviewed for a driver profile reel!
The Future of the xB
However, I got carried away with my enthusiasm during races, and the vehicle started developing transmission issues. I undertook a major repair in early 2025, which went surprisingly well given the xB’s clean condition. After replacing several components, I got to test the car and ensured it was raring to go for future events. Yet after a thrilling day of racing, I heard a concerning noise from the drivetrain just miles away from home. Now, the Scion xB sits at my barn, awaiting diagnosis and repairs. But despite the setbacks, I regret nothing and hope to get it back on the road soon!
