2005 Scion xA Review: The Most Reliable Car Ever!

[@AskforBryan]

If someone is looking for a good deal on one of these, here is a manual transmission xA with 45k miles! One owner too! www.ashevilletoyota.com/used-Asheville-2006-Scion-xA-Base-JTKKT624665000799

[@DeadMouseWater]

Where. Is it located I love the manual models

[@DeadMouseWater]

Oh NVM been a year prob gone

[@richbrake9910]

Thank You Bryan. I think I'm going to buy a 2005 with a manual. A friend of mine just bought a 2001 for only $800. Let me know if you have any more with 45k or 50k miles or so.

[@davidspreitzer2165]

Are the 2006s as reliable?

[@erwinsm10]

04 scion Xa 250 ,000 miles manual . Just replaced the clutch myself , this is my "hybrid " gas saver ! This car is a winner ! All he said in here is spot on !

[@joansmith1195]

I still have my 2005 Scion A. It runs so well. Wish that they still made them. I would buy it immediately!!

[@JokRKidd]

I agree with everything in this video. I drive one of these everyday of my life for 12 hours. It has never given me a single problem. And I really beat the piss out of this thing too. And here's the kicker... I got it for 17 hundred bucks!

[@josev1544]

just bought one for $1500 with 268,000 miles. everything works great. with standard transmission. the cars is not good looking but extremely reliable. thats the performance I want.

[@lot5953]

@@josev1544 wow 268k miles and it still drives good. Good car then

[@richbrake9910]

Can you get me one for $1,700? My friend just bought one for $800 with 220,000 miles. You guys both got great deals.

[@Geotpf]

It's worth noting that the 2006 models of these have steering wheel stereo controls (and turn signals in the mirrors). They actually up-featured the car for it's final model year.

[@AskforBryan]

This I did not know!

[@johnd.613]

I have a 2006 Scion Xa with 228,823 miles on it. It is a great reliable and trouble free car. Just had some exhaust work done 3 weeks ago. You can go wrong if you're looking for reliability. No creature comforts, but it will get you where you want to go.

[@richbrake9910]

I realize the reliable Xa is not a fast car; however, would you say it's similar to a Honda Civic of about the same year?

[@SanicTehHegehog]

​@richbrake9910 In terms of overall reliability, the Scion xA will most likely be more reliable as many Civics of this year had engine block manufacturer defects, which caused many of them to crack.

[@EdgarVerona]

Absolutely agreed. I have had the 2006 model for 18 years, and if I can keep it the rest of my life I will. It is a rock solid car, and also despite how small it looks on the outside it rides high on the road and has a comfortable amount of space internally. With the seats folded down you can even haul a decent amount of stuff in it! I'm a lifelong Scion xA fan.

[@kevinallen5246]

Agree 100% Bought mine five years ago for $5k with 117k miles. Hit 175k miles today and it's still running like a champ. Just take care of basic maintenance, and this car takes care of the rest.

[@dakotawagner3689]

Just picked one up with 133k miles for $2900!

[@inventor12345]

I have an '06 and I absolutely love it. it's got the manual transmission it has taught three people how to drive manual and is still on the factory clutch and the only maintenance things I've done to it was new wheel bearings and new front brakes and it's over 300k miles.

[@imnotdavidxnsx]

I've had an '05 since 2008. Probably spent $14,500 on it after interest. Maybe another $4,500 over the years on things like getting it repainted and doing other aesthetic things that weren't necessary like replacing the wheels and the old headlight assemblies. Comes out to about $120 a month over the last 13 years and I could probably still sell it for a couple grand. Not a bad deal. Has only "broken down" twice. Once when the starter went out a few years ago, and once when a serpentine belt broke maybe 5 years before that. There were a few things that would've cost hundreds to have a mechanic fix, that I was able to do myself by just watching a couple youtube vids and reading a couple forum posts. Very easy to service. Bought it at a little under 50K miles and it's at about 220K miles now with no signs of engine or transmission issues. Still use it to go about 400 miles each way to see my folks in AZ a couple times a year.

[@ringwraith10]

This was the first car I bought myself right out of college... and I'm still driving it over a decade later.

[@crazycajunsunshine]

I'm so excited I remembered they are part of Toyota . I love the Scions

[@Fauxkerykes]

I bought a new 05 XA back in the day and I loved it so much. Never had any problems with it.

[@mattdustin8111]

Believe it or not, a friend sold me hers for $500. I ended up giving her another 500 because its SUCH A GREAT CAR. I fill the ten gallon tank once (maybe twice) a month. If it ever breaks down i am buying a new used one

[@Crispychicken4u]

You got a hell of a deal

[@Crispychicken4u]

Probably the best video on the XA and honest . Long live the subcompact when everything is a crossover nowadays

[@DougZbikowski]

I bought my Scion xA new in Jan 2007 and have had it since then. It has 173,000 miles on it now, and the only things I've ever had to do to it are oil changes, brakes, belts, exhaust, and the alternator went out around 150K miles. We use it as a utility vehicle these days (with the back seats down it's almost like a small pickup truck!), and it still starts the first time every time despite sitting for weeks at a time. Probably the most reliable vehicle ever produced :D

[@AskforBryan]

Yup!

[@renvis1214]

I bought this car a few months ago from you guys. The car runs great!

[@AskforBryan]

Awesome! Thanks for looking me up! Great car!

[@erwinsm10]

I'm jealous ! Wish I could got that. they are bulletproof !!

[@TheWilferch]

Agree..runs like new......272,000 miles....same color as shown here....bought used in 2013 with 150,000 miles. Still looks and runs as new....amazing.

[@stevenleon8557]

Absolutely true guys i talk from experience and i have had two of these cars both stick supper reliable nd dependable my first car had over 250k ran great sold it bought another one with 130k for only 2k like he said not fast but cheap nd fun

[@AskforBryan]

Truth!

[@lyimoej7198]

Even their automatics never die if you take a good care of them

[@Whatdoyouwantfrommee]

This is the best video ever saw in my life. Thank you so much.

[@theWZZA]

We have a '06 xA with a 5 speed transmission. No regrets.

[@richardortiz8704]

2021

[@taylorbell704]

I have an 05 xa 5 speed lol

[@shaiapouf420]

@@taylorbell704 how much have you spent on the clutch? Im looking to get one

[@Crispychicken4u]

5 speed for the win .!

[@jonathanmoore4288]

I've got an '06 with 275,000 miles on it. Bought it in '07. I love this car; it's peppy and reliable. I drove it cross country and have never had a problem!

[@critterallywithjohnernest.]

I still drive mine everyday and only have 95,000 miles on it. Runs like a charm and i love the simplicity and get around 45mpg on the highway.

[@alir4750]

Thanks so much for such a great review! In 2004 I bought an xA w/manual transmission. I love it! I find it so reliable! It currently has 51,000, so I hope to keep it for many years. I wish they would still make them! Then, I would consider buying a new one. :)

[@DBerkowitz4]

I owned a 2006 manual XA from 2010 to 2019 when I handed it off to my son. He taught himself to drive stick and in late 2022 still drives it approaching 180,000 miles. Under the body, every Scion is a Toyota. The XA is a Yaris, which is an upgraded Tercel. The boxy Scion XB is a 4-cylinder Camry - and the 2006 Camry is one of the greatest cars ever built!

[@jessejamesbell2386]

Bought mine new 05 Scion XA / RS-1 98 K runing like brand new !

[@growingmushrooms.101]

Got 2006 xa all i do is drive to work every day 84mile there and back that's 178 miles a day it got 356000 miles on it only i have had to do is a alternator tires and oil changes

[@johnjones393]

I had a 2006 xA back in 2009, great car. I agree that the xA and the first Gen xB are probably the best used cars that a person could buy for no drama, basic transportation.

[@9unslin9er]

1.5l 103hp at 6000rpm. For comparison the 2021 Mitsubishi Galant has under 80hp. The Scion is very fast for its size.

[@rickmontalvo9527]

My 06 keeps going and going.....😉 keeps me out of racing than my sports car i wrack already...😁 I'm too old for that crap...but I still go over 80 but just on straight highway. Bought it a bit fix from a kid.

[@ManiacRacing]

Here in 2024 because I just bought a Scion Xa with 200k miles. Its in excellent condition and runs like a sewing machine! Looking forward to another 200k of good mileage!

[@Wes1487]

Just picked one up for $1600 238k with a manual transmission....it has some lower core support damage but still runs strong and straight down the road.

[@Crispychicken4u]

Great video and very informative. Looking at one of these in a manual form . Is the 1.5 enough to keep that things interesting. How’s the handling ? The market is crazy right now on prices

[@zahab210]

Bought and sold several of these and the yaris. Both share the same engine and have to be the most reliable cars I've ever come across. Insurance is $40 a month with my driving record

[@Mebbwebb]

I love my XA. Got me through college and a perfect commuter car. I just wish the interior held up better since the plastic is super cheap.

[@lyimoej7198]

This is how cars are supposed to be

[@mariatidwell1718]

Yep I still own and drive my 2006 scion xa to this day

[@FrankBommarito-b3p]

I had a 2005 about 7 years ago. Bought it used with 56k. I got seduced by the dark side. Traded it for a civic si. Since then I’ve had a gti, Miata and a fit. A friend called me a while back and said that he had a 06 he wanted to sell. 92k 1000 bucks. I went to see it and a tree had fallen on it. Dented the roof and poked a hole in it. The interior had 2 inches of water in it and it was buried in the mud. I hooked up the jumper cables put in the key and it started right up. Gave the man his money pulled it up on the trailer and took it home. Got a new battery dried out the inside, fixed the leak and popped out the dent. One year and 30k miles later I’m a happy camper. I won’t get fooled again!

[@CC-sf8jn]

My 2006 with 73k needed a front wheel bearing; not cheap as bearing needs to be pressed in and out of the knuckle. Did rears last year which are easy to do. Otherwise very reliable. Added a head unit and heated seats and remote keyless entry. No cruise as mentioned. $250 plus labor to install.

[@imnotdavidxnsx]

That's odd. I replaced a wheel bearing on my 2005 and it was a hub assembly. No pressing.

[@lowbudgetstudios]

Got one. Except it’s automatic. I’m 6’3 and it’s very spacious for my legs and above my head. And with the back seat down, it could hold the same as a van or something bigger. And yes. I’ve told so many people that it just goes and goes. The gas mileage is great, and you can park in the smallest of spots. Best investment in a car I’ve ever made. Got in 2005 and it’s 2022. I’ve had to change the tires and only now replacing the spark plug coils. I got a huge Chevy truck but not getting rid of his little beauty. It’s what I drive to the city or when I don’t need to haul things in the truck. Specially now with the gas prices. Let’s go Brandon for sure.

[@lyimoej7198]

This is Tanzanian 🇹🇿 national car. Almost everyone buys one. The jdm version of this is called the TOYOTA IST. THEY RUN FOREVER & EXPLORES THE UNPAVED VILLAGE ROADS LIKE AN AIRPLANE.

[@samikemashiku5054]

i am in tz and i am debating to either buy the IST but from 2006 or the yaris 2011. I personally prefer the ones with the 1nz-fre engines. what do you think?

[@franklingreen4719]

I have driven my 2005 Scion XA for 20 years

[@lancelarson6710]

We had a 2012 Toyota Yaris and it was basically the same thing. Never spent any money on it.

[@nicselectronics81]

Going to look at/hopefully buy one tomorrow.

[@AskforBryan]

Nice!

[@holdencawffle626]

04 xB camo manual here. Love it. 109k. Just tinted it myself. I looked at xAs, but prefer xBs

[@buttermanjamz8494]

Ive got a 2006 Scion XA, bought with 118,000 miles for 2700 . Im now on 145,987 miles and the only issues ive had is the AC compressor went out.

[@JohnDoe-ef3wo]

I've got one but it's automatic. Painfully slow, but it's reliable..

[@packard5682]

An option that not many of these had but is really nice to have is the armrest that goes between the front seats. Mine has that option and it makes a big difference when you are driving these any distance for an extended amount of time. Also there was an option for side front and rear airbags but that was a factory built option and not many cars come with them as it could not be put in a car at the dealer's place.

[@AskforBryan]

Yeah that center armrest makes a HUGE difference. Not having the arm rest has always been one of my major complaints of any of these Scions for a long-term driving

[@charliemason864]

I bought mine 9 years ago for $4,000. It currently has 191k miles on it and has a lot to go!

[@rayseaman6204]

I like the automatic transmission. Believe it or not, it does keep up with Austin Traffic and Texas Highways. This little car continues to surprise me, in a GOOD WAY !!!

[@AskforBryan]

I'd love an xB with a m/t sometime

[@Gonzalez91]

I'm about to get rid of mines bought it 2012 with 154k miles currently at 247k great car like he says it ain't fast but it sure was reliable in the 10 years that i had it I only had to fix it 3 times I sure am gonna miss it

[@BethHiltunen-Laux]

What do you think about the 2009 Scion XD?

[@Vadimok]

Hello from Russia! We've had this abandoned car for 2 years now. She is 2006. She has turn signals on the side mirrors and a multifunction steering wheel. I think the car to keep and buy back from the owner! Do you know what " Scion security"?

[@DeadMouseWater]

I fucking. Absolutely love my. Scion xa 2005 250k miles just got front control arms tie rods new wheel bearings and ordering struts cause all my rubbers are burnt out but I drove it for a year with problems during hard times and it has never given up on me I'm to the point of buying a brand new motor for it just to have as a spare I absolutely love this car il take 4 of em any day off the week

[@jamespollman6616]

I bought a 2005 Scion XA (159,000 Miles) for $4,400 Cash 4 weeks ago. The Carfax said 2 Owners. Regular Service Records (15 Pages) for OIL, Services - kept to date.... every 4 months (10,500 Ave. Miles per Year). One Rear End Reported Accident (Cosmetic, No Airbag). This thing drives like a dream in standard transmission. NOTHING APPEARS TO BE WRONG AT ALL. I put it to the test while test driving! I did immediately invest another $800 in a full tune up and oil/filter change to Mobile One Syn... changed belts, got fuel injection cleaned... other various minor things. Can I get 300,000 from this little baby?

[@djkenny1202]

Kinda expensive, but market is Nuts. Easily over 200k

[@jamespollman6616]

Update. Zero issues after 6,000 miles of driving (no engine lights... very basic OBT2 Scanner is clean). Replacing Mobile One and Royal Purple Filter after 6k. NO transmission issues on this manual 5 speed. But I worry about the CVVT Valves (best to just keep clean oil?). No Transmission Fluid Dipstick... but looking at underbody... there are zero leaks, or evidence... any fluid - and they are all clean? The 2005 Scion XA on 3 checks of MPG is consistently 34.2 Average in of 55mph driving mixed with 30% stop and go. Little highway (70+). That seems pretty good to me. Original MPG is 32-37 as I recall. This IS nearly a 20-year-old car. But... the Gear Changing (Gearbox) is cheap. Takes some time to master. And since I have little knowledge of Transmissions... or if the transmission has ever been serviced... or the differences between Auto and Manual Transmissions... I'm confused. And I gather typically, the average over-the -counter Service Centers are HORRIBLE at dealing with complex issues. I've witnessed. The transmission is flawless on my ScionXA. Timing Chain? Advice? Any education or advice on these? Maybe I can get 400k with your advice? Only other OBSERVATION... My little ScionXA "don't like cold (even though coolant is fine and pink and heating/cooling is good)" So... I let it warm about 5 minutes (no matter outside temp) and drive softly for 2 minutes. I've heard this is common with the XA and XB. My experience. 166K 2005 Toyota ScionXA.

[@Crispychicken4u]

Market is crazy right now . It’s Toyota so you can expect 300k . Glad you got the manual!

[@TheWilferch]

@@jamespollman6616 ...timing chain....no toothed belt to break.

[@miataguy1685]

282k miles on my 06, just replaced the original clutch, clutch was still good but the throwout bearing was noisy 😆

[@K1ll3r84]

I love my Scion xA

[@davida7559]

I’m having problems with my 2006. Car idles bad and shakes when I put on reverse or drive but goes away when gets to speed. Radio stopped working

[@chads3642]

I've had 3 Yaris', same drivetrain. Very reliable. Just bought an 06 Xa yesterday with 90K miles. Because parts inventory on the accessories end of things is aging, I was able to purchase keyless entry and an alarm OE for $100 (orig $400) and fog lights OE for $80! Looking forward to the DIY install. Great car to feature. I will upgrade to an Android style stereo for the Bluetooth phone capability soon.

[@OGPimpin]

Awesome review man!!!

[@AskforBryan]

Thanks!

[@samanthalee1837]

I had a 2004 scion xa in the same color and someone hit me last month and totaled it. Best car I have ever had. I did have a few mechanical issues but it was very roomy for a small car

[@M.M.424]

😥

[@Crispychicken4u]

Sorry to hear that. What did you end up buying to replace it ?

[@anthonyneely3106]

we put a HUGE mountian bike in my friends XA

[@AskforBryan]

I believe it

[@Ace-44]

I'm looking at a 07' this week. Is that pretty much the same as the 05'

[@9unslin9er]

On the hunt for one of these in stick. Identical to my Echo.

[@duffy7993]

O just ran across a 06 with sun roof "the limited edition " i have an 06 carolla le 140k and have had nothing but bad luck recently i think i may go for a swap

[@WaterproofBackpacker]

I got a same year xb same drive train just make sure no idiots puts in ur spark plugs because I had the threads in my head melt and had to helicoil it

[@kingfoxy7854]

Mine has 2 broken motor mounts (they are dust) it still drives fine

[@ronpelky521]

My 2005 xa has a miss and I’ve tried. Coils,Plugs mass air and oxygen sensors? What else can I do?

[@AskforBryan]

Recheck the coil packs, but that's the #1 failure for a misfire. Otherwise, check your codes and have a compression check done. You could have a bad head gasket or worse.

[@filoIII]

Found a 2006 Scion Scion xA Hatchback w/ 142k miles. $3800. I think that's wayyyy overpriced., but I'd like to have one. They say 46 mpg, but I don't believe that.

[@TheWilferch]

The car is geared VERY short....so the engine revs are high for a given road speed. Therefore, mileage is good but not great....can't ever get over 35 mpg...and city can drop to 28. Never 40......the folks here saying 45 must be smoking dope or can't do math. How do you do that?.... when the engine spins 3100 rpm or so at 70 mph? Corollas with slightly larger engines spin maybe 2200 rpm at 70...and I've had Corollas like this that can do 38-40 mpg as a result.

[@nando4755]

Do this cars have a chip on the key to start te car ?

[@AskforBryan]

No but remote start can always be added.

[@BethHiltunen-Laux]

12:32. What about the 2009 XD?

[@K1ll3r84]

I own a 2006 with a 5 speed manual with under 200k miles

[@JohnSmith-mk8hz]

I.Q. is the tiny Scion.

[@theWZZA]

Tiny 2 passenger cars don't make sense, even in the city. You don't gain much in mpg, but lose a ton of utility.

[@JohnSmith-mk8hz]

@@theWZZA And yet you gain a lot of style.

[@philmzbyphred]

Lol IQ is another way of saying smart. Sounds like something we know? 😏

[@djkenny1202]

@@JohnSmith-mk8hz do you?

[@dclaet1135]

And...parkability! @@JohnSmith-mk8hz

[@luisfernandogarciallano4799]

Hi, is it easy to find the parts for these cars?

[@AskforBryan]

Pretty easy, yes

[@GreyGhost-r4z]

You could buy 2 and be happy

[@K1ll3r84]

I paid $1,500 by a private seller with 160K when I bought it

[@K1ll3r84]

1.5L I4 105 HP

[@djkenny1202]

6k was some money. I see them under 4 grand with 150k.

[@AskforBryan]

There will always be cheaper ones no matter what price it is.

[@djkenny1202]

@@AskforBryan I bought a manual 2015 Scion XB with 30k on it for 11k 2 years ago. But you are correct, car prices are all over the map. Those swindling Carvana and related places want 18k!

[@circuspeanut83]

1.5 not 1.3

[@MadeUpUserNem]

Also had the Iq. Arguably the smallest car ever made. Definitely smallest Toyota. I love the simplicity of Scions. I don't like overcrowded features in a car. Gimme a radio, Bluetooth, climate, maybe GPS and I'm good.

[@AskforBryan]

Yeah I definitely miss the cheap and simple and fun Scion brand

[@vitok2010]

6k for that, lol

[@nighteyeson]

8

[@earldominguez3938]

WAT THEAT WORLAS JANK.JMM.I LIKIT .